Seth Udinski, FISM News

[elfsight_social_share_buttons id=”1″]

The Christian athletic community lost a brother in Christ and former NFL wide receiver last week.

David Patten, an outspoken Christian and winner of three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots in the early 2000s, was killed in a car accident near Columbia, South Carolina on Thursday. He was 47 years old. He spent ten seasons in the league, playing for the Patriots, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, and New Orleans Saints.

Patriot’s owner and CEO Robert Kraft released a statement Sunday, saying,

David transitioned from an undersized and understated wide receiver to a powerful and passionate preacher. In New England, he will always be remembered as a three-time Super Bowl Champion. His touchdown reception in the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh propelled the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXVI and I’ll never forget his remarkable catch in the back of the end zone in that game. It was our only offensive touchdown in the Super Bowl and secured our first championship in franchise history. Our sincerest sympathies are with his wife, Galiena, his family and all who are mourning David’s tragic and untimely death.

Patten had an impact on the Patriots’ unprecedented run of success in the 21st century, but his impact for Christ was perhaps even greater. Benjamin Watson, a fellow New England teammate and Christian, praised his brother in Christ for the life he lived:

God blessed me to have DP in the locker next to mine at a challenging time in my life. He demonstrated his faith in a real and tangible way and encouraged me greatly. He preached the gospel to all who would hear. Love you my brother….Now go enjoy your reward!!! May the Lord comfort the Patten family, friend[s], teammates and coaches during this difficult time