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NFL: Tom Brady Sends Emotional Message To Former Teammate David Patten After His Death

The NFL is a special fraternity of men. And when a member of the fraternity passes away, the entire brotherhood mourns. Just ask Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.

Brady took to social media on Friday afternoon to mourn the loss of a close friend and former teammate. That would be wide receiver David Patten, who passed away on Thursday. He was just 47 years old. Patten was killed in an accident in South Carolina after his motorcycle collided with a vehicle, which then hit another car. At the time of this writing, the accident is still under investigation.

“The consummate professional. RIP my friend,” Brady wrote on his Instagram story. “My love goes out to David’s family.”

Everyone knows that Tom Brady is the GOAT. After all, he spent his first 20 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots playing in nine Super Bowls and winning six of them. Speaking of which, David Patten was a three-time Super Bowl champion in his own right.

Robert Kraft Joins Tom Brady in Mourning David Patten

Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft also made a statement following the death of Patten. He talked about his importance to the Patriots during their dynasty. And he also opened up about the wideout starting his own ministry after he had retired from the NFL in 2010.

“I am heartbroken by the news of David’s passing,” Kraft said. “He was a devout Christian who followed his passion following his football career and founded his own ministry. 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.”

Like Tom Brady and Robert Kraft, New England head coach Bill Belichick also made a statement regarding his former player.

“It breaks my heart to hear of David’s tragic passing at such a young age,” Belichick said. “I am grateful to have coached David. He is an essential person and player in Patriots history, without whom we would not have been Super Bowl champions. I especially appreciate David for his professional journey.”

When it was all said and done, Patten spent 12 seasons in the NFL. He played for several different teams including the Patriots, Giants, Browns, Saints, and the Redskins (now the Washington Football Team).