Patten’s pro career traces back to 1996 and the Arena Football League. Patten was not drafted out of Western Carolina in 1995 and spent a year out of football before attending an ELITE Regional Combine in 1996 and landing a contract with the Albany Firebirds. After one season in the AFL he began his NFL career by signing with the New York Giants in 1997.
In 1998 and 1999, David was the team’s primary kickoff returner and then jumped to the Cleveland Browns in 2000 seeking more time as a wide receiver. It proved a worthwhile move as he started 10 games and totaled 38 receptions for 546 yards. He signed a free-agent contract with the New England Patriots in 2001.
David’s breakout season came in 2001 as he became a key ingredient in the New England Patriots surprising run to the Super Bowl XXXVI Championship. That season he started 14 of 16 regular season games at WR and had a career year, setting highs with 51 catches, 749 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week and Miller Lite Player of the Week following his performance at Indianapolis when he became only the sixth player in the NFL since 1960 to pass, catch and rush for a touchdown in one game. His success continued into the post-season, recording 13 more catches for 154 yards (11.8 avg.) and two touchdowns, including an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady in the Super Bowl.
David followed up his strong 2001 season in 2002 by leading the Patriots in TD receptions (5) and establishing new career highs with 61 receptions for 824 yards. Unfortunately, most of his 2003 season was lost to injury, missing 11 games.
As an NFL rookie he played in all 16 games (3 starts) as both a kickoff returner and wide receiver. He caught 13 passes for 226 yards, with two touchdowns and returned eight kickoffs for 123 yards. He finished his rookie year as a starting WR in the Giants Wild Card playoff game and recorded 5 receptions for 86 yards.
