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David Patten, a 12-year NFL veteran and three-time Super Bowl Champion, died Thursday. He was 47. Reportedly, his death was the result of a motorcycle collision in Richland County, S.C. The coroner's office and highway patrol are still investigating the death and collision. 

An undrafted revelation out of Western Carolina, Patten won three Super Bowls -- all with the New England Patriots -- over his 12-year career. In addition to New England, Patten played for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Washington and the New Orleans Saints. 

The football world took time on Friday to pay their respects to Patten.

Here's what Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had to say:

"It breaks my heart to hear of David's tragic passing at such a young age. 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. As much as anyone, David epitomized the unheralded, self-made player who defied enormous odds to not only earn a job in the NFL but to become a key player on multiple championship teams. I can speak for anyone who had the pleasure to be around David that his work ethic, positive energy and character were elite. My deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones."

Patten owns two Trivia Night-worthy records: he was the recipient of Tom Brady's first ever Super Bowl touchdown pass -- in Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams -- and in 2001 became the first player since 1979 to rush, catch and pass for a touchdown in the same game. 

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said about Patten:

"I am heartbroken by the news of David's passing. 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."

Patten finished his illustrious career with 324 receptions, 4,175 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Patriots won three Super Bowls in Patten's five years with the team (2001-2004, 2010). He left his mark on other teams he played for as well.

Charlie Weis coached Patten as the Patriots' offensive coordinator in 2004. New England won the Super Bowl that season. 

Former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour played alongside Patten for the entirety of the wide receiver's first stint with the team. 

Scott Pioli closely oversaw Patten as first the Patriots' director of player personnel and later vice president of player personnel. 

Damien Woody played three of his 12 NFL seasons with Patten in New England. 

Drew Bledsoe played only two games with Patten in 2001 before suffering a season-ending chest injury -- allowing Brady to start and begin his legendary run -- but they shared a bond, nonetheless. 

Former Giants linebacker Corey Miller saw Patten's rise from practice-squader to bonafide NFL contributor in real time. 

Jermaine Wiggins's first season with the Patriots coincided with Patten's. That season Wiggins caught four touchdowns, tied for the most from the tight end in any single season.