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Former Patriots receiver and 3-time champion David Patten dead at 47

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver David Patten #86 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots were never an aerial circus during their early-2000s dynasty that saw them pick up three championships in four seasons, but David Patten was able to establish himself as one of Tom Brady’s more reliable targets over his five years in Foxborough.

Patten may not have put up Pro Bowl numbers, but he’s still remembered fondly by Patriots fans for his consistency and clutch play, as it was No. 86 who was on the receiving end of some of the most impactful scores in franchise history.