“There are going to be some very long days ahead. This journey is about 10 marathons long,” said the former NFL safety Matt Stevens way back in 2007. He was close to 130 mph on his motorcycle that left the road. He remembered nothing about that day that left him paralyzed below the waist. The man had lived his NFL dreams, winning Super Bowl XXXVI for the Patriots against the St. Louis Rams in 2001. But sad news filled the air on March 27 that left everyone, including Pats owner Robert Kraft, sad.
The NFL franchise revealed that the safety passed away on March 20 at the age of 51. It was a shocker for many. Born on June 14, 1973, Matt Stevens studied at Chapel Hill High School in North Carolina. He earned his collegiate honors at the Appalachian State before the Bills drafted him in the 3rd round in 1996. In 1997, he landed at the Eagles, who traded him to Commanders in 1998, where he played 3 seasons.
Matt Stevens became a popular figure after arriving at the Patriots mid-season in 2000. The next year, he won the trophy. It was a dream come true. In 2002, he moved to the Texans and played one more season before he hung up his boots. Overall, he played 108 games (42 starters), finishing with 13 interceptions, 17 defended passes, 1 sack, and 301 tackles (229 solo).
The New England Patriots are deeply saddened by the passing of Super Bowl champion Matt Stevens: https://t.co/BFhgnVHQV8 pic.twitter.com/BabLtKfMFg
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 27, 2025
However, 2007 changed the course of his life. He had once promised that he would never buy a super bike. But couldn’t hold himself, ultimately injuring his spinal cord. After 4 years of intense struggle, he managed to walk on his legs again in 2011 with the support of special leg braces called ReWalk device.
Once the news spread about his demise, the shock waves rocked the fan bases. They couldn’t believe it. It left most of them emotional.
Fans pay emotional tribute to Matt Stevens
The first ones are special. Stevens gave that one to the Patriots fans in 2001. One fan had a very simple tribute to their hero: “Rest in peace Matt.” Those who follow the game passionately were also emotional upon hearing the news of his demise. Undoubtedly, he put everything in the 2001 season to make the Patriots victorious.
Matt Stevens played 15 regular season games (4 starters) in 2001 and recorded 1 interception, 2 defended passes, and 43 tackles (30 solo). Even in the playoffs, he played 3 games, finishing with 6 tackles (3 solo). While he has passed away, his legacy will always be here. One fan mentioned this and wrote, “Matt Stevens was a Super Bowl champion and will be missed.” A similar reaction came from a fan who commented, “RIP ”
Image credit- New England Patriots
Some fans also conveyed their tribute to his family members. One such fan wrote, “Prayers to his family ” As the feelings flowed from the fans’ hearts, his family members also came forward. His daughter, Cassidie Stevens, now a CBS news anchor, accepted the loss with a heavy heart. She replied, “Thank you everyone for your kind words. Continue to remember my father as the outstanding athlete he was,” thanking everyone for their support.
Matt Stevens helped the Patriots win their first-ever Super Bowl. However, apart from his football highlights, his determination to overcome personal adversity, resilience, and dedication inspired many. His legacy will live on forever!
The post “RIP”: Robert Kraft’s Patriots and NFL Fans Mourn Former Safety’s Passing Who Was Paralyzed After Accident appeared first on EssentiallySports.
