| Born: | October 21, 1970 Missouri City, Texas |
|---|---|
| Died: | November 20, 2012 (aged 42) Shelby County, Texas |
| Career information | |
| Status | Retired |
| CFL status | American |
| Position(s) | RB |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| College | Texas A&I |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1994–95 | Shreveport Pirates |
| 1996 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
Martin Patton (October 21, 1970 – November 20, 2012) was a running back in the Canadian Football LeagueNFL New England Patriots.[1]
Originally playing with the powerhouse University of Miami Hurricanes,[2] Patton ran into legal trouble. He received probation for credit card fraud and later had an altercation with police after a car accident (Patton lost most of his family in automotive accidents).[3][4] His promising opportunity ended when he was dropped by the Hurricanes and he finished his college at Texas A&I.[5] He led the Javelinas in rushing yards, with 876, in 1992 and was a Lone Star Conference all-star.[6]
He played professional football with the CFL and the New England Patriots expansion Shreveport Pirates in 1994, leading the team with 659 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. In 1995, he rushed for over 1,000 yards (1040) and was 3rd best rusher in the league.[7] He finished his career in 1996 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[8]
Finally, Patton is in the CFL record books, tied with Earl Lunsford for having scored 5 rushing touchdowns in one game, against Winnipeg on August 5, 1995.[9]
Patton died in a car accident on November 20, 2012, in Shelby County, Texas.[10] He is survived by his 4 beloved children