Matt Stevens, a former safety for the New England Patriots and member of their 2001 Super Bowl-winning team, died on March 20, 2025, at age 51.
A 1991 graduate of Chapel Hill High School, Stevens went on to attend Appalachian State University. There, he earned All-American honors twice as a safety and was instrumental in securing the 1995 Southern Conference Championship for the Mountaineers.
Stevens began his NFL career after being drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills in 1996. During his eight years in the league, he played for multiple teams, including the Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Houston Texans.
His standout moment came in 2001 with New England, where he helped the team clinch Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams. That year, he played in all but one game, recording 43 tackles across 15 regular season games and contributing six more in the three playoff wins.
Over his NFL career, Stevens participated in 108 games, accumulating 301 tackles, 13 interceptions, and one sack.
In 2007, Stevens endured a life-changing motorcycle accident that caused a spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the waist down. Undeterred, he took part in 2011 clinical trials for the ReWalk exoskeleton, a device that, with specialized leg braces, allowed him to regain some mobility.
Matt Stevens is remembered for his impact on the football field, his courage in facing personal challenges, and the inspiration he offered through his perseverance and commitment.
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