New England Remembers Former Safety Matt Stevens

New England is mourning the loss of Matt Stevens, a former safety who played for the Patriots and was a member of the 2001 Super Bowl championship team. Stevens passed away on March 20, 2025, at the age of 51. His impact on the game and community remains significant, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.

Stevens started his football journey at Chapel Hill High School, graduating in 1991. He then went on to play at Appalachian State University, where he became a two-time All-American safety. In 1995, he helped lead the Mountaineers to a Southern Conference Championship, paving the way for his entry into the NFL.

In the 1996 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills chose Stevens in the third round. Over his eight-year NFL career, he played for several franchises, including the Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Houston Texans. His most memorable season was in 2001 when he helped the Patriots secure a victory in Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams. He played in all but one game that year, recording 43 tackles in the regular season and six more during the playoffs.

Throughout his time in the NFL, Stevens appeared in a total of 108 games, racking up 301 tackles, 13 interceptions, and one sack. However, his life took a drastic turn in 2007 when a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Demonstrating extraordinary strength and determination, Stevens participated in clinical trials for the ReWalk device in 2011, which helped him regain some mobility.

Stevens’ legacy goes beyond his performances on the field; it encompasses his journey of resilience and inspiration for those facing adversity. From his high school days to his NFL career and beyond, he will always be remembered by fans and teammates alike.