New England Patriots Super Bowl champion Matt Stevens dies at 51

Matt Stevens, a former New England Patriots safety and member of their first Super Bowl-winning team, has passed away at the age of 51. A key contributor to the Patriots' 2001 championship run, Stevens played in 15 regular season games and all three playoff victories, helping New England secure a historic win over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. His passing on March 20, 2025, has sparked an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, friends, and fans, who remember him not just for his on-field achievements but for his perseverance in the face of life-altering adversity.

Born in North Carolina, Matt Stevens made his name as a standout safety at Appalachian State University, where he was a two-time All-American and played a key role in a Southern Conference championship win in 1995. His collegiate success led to a selection by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft. Over the course of his eight-year career, he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Houston Texans.

Stevens’ most memorable season came in 2001 when he joined the Patriots and contributed to their Cinderella run to the Super Bowl. He appeared in 15 regular-season games, recording 43 tackles, and added six more in the playoffs, cementing his place in New England sports history. By the end of his career, Stevens had racked up 301 tackles, 13 interceptions, and a lasting reputation as a relentless defensive presence.
However, in 2007, tragedy struck when a motorcycle accident left Stevens paralyzed from the waist down. Despite the setback, he remained determined, becoming one of the first patients selected for clinical trials of the ReWalk exoskeleton device in 2011, allowing him to regain some mobility.

In the wake of his passing, those who knew him best shared their memories. Former Appalachian State teammate James "J.K." Reaves called him “hands down the fastest guy on the team” and praised his journey to the NFL.
“His journey, like many, had its highs and lows, but through it all, he remained driven... I hope they carry forward his spirit, his strength, and his love for the game,” Reaves said.
Philip Elmore, who worked as a cameraman during Stevens' career, reflected on their time together: “Good memories from the road trips with Matt riding on the defensive bus. Good times on the sidelines. Man, this is strange, gone way too soon. He was a good guy and a very focused defensive player, even in practice.”
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Stevens once credited his family for giving him strength after his accident, telling reporters, “I have a girl who loves me and I have two kids. The reason I subconsciously made it through the accident when I was in a coma is due to my kids.”
A memorial service will be held on March 28 at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Chapel Hill, where loved ones will gather to honor the life of a man who never stopped fighting.