Jaret Patterson Bio
Jaret Patterson (born December 23, 1998) is an American professional football running back for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Buffalo Bulls before signing with the Washington Commanders, then known as the Washington Football Team, as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Alongside Howard Griffith, Patterson holds the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision record for most rushing touchdowns in a single game with eight. Known for his exceptional vision, elusiveness, and ability to break tackles, Patterson has built a reputation as a versatile running back capable of contributing on offense and special teams throughout his NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Jaret Patterson was born on December 23, 1998, in Glenn Dale, Maryland. He attended St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, Maryland, where he played football alongside future NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Washington Commanders teammate Chase Young. During his senior season, Patterson rushed for 2,045 yards and 23 touchdowns. In a single game against Riverdale Baptist, he accumulated 558 all-purpose yards, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility. He earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition for his outstanding high school performance.
Patterson committed to play college football at the University at Buffalo, joining the Mid-American Conference program. He was not as heavily recruited out of high school compared to his twin brother James Patterson, and the two brothers were recruited to Buffalo as a package deal. The Patterson twins grayshirted in the fall of 2017 and joined the Buffalo team full-time for spring practice in 2018.
Path to American Football
At the University at Buffalo, Patterson quickly established himself as a dynamic offensive weapon. In his freshman season in 2018, he rushed for 1,013 yards and 14 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level. His impressive performance earned him Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the All-MAC Second-team. He returned as Buffalo’s starting running back for the 2019 season, which would become the most prolific season by a running back in school history.
The 2019 campaign saw Patterson rush for a single-season school record of 1,799 yards and score 19 rushing touchdowns, both school records. He led the MAC and ranked fifth in the nation in rushing yards, earning First-team All-MAC honors. In the 2019 Bahamas Bowl, Patterson rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns in Buffalo’s victory, their first bowl win in program history, and he received the game’s offensive MVP award. His success continued into his junior season in 2020, when he achieved national recognition by tying the NCAA Division I FBS single-game record for rushing touchdowns.
Jaret Patterson Career
College Career (2018–2020)
During his collegiate career at Buffalo, Patterson became one of the most prolific running backs in school and conference history. His 2019 season set multiple school records and established him as an elite FBS running back. On November 28, 2020, Patterson made NCAA history when he tied Howard Griffith’s FBS single-game record with eight rushing touchdowns against the Kent State Golden Flashes in a 70–41 victory. He finished that historic game with 36 carries for 409 yards, coming within 18 yards of breaking the single-game FBS rushing record set by Samaje Perine in 2014.
Following the remarkable 2020 season, Patterson was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year and received the Vern Smith Leadership Award as the conference’s most valuable player. He declared for the 2021 NFL draft after his junior year, leaving Buffalo as one of the most decorated running backs in program history with career totals of 3,868 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns across three seasons.
Washington Football Team/Commanders (2021–2022)
Patterson signed with the Washington Football Team on May 3, 2021, after going unselected in the 2021 NFL draft. His strong preseason performance earned praise from head coach Ron Rivera, and he secured a spot on the final roster over veteran running back Peyton Barber. Prior to the first regular-season game, Patterson was listed as the third running back on the depth chart behind Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic. He made his NFL debut in Week 1, recording two rushes for nine yards.
Throughout his rookie season, Patterson contributed on special teams and occasionally on offense. He recorded his first career reception in Week 4, gaining 11 yards for a first down. In Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he scored his first career touchdown on a fourth-quarter carry from the one-yard line. Patterson earned his first career NFL start in Week 17 against the Eagles, recording 57 rushing yards on 12 carries and 41 receiving yards on five receptions. In 2022, he spent most of the season on the practice squad before being activated in November due to injuries. He finished the season finale with career highs of 17 carries for 78 rushing yards.
Los Angeles Chargers (2023–Present)
On August 28, 2023, Patterson was released by the Washington Commanders during final roster cuts. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on September 13, 2023, but was released later that season. Patterson returned to the Washington Commanders practice squad on December 26, 2023. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Los Angeles Chargers on January 10, 2024. Throughout 2024, he moved between the active roster and practice squad, appearing in one game for the Chargers that season. He signed another reserve/future contract with the Chargers on January 13, 2025, and continues to be part of the organization.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025 Season)
On August 26, 2025, Patterson was released with an injury settlement by the Chargers as part of final roster cuts before the 2025 season. He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 14, promoted to the active roster on November 29, and waived following Omarion Hampton’s return from injury on December 8. He re-signed to the practice squad two days later before being promoted back to the active roster on December 23, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Patterson is known for his low center of gravity, exceptional footwork, and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. Despite his listed height of 5 feet 8 inches, his powerful lower body and balance allow him to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His vision enables him to identify cutback lanes effectively, while his versatility as both a runner and receiver adds value to any offense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Patterson’s most celebrated achievement remains his eight-touchdown performance against Kent State on November 28, 2020, which tied the NCAA Division I FBS single-game record. This performance came on 36 carries for 409 yards and solidified his place in college football history. His first NFL touchdown came in Week 15 of his rookie season against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jaret Patterson Career Wins
Across his collegiate and professional career, Patterson has accumulated impressive statistics and notable achievements that highlight his impact as a running back.
College Highlights
Patterson holds the NCAA Division I FBS record (tied with Howard Griffith) for most rushing touchdowns in a single game with eight, achieved during the 2020 season against Kent State. He was named MAC Most Valuable Player in 2020 and MAC Offensive Player of the Year that same season. In 2018, he earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors. His 2019 Bahamas Bowl MVP award marked Buffalo’s first bowl victory in program history. Across three seasons at Buffalo, he totaled 3,868 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns while earning 2× First-team All-MAC and Second-team All-MAC recognition.
Other Wins and Performances
In his NFL career through 2025, Patterson has recorded 503 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 13 receptions for 81 receiving yards, and 70 kickoff return yards. His rookie season highlighted his ability to contribute immediately on special teams while developing as an offensive weapon.
Jaret Patterson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jaret Patterson has a twin brother, James Patterson, who also played college football at Buffalo alongside him. The brothers were recruited together as a package deal and made significant contributions to the Buffalo program during their time there. Their family background has provided Jaret with a built-in support system and training partner throughout his football journey.
Personal Life
Patterson maintains an active presence on social media, with official accounts on Twitter and Instagram. He continues to work toward establishing himself as a reliable contributor in the NFL, drawing on the experiences and lessons learned throughout his collegiate and professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Patterson navigate roster fluctuations with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was released during final roster cuts in August before being re-signed to the practice squad in October. Patterson was promoted to the active roster twice during the season, most recently on December 23, following Omarion Hampton’s return from injury. Throughout the season, he contributed on special teams when active. His ability to move between the practice squad and active roster demonstrates his value as a versatile depth player capable of stepping in when needed. Patterson’s resilience as an undrafted player continues to define his NFL journey as he works to secure a lasting role with the organization.