Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson Bio

Cordarrelle Patterson, nicknamed “Flash,” is an American professional football running back born on March 17, 1991, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He is recognized as one of the most versatile utility players in the National Football League, excelling as a kickoff returner, running back, and occasionally as a wide receiver. Patterson played college football for Hutchinson Community College and the University of Tennessee before being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. Throughout his career, he has established himself as one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history, holding the league record for most career kickoff return touchdowns.

Early Life and Background

Cordarrelle Patterson was born on March 17, 1991, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, where he played football, basketball, and ran track under coach Jimmy Wallace. As a senior in 2008, Patterson caught 75 passes for 944 yards with 18 touchdowns, leading his team to the State Class 4A Division II championship game and earning All-State selection. In track and field, he clocked personal bests of 10.33 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 21.19 seconds in the 200-meter dash. After graduating, Patterson spent part of 2009 at North Carolina Tech Preparatory Christian Academy before enrolling at Hutchinson Community College.

Path to Professional Football

Patterson transferred to Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, where he dominated at the junior college level. He earned NJCAA All-American honors in both 2010 and 2011, holding more than a dozen records at the school, including career receiving yards (1,832), career receptions (113), career receiving touchdowns (24), and career all-purpose yards (3,379). As a sophomore, he was named the 2011 Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year after catching 61 passes for 924 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for 379 yards and six touchdowns.

Rated as a 5-star prospect and the top junior college player in the country by 247Sports.com, Patterson received scholarship offers from top Division I programs. He chose to attend the University of Tennessee, where he played for Derek Dooley and the Tennessee Volunteers in 2012. Patterson made an immediate impact, recording a school-record 1,858 all-purpose yards to lead the Southeastern Conference and earning First-team All-SEC honors. He scored at least one touchdown by reception, rush, kick return, and punt return during the season, demonstrating the versatile skill set that would define his professional career.

Cordarrelle Patterson Career

Minnesota Vikings (2013–2016)

Patterson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round with the 29th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, acquired in a draft-day trade with the New England Patriots. In his NFL debut season, he made an immediate impact. During a Week 8 game against the Green Bay Packers, Patterson returned the opening kickoff 109 yards for a touchdown, tying the NFL record for the longest play ever and setting the NFL record for the longest kickoff return at the time. He finished his rookie year with 45 receptions for 469 yards and four touchdowns while also returning 43 kicks for 1,393 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. Patterson was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and earned his first Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner.

The 2014 and 2015 seasons proved challenging for Patterson as the Vikings underwent coaching changes. He struggled to find consistency and his role diminished, though he still contributed with two kick return touchdowns in 2015. In 2016, Patterson remained a successful kick returner despite limited receiving opportunities, earning his second Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro selection. He played in 16 games with eight starts, recording 52 receptions for 453 yards and two touchdowns while also returning 25 kicks for 792 yards and a return touchdown.

Oakland Raiders (2017)

On March 13, 2017, Patterson signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. Joining a receiving corps that included Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper, Patterson showcased his versatility throughout the season. In Week 2 against the New York Jets, he rushed three times for 57 yards and a 43-yard touchdown while also contributing 70 return yards. During Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, he added another 47-yard rushing touchdown. Patterson finished the 2017 season with 31 receptions for 309 yards, 13 carries for 121 yards, two touchdowns, and 19 returns for 538 yards in 16 games and two starts.

New England Patriots (2018)

On March 18, 2018, the Raiders traded Patterson and a 2018 sixth-round pick to the Patriots for a 2018 fifth-round pick. Patterson became a valuable piece of the Patriots roster, contributing on offense, special teams, and occasionally at running back. During a Week 7 victory over the Chicago Bears, he returned a 95-yard kickoff for a touchdown despite fumbling earlier in the game. Later that season against the Packers, with the Patriots depleted by injuries, Patterson served as the backup running back and led the team in rushing with 61 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown. He finished the season with 21 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns, 42 carries for 228 yards and a touchdown, and 23 returns for 663 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots finished 11-5 and earned the number 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. Patterson appeared in both playoff victories and played in Super Bowl LIII, where the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 to win the championship.

Chicago Bears (2019–2020)

On March 13, 2019, Patterson signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Chicago Bears. He made an immediate impact as a dynamic kick returner, recording a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints. Patterson earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in November and was voted to the 2020 Pro Bowl roster as a starter. At the end of the 2019 season, he was named First-team All-Pro as a kick returner and Second-team All-Pro as a special teamer, finishing with the NFL’s most kickoff return yards (825) and leading the NFC with 29.5 yards per return. During a Week 10 Monday Night Football game against his former team, the Vikings, Patterson tied the NFL record for most career kickoff return touchdowns with his 104-yard return. In 2020, Patterson earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection and First-team All-Pro honors, recording career highs in rushing attempts (64) and rushing yards (232).

Atlanta Falcons (2021–2023)

On April 15, 2021, Patterson signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He experienced a career resurgence, becoming a versatile weapon on offense. During Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded seven carries for 11 yards and a touchdown plus five receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. He caught three receiving touchdowns against Washington and later posted career highs with 108 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Remarkably, during that same game, Patterson made his first appearance on defense, playing one down at safety during a Hail Mary attempt. He ended the 2021 season with career highs of 153 rushes for 618 yards, 52 receptions for 548 yards, and 11 total touchdowns. He was ranked 73rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

On March 22, 2022, Patterson re-signed with the Falcons for a two-year, $10.5 million contract and entered the season as the starting running back. He started strong, including a 22-carry, 120-yard performance against the Saints and a 17-carry, 141-yard game against the Seahawks that earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. After suffering a knee injury in Week 4 that required injured reserve, he returned later in the season. On November 20, Patterson recorded a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Bears, becoming the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns with nine. He finished the 2022 season with 144 carries for 695 yards and eight touchdowns. In the 2023 season, Patterson appeared in 14 games but fell to third on the running back depth chart behind rookie Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)

On April 1, 2024, Patterson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract. As the team’s third-string running back, he often caught pitches behind the line of scrimmage, showcasing his versatility. Described by the team as a “hard-nosed runner” with “agility to make defenders miss,” Patterson also subbed in at wide receiver and served as the kick returner throughout the season. He finished the regular season with 12 receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, along with 32 rushes for 135 yards. The Steelers finished with a 10-7 record and earned a playoff berth as the number 6 seed in the AFC. On July 28, 2025, Patterson was released by the Steelers.

Driving Style and Strengths

Patterson’s game is defined by exceptional speed, elusiveness, and versatility. His track and field background contributes to his explosive acceleration and ability to reach top speed quickly. As a return specialist, he possesses rare vision and patience, waiting for blocks to develop before finding creases. His unique skill set allows him to line up at multiple positions—running back, wide receiver, and occasionally defensive back—making him a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. Patterson combines tackle-breaking ability with reliable hands, enabling him to contribute as a receiver even when playing running back.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his career, Patterson has accumulated numerous signature moments. His 109-yard kickoff return in 2013 tied the NFL record for longest play. In 2019, he tied the NFL record for most career kickoff return touchdowns. In 2022, he broke that record with his ninth career kickoff return touchdown. His 1,858 all-purpose yards at Tennessee in 2012 remain a school record. Patterson earned four Pro Bowl selections and four First-team All-Pro honors across his career, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic special teams players in NFL history.

Cordarrelle Patterson Career Wins

Across his NFL career spanning from 2013 to present, Patterson has built an impressive resume of achievements, combining explosive offensive production with historic special teams contributions. His career statistics include 310 receptions for 2,875 receiving yards, 2,646 rushing yards, 8,238 return yards, and 48 total touchdowns. His nine career kickoff return touchdowns stand as an NFL record.

NFL Highlights

Patterson’s NFL career is highlighted by his unmatched success as a return specialist. He earned four First-team All-Pro honors (2013, 2016, 2019, 2020) and four Pro Bowl selections, all as a result of his exceptional kick return abilities. He led the NFL in kickoff return yards twice (2019, 2020) and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, recognizing his sustained excellence throughout the decade. His Super Bowl LIII championship with the Patriots in 2019 added the ultimate team achievement to his individual accolades.

Other Wins and Performances

Before his NFL career, Patterson dominated at the collegiate and junior college levels. At Hutchinson Community College, he earned NJCAA All-American honors twice (2010, 2011) while setting numerous school and conference records. At Tennessee, he earned First-team All-SEC honors in 2012 and was recognized as the top junior college prospect in the country coming out of Hutchinson.

Cordarrelle Patterson Family

Family Background

Patterson was raised by his mother, Catherine, alongside one brother, Charles, and one sister, Crystal. He has four children. Patterson’s family has been an important part of his life, and he has spoken publicly about the significance of their support throughout his football career.

Personal Life

Patterson married his wife, Taylor Quick, in July 2024. In 2017, the couple experienced a profound loss when they lost a son during pregnancy. In December 2021, Patterson wore cleats in support of pregnancy and infant loss awareness, demonstrating his commitment to honoring that memory and raising awareness for others facing similar challenges. His nickname “Flash” reflects his reputation as one of the fastest and most electrifying players in the NFL.

2025 Season Performance

Following his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers in July 2025, Patterson entered the 2025 season as a free agent. At 34 years old, Patterson remains one of the most experienced and accomplished return specialists in NFL history. His nine career kickoff return touchdowns represent an NFL record, and his proven ability to contribute as a running back and receiver provides value to any team seeking a versatile weapon. His track record of durability and performance across 12 NFL seasons demonstrates his sustained excellence. Teams interested in adding a proven veteran with game-changing ability in the return game continue to consider Patterson a valuable free agent acquisition candidate. His unique combination of speed, elusiveness, and versatility ensures he remains a sought-after player whenever he enters the free agent market.