Patterson joined the Steelers for the 2024 season, primarily contributing as a kickoff return specialist after the team had long sought better return performance. He returned 11 kickoffs for an average of 21.8 yards, with a longest return of 33 yards. On offense, he recorded 12 receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown across 13 games. The Steelers continued to evaluate return options and personnel under a new coaching staff, but Patterson’s impact on offense and special teams was limited that year, accounting for a small portion of the team’s overall snaps.
Across his NFL career, Patterson has been recognized for his versatility, including multiple first-team All-Pro selections as a returner (2013 rookie season, 2016, 2019, and 2020) and second-team honors in 2015 and 2018. His most productive offenses came during his time with the Atlanta Falcons (1,166 rushing and receiving yards with 11 total touchdowns in 2021, and 817 yards with eight scores in 2022) under head coach Arthur Smith. Patterson has also played for the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and the Steelers, and he won a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2018. He holds an NFL record with nine kickoff return touchdowns in his career.
At 35, a potential NFL return remains uncertain. If a comeback were pursued, any subsequent league disciplinary actions would depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations and league review.
Notable career highlights include being a first-round pick (No. 29 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2013 NFL Draft after a standout college season at Tennessee. Patterson’s career is marked by dynamic playmaking as a return specialist and contributions on offense and special teams until his most recent season with the Steelers.
