Cordarrelle Patterson Finalizes a One-Year Contract with the Atlanta Falcons

Introduction

On Thursday, April 15^thIn 2021, the Atlanta Falcons made headlines by welcoming the dynamic and thrilling veteran kickoff and punt returner, as well as running back and wide receiver, Cordarrelle Patterson , on a one-year agreement. This move is significant because Patterson is considered one of the top kickoff and punt return experts in the NFL today.

His versatility is remarkable; he can line up in nearly any skill position on the offensive side. Cordarrelle has the ability to play from the backfield as a running back, or split out wide in a receiving role, especially in the slot. Additionally, he is known for executing various special formations and trick plays. The Atlanta Falcons also secured him at a great deal, as he is set to earn only $3 million for the 2021-2022 NFL season. After this upcoming season, Patterson will enter unrestricted free agency once more in 2022.

Football Background

Born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Cordarrelle attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, SC. While in high school, he shone not just in football, but also in basketball and track and field. During his senior year in 2008, he achieved 75 receptions for 944 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading his team to the State Class 4A Division II championship and earning an All-State nomination. He also earned letters in track and field during his three years at Northwestern High School. In 2009, he participated for a short time in a post-graduate program at North Carolina Tech Preparatory Christian Academy but did not engage in football during that period.

College Football Career

In 2010, Cordarrelle moved to Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, to continue his football career in junior college. His performance was so outstanding that he received accolades as a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American in both 2010 and 2011. Patterson set numerous records at Hutchinson Community College , achieving totals that included 1,832 career receiving yards, 113 career receptions, 24 career receiving touchdowns, 36 total touchdowns, 216 career points, an average kickoff return of 41.9 yards, and 3,379 all-purpose yards.

Upon finishing his time at Hutchinson C.C. in 2012, Patterson was in high demand, rated as a five-star recruit by 247sports.com and recognized as the top junior college player in the nation. This led to multiple scholarship offers from elite Division I football programs. Ultimately, he chose to enroll at the University of Tennessee over other prestigious schools like LSU, Auburn, Georgia, and Ole Miss. Under head coach Derek Dooley, he joined the Tennessee Volunteers football team in the 2012 season.

Despite the Tennessee Volunteers posting a disappointing record of 5-7 during the 2012-2013 NCAA college football season, Patterson managed to score touchdowns in every possible way: via reception, rushing, kick return, and punt return, totaling 10 touchdowns over the 12 games he played. In those starts, he set a University of Tennessee record with 1,858 all-purpose yards, surpassing the previous record set by Reggie Cobb in 1987, ultimately ranking first in the SEC and tying for 18th overall in the NCAA.^thOn January 9, 2013, Patterson made the decision to leave college early to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.^thStanding at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 227 pounds, this dynamic utility player was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft , thanks to a trade agreement made on draft day. In return for their pick, the New England Patriots received several draft picks from the Vikings including a second, a third, a fourth, and a seventh-round selection. From 2013 to 2016, Cordarrelle played for the Vikings, subsequently joining the Oakland Raiders in 2017, and then playing for the New England Patriots in 2018.

Professional Football Career

ESPN’s Michael Rothstein noted that,“Across his time with the Minnesota, Chicago, New England, and Oakland teams, he has participated in 127 games, securing 216 receptions for 2,087 yards and 10 touchdowns. In rushing, he has carried the ball 167 times for 1,017 yards and eight touchdowns, maintaining an impressive average of 29.8 yards per kick return throughout his career, which ranks second all-time behind Hall of Famer Gale Sayers' 30.6 yards from 1965 to 1971. He is among just three qualifying players in NFL history to average over 29 yards per kick return in their careers and is the only one to have done so in the last four decades.”^thThroughout his impressive eight-year tenure in the NFL, Patterson's statistics include 216 receptions, 2,087 receiving yards, 1,017 rushing yards with a 6.1 yards-per-carry average, 7,127 return yards, 26 total touchdowns, 22 tackles, and one forced fumble—demonstrating a remarkably versatile career in the league. Fans can expect to see Cordarrelle continue making plays on Sundays during the 2021-2022 NFL season . New England Patriots Patterson’s Accomplishments, Honors, and Awards in Football Chicago Bears from 2019 to 2020.

NFL Record Holder for a 109-Yard Play (Tied with Others)

NFL's Record Holder for Most Kickoff Return Touchdowns with 8 (Tied with Leon Washington and Josh Cribbs) Atlanta Falcons .

As of April 17, 2021, Intertops sportsbook has released these odds for Super Bowl LVI. Currently, the Atlanta Falcons are positioned 11th among all 32 teams in the NFL regarding their chances of winning the upcoming Super Bowl LVI. Although I anticipated slightly better odds for the Falcons this season, their recent struggles over the last few years in the NFL began to explain their relatively low ranking of 22nd overall.

• Super Bowl LIII Champion
• 4 Time NFL First – Team All – Pro (2013, 2016, 2019, 2020)
• 2 Time NFL Second – Team All – Pro (2015, 2018)
• 4 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (2013, 2016, 2019, 2020)
• PFWA All – Rookie Team (2013)
• NFL 2010’s All – Decade Team
• First – Team All – SEC (2012)
• NJCAA All – American (2010, 2011)
• “The Atlanta Falcons sign versatile player Cordarrelle Patterson”
• “NFL Futures: Super Bowl LVI Outright Win Predictions for the United States”

Odds to Win Super Bowl LVI

Effective strategies and knowledge for casino games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and hundreds of other games available online.^thPlease check your inbox for an email and follow the provided link to complete your registration process.^thCordarrelle Patterson has officially agreed to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.^ndExplore the top online casinos available in your region.

Sources

Rothstein, Michael. Calculator for estimating lottery jackpot ticket sales. , ESPN. April 15, 2021.

“Cordarrelle Patterson” , Pro Football Reference. April 17, 2021.

“Cordarrelle Patterson” , Spotrac. April 17, 2021.

Cordarrelle Patterson has inked a one-year agreement with the Atlanta Falcons. , Intertops Sportsbook. April 17, 2021.

Written by: David Green