Cordarrelle Patterson, the former NFL star who won a Super Bowl alongside Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, has been arrested in Tennessee on a domestic assault charge, according to a report published on October 17.
Patterson, a four-time Pro Bowl selection renowned for his exceptional kick-return ability, was reportedly booked into jail early Saturday morning. Images published alongside the report showed the former professional football player posing for a mug shot.
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The circumstances surrounding the arrest remain unclear. In its initial report, TMZ said it had contacted law enforcement officials for additional information but had not received a response.
No further details about the allegations, the circumstances leading to the arrest or any potential court proceedings were provided in that account.
An arrest and a criminal charge do not establish guilt, and the available reporting does not provide enough information to draw conclusions about what allegedly happened. Further details from authorities or court records would be needed to establish the status of the case.
The news has nevertheless brought renewed attention to Patterson, whose NFL career spanned more than a decade and included stops with several franchises, a championship victory and an impressive record as one of the league's most productive kick returners.
Patterson's Super Bowl connection with Tom Brady
Patterson's most prominent team achievement came during the 2018 NFL season, when he played for the New England Patriots alongside Brady.
New England reached Super Bowl LIII, where it faced the Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta on February 3, 2019. The Patriots won 13-3 in a defensive contest, securing another championship for Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.
Brady completed 21 of 35 passes for 262 yards as New England claimed its sixth Super Bowl title during his time with the franchise.
The quarterback's ability to lead the decisive fourth-quarter scoring drive helped the Patriots break a 3-3 tie and finish the game with the championship.
Patterson contributed as a versatile offensive weapon and special-teams player during that championship campaign.
His ability to line up in different roles made him a useful option in an offense built around Brady's experience and decision-making.
However, Patterson's reputation in the NFL was established well before his time in New England. His speed, strength and ability to create opportunities in the return game made him one of the league's most distinctive special-teams players.
A career that began with Minnesota
Patterson transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2012 before entering the NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings selected him with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2013 draft.
He made an immediate impact, earning recognition as one of the league's most dangerous return specialists. Patterson was named to the Pro Bowl four times and earned four first-team All-Pro selections, reflecting his sustained excellence in the return game.
His NFL career also included spells with the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. Across those teams, he developed into a player who could contribute as a running back, wide receiver and kick returner.
Patterson's return ability was particularly remarkable. According to his Steelers player biography, he recorded nine kickoff-return touchdowns, an NFL record, while accumulating 7,989 yards on 273 career kickoff returns. He also contributed as a runner and receiver, demonstrating a versatility that helped extend his career beyond the traditional role of a return specialist.
His final NFL stop came with Pittsburgh, where he played during the 2024 season. The Steelers used him primarily as a running back and return specialist before releasing him in July 2025.
What is known about the arrest?
At the time of the initial reports, the confirmed public information was limited. Patterson had reportedly been booked into a Tennessee jail early Saturday on a domestic assault charge, but the reporting did not establish the precise allegations or describe any alleged incident.
It was also unclear whether Patterson had been released from custody, whether a court date had been scheduled or whether prosecutors had announced further action.
Those details should not be assumed without confirmation from relevant authorities or court documentation.
The arrest report marks a significant development for a player whose career has largely been defined by his achievements on the football field.
His connection to Brady and the Patriots' championship run is likely to attract attention, but the legal matter is separate from his sporting record.
For now, Patterson's case remains a developing story. Additional information from law enforcement or the courts may clarify the allegations and the next steps in the legal process.
Until then, the available facts support only that he was reported to have been arrested on a domestic assault charge, not that the allegations have been proven.