Former NFL and Appalachian Safety Matt Stevens passed away at the age of 51.
Stevens was selected by the bill as safe in the third round of the 1996 draft, playing eight years in the league, winning the Patriots and the Super Bowl in 2001.
In 2007, Stephens was paralyzed from his waist in a motorcycle accident, where he smashed his spinal cord.
Four years later, in 2011, Stevens was able to move around again thanks to a special leg brace made for him.
The cause of death was not immediately given.
Stevens is an Appalachian star and he was a national twice, helping to lead the team to the Southern Conference Championship in 1995.
The defensive back played for eight teams during his career, starting with the bill and spent time with the Eagles, Redskins, Patriots and Texans.
In 1999, Stevens played in 15 games, intercepting six passes and intercepting one pass from the NFL lead.
Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Stevens appeared in 108 games in his NFL career, earning 282 tackles, and appeared in all three of the Patriot playoff games, particularly in the magical 2001 playoff run.
In his spare time, Stevens enjoyed being a competitive shooter.
Stevens attended Chapel Hill High School, where he is in the school hall of fame.
He was survived by his mother, Jean Tilberg, father, Vincent Stevens, brothers, Mark, and his two children, Cassidy and Colin of Avon, New Jersey. Obituary posted by Walker Funeral Home At Chapel Hill.
