As a junior in high school, Patterson was named to the Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team second-team and All-Sunset League first-team honors.
In his senior year, he earned Prep Star All-American, SuperPrep All-Far West, Prep Star All-Western Region, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best of the West second-team, Los Angeles Times All-Orange County, Orange County Register All-Orange County first-team, Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team first-team and All-Sunset League honors.
Patterson considered Sapp his idol for succeeding at a similar body type, and planned to emulate him.
Patterson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round with the 31st overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft out of the University of Southern California.
On December 11, 2005, Patterson was moved permanently to the starting left defensive tackle position and remained there.
On the afternoon of September 24, 2006, Patterson picked up a fumble on the Eagles' own 2-yard line and ran 98 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
[15] [16] Key At USC, Patterson met his eventual fiancée, Bianca, who was a resident adviser for his student housing.