He played college football for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft.

During his first year, Patton was named a first-team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) selection after he had 79 receptions for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns.

[5] So excited by his new team that he flew at once to San Francisco, Patton was warned away from the 49ers training camp lest the organization receive a fine for his early presence, which would have been a violation of NFL league rules.

Patton also sprinted for 26 yards on the first 49er series in the contest as well as throwing an important block later in the first quarter that helped create a long reception by fellow receiver Anquan Boldin.

In the regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, he caught a very critical pass for a 35-yard reception as the 49ers won by a score of 20–17.

[14] On February 9, 2019, Patton made his AAF debut in the season-opener against the Memphis Express, catching four passes for 107 yards.