He was born in Oahu, Hawaii, and after moving to Arizona, graduated from McClintock High School.
[1] Patterson then played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils as a "standout defensive lineman".
[3] His only interception occurred in a 1990 game against the Minnesota Vikings; he tipped the ball, caught it and then returned it for a touchdown.
In 2006, Patterson, who has been a lifelong hunting enthusiast, made news for successfully shooting with a bow and arrow a record sized bull elk in Northern Arizona.
[5] Patterson's son, Kyle, played college football for the United States Air Force Academy.