Super Bowl Champion Matt Stevens Passes Away at 51
Sarah Johnson
March 28, 2025
Brief
Former NFL defensive back Matt Stevens, known for his Super Bowl win with the Patriots and resilience after paralysis, has died at 51, his family confirmed.
Former NFL defensive back Matt Stevens has tragically passed away at the age of 51, his family confirmed this week. According to an obituary, Stevens died on March 20, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
The obituary described Stevens as a "beloved son and father," and shared that he had been living in Durham, North Carolina, since retiring from professional football in 2003.
Stevens enjoyed a standout college career at Appalachian State, where he became a two-time All-American and earned a spot in the App State Athletics Hall of Fame. His alma mater expressed its condolences to his loved ones following the news.
In 1996, Stevens was drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills, marking the beginning of his NFL journey. His best season came in 1999 while playing for Washington, where he recorded a career-high six interceptions during the regular season. He eventually played for five NFL teams over the course of his career, including the New England Patriots.
Stevens was part of the Patriots' historic Super Bowl XXXVI-winning team that secured the franchise's first-ever title with a nail-biting 20-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams. This milestone marked the start of what would become New England's football dynasty.
Life after football proved to be particularly challenging for Stevens. In 2007, he suffered a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite the immense setback, Stevens showed incredible resilience, later using special braces to regain his ability to walk—a testament to his unyielding spirit.
A memorial service for Stevens is planned for Friday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is survived by his mother Jean Thillberg, father Vincent Stevens, brother Mark Stevens, and his children Cassidie and Colin Stevens, along with extended family members.
As the football world mourns his loss, Stevens will undoubtedly be remembered not just for his athletic achievements but also for his strength and determination in the face of adversity.
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Editor's Comments
Matt Stevens' story is one of peaks and valleys. From his heroic contributions to the Patriots' first Super Bowl win to the sheer determination he showed after his accident—it’s clear this man lived with grit. It’s heartbreaking that his life was cut short, but his legacy on and off the field will undoubtedly endure.
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