The New England Patriots announced on Thursday that Matt Stevens, a member of the 2001 Patriots team that won the Super Bowl, passed away last week at the age of 51. A third-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1996,

Before Matt Stevens won a Super Bowl ring during his stint with the New England Patriots, he was one of the best football players in Appalachian State history.

Former NFL player and Appalachian State safety Matt Stevens died March 20 at the age of 51. Early in his football career, Stevens started out as a two-time All-American at Appalachian State, helping his team reach the Southern Conference Championship in 1995.