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,

Former NFL defensive back Matt Stevens has died, his family announced. He was 51. Stevens was a member of the New England Patriots team that won the franchise's first Super Bowl, and also had stints with four other teams.

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.