Peter Patterson
 Peter Patterson at the S24 DSFL Combine. | |
| No. 27 – Sarasota Sailfish | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Free safety |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | July 15, 2017 (aged 43) St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight: | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Username: | Slate |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Mounds View High School |
| College: | Iowa |
| ISFL Draft: | 2040 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12 |
| DSFL Draft: | 2039 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7 |
| Career history | |
| Roster status: | Retired |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Peter Patterson (born July 15, 2017) is a retired American football player who played for the Sarasota Sailfish in the ISFL, the Kansas City Coyotes in the DSFL, and the Iowa Hawkeyes in college. Originally a cornerback and kick/punt returner with both the Coyotes and Hawkeyes, he played 7 seasons at cornerback for the Sailfish before swapping to free safety, where he finished his career. Patterson now serves as an analyst for Sports Entertainment Television.
Contents
Personal Life & Early Years
Peter Patterson was born in St. Paul, MN to Zane Patterson and Sara Jones-Patterson. His father was a former safety for the University of Minnesota who attracted some interest at the professional level before a knee injury in his senior year of college derailed his career. With encouragement from his father, who coached his Pop Warner team, Peter began playing football at an early age.
Patterson attended Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, MN, where he played defensive back in addition to handling kickoff and punt returns. In his senior year, he was selected to the Minnesota All-State first team at defensive back, in addition to setting a school record for kickoff return touchdowns in a season with 4 in 8 games. However, his team lost in the quarterfinals of the State Tournament.
Patterson married his wife, Nora Patterson, in 2044. They have two children, Gerald and Sylvia.
College career
Patterson received a handful of Division 1 scholarship offers, though many wanted him to switch positions to wide receiver. He chose to attend the University of Iowa to stay at the defensive back position.
Patterson redshirted as a true freshman. As a redshirt freshman in 2036, he started the season playing only on special teams and in a backup role in the secondary. He scored a kickoff return touchdown in his 4th career game against Northwestern. In the 9th game of the season, an injury to a starting cornerback led to Patterson playing the majority of snaps for the first time in his career. Although he struggled at times, allowing 4 receptions in his coverage, he deflected a key 4th down pass in the 4th quarter to clinch the game for the Hawkeyes. He held onto his newfound starting role for the remainder of the season, and entered his redshirt sophomore season as the team's #2 CB.
In his first season as a starter in 2037, Patterson had a breakout season, notching 4 interceptions and named as an All-Big Ten honorable mention. In the Rose Bowl, Patterson recorded 3 tackles, 2 pass deflections and an interception, although the Hawkyes would go on to lose to the California Golden Bears 27-23.
Despite speculation that he might enter the DSFL draft after his breakout season, Patterson decided to return for his junior season to help lead his team to a bowl game victory. While his interception and pass defense numbers were down in his final year, he improved as a tackler and recorded 48 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Although the Hawkeyes did not return to the Rose Bowl, he contributed to a 35-17 victory in the Outback Bowl over Georgia Tech, fulfilling his stated goal for that season.
Patterson declared for the DSFL draft on January 10, 2039. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
| Career statistics | Defense | Kick Returns | Punt Returns | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Games | Tck | TFL | FF/FR | Sck | Int | PD | Sfty | TD | Blk P/XP/FG | KR | KR Yds | KR Avg | KR Lg | KR TD | PR | PR Yds | PR Avg | PR Lg | PR TD |
| 2036 | Iowa | 12 | 9 | 0.5 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 | 9 | 227 | 25.2 | 88 | 1 | 5 | 37 | 7.4 | 16 | 0 |
| 2037 | Iowa | 13 | 37 | 1.0 | 0/1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0/0/0 | 17 | 379 | 22.3 | 56 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 6 | 0 |
| 2038 | Iowa | 13 | 48 | 2.0 | 0/0 | 1.5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 | 15 | 310 | 20.7 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Professional career
Prospect Bowl & DSFL Draft
Peter Patterson was a member of the Amarillo Tumbleweeds in the Season 24 DSFL Prospect Bowl. The Tumbleweeds started with a 2-0 record against the Brooklyn Atlantics, and Patterson recorded 1 interception and 1 pass deflected. The Tumbleweeds lost their two following games against the Tiburon Landsharks and the Calgary Cavalry. The Tumbleweeds had the best scoring defense among all 6 Prospect Bowl teams, allowing only 44 points across 4 games, but the offense scored only 45 points, 2nd worst in the league, and the Tumbleweeds' 2-2 record meant they hosted a 3rd game against the Atlantics in the first round of the playoffs. Although Patterson recorded 2 interceptions in the game, the Tumbleweeds surrendered 20 unanswered points to lose 23-20 after leading 20-3 in the second quarter. Despite his performance in the game and continued offensive struggles, Patterson would later say that the blame for the loss lay on every member of the defense for allowing the comeback.
In the Season 24 DSFL Draft, Patterson was selected with the #7 overall pick by the Kansas City Coyotes.
DSFL
2039 (S24)
Patterson started his rookie season in the DSFL as the Coyotes' starting outside cornerback. In his second career game, Patterson recorded his first interception when he picked off a pass from Mattathias Caliban intended for Taro Raimon deep in Coyotes territory, thwarting a scoring opportunity for the Birddogs. Patterson would go on to record 3 interceptions on the season. He also added a new move to his arsenal, twice stripping the ball out of the receiver's hands after the catch and recovering the fumble. Patterson's five combined takeaways were tied for the league lead at season's end.
After starting the season as the Coyotes' second kick returner, by midseason Patterson had also earned primary kick returning duties for the Coyotes. While he finished the season with no return touchdowns, the highlight of the season was an 80 yard kick return against the Portland Pythons in week 11 that set up the Coyotes offense near the endzone. Patterson also served as a punt gunner on special teams.
Patterson collected several individual honors throughout the season. He was awarded 5 game balls by the Coyotes management for his performances in weeks 2 (@DAL), 5 (@NOR), 10 (@TIJ), 11 (@POR), and 14 (@LDN). He was also named to four all-DSFL teams of the week, two at cornerback (weeks 2 and 6) and two at kick returner (weeks 11 and 12). Patterson was nominated for DSFL Cornerback of the Year and DSFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, receiving the 4th most and 3rd most votes for each award respectively. After the end of the season, Patterson was named to the DSFL Pro Bowl. As part of the Coyotes secondary, he helped create one of the league's most fearsome pass defenses, with the team leading the league in interceptions and second in passes defensed.
2040 (S25)
After being sent down to play another year in the DSFL by his ISFL team, Patterson had a strong sophomore season with the Coyotes. While taking a backseat in kick and punt return duties to teammate Sergio Kitchens and rookie standout returner Derek Wildstar, Patterson remained the starting outside cornerback and the secondary kick returner. As cornerback, Patterson reeled in 4 interceptions on the season, including the first defensive touchdown of his DSFL career in a week 5 game against the London Royals.
Patterson was once again named to the DSFL Pro Bowl and nominated for DSFL Cornerback of the Year. He received the 2nd most votes for Cornerback of the Year, finishing as the runner-up to second year Myrtle Beach cornerback Jimmy Hoffman.
| Career statistics | Defense | Kick Returns | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Games | Tck | TFL | FF/FR | Sck | Int | PD | Sfty | TD | Blk P/XP/FG | KR | KR Yds | KR Avg | KR Lg | KR TD |
| 2039 (S24) | Coyotes | 14 | 64 | 0 | 2/2 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 | 38 | 803 | 21.1 | 80 | 0 |
| 2040 (S25) | Coyotes | 14 | 56 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0/0/0 | 28 | 554 | 19.8 | 36 | 0 |
| Total | Coyotes | 28 | 120 | 0 | 2/2 | 0 | 7 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 0/0/0 | 66 | 1357 | 20.6 | 80 | 0 |
ISFL Scouting Combine & Draft
| Ht | Wt | 40‑yd dash | 20‑ss | 3‑cone | Vert jump | Broad | BP | Wonderlic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
188 lb (85 kg) |
4.34 s | 4.12 s | 7.07 s | 31.6 in (0.80 m) |
10 ft 11 in (3.33 m) |
22 reps | 32 |
Peter Patterson was selected with the 12th overall selection in the first round of the Season 25 ISFL Draft by the Sarasota Sailfish. He was sent down to play in the DSFL for another season following the draft before being called up to play for the Sailfish for the 2041 (S26) season.
ISFL
2041 (S26)
After playing for 2 years with the Kansas City Coyotes in the DSFL, Patterson was called up to play for the Sailfish as one of the starting outside corners opposite Harrison Andrews. In his debut season with the Sailfish, Patterson had an up and down season along with the rest of the team, as a red-hot 5-1 start to the season puttered out as the team limped into the playoffs at 8-8. Patterson struggled at times in coverage, notably in a 52-17 loss against the defending champion San Jose Sabercats when he allowed two early touchdowns to fellow rookie Zach Crossley that allowed the Sabercats to take a commanding lead into the half. He did show some promising signs as a rookie, however, tying for the most passes defensed of any defensive back in the NSFC and recording two interceptions as well. In the playoffs, Patterson maintained his starting outside corner role as the Sailfish upset the 2nd seed Chicago Butchers in a 24-23 game that ended with a last-second go-ahead Sailfish touchdown, before losing to the 1st seed Yellowknife Wraiths in the conference championship 24-22.
2042 (S27)
The Sailfish returned the following season as strong contenders with a very talented defense. The young Patterson, despite a solid rookie showing, was one of the few potential question marks. In preseason, the Sailfish coaching staff decided to change the defensive gameplan from the previous season, with Harrison Andrews taking over the primary coverage responsibilities against the opposing team's top corner and Patterson covering the opposite side. The move worked well, and the Sailfish defense had a great season, finishing as the 3rd best defense in both yards and points allowed. Patterson built upon his strong rookie showing with a great season, recording 5 turnovers, his first career sack at the professional level, and the 4th highest tackles on the team. Patterson also set a Sailfish franchise record with 29 passes defended in a single season.
Powered by their strong defense and a league-leading scoring offense, the Sailfish clinched the 1st seed in the NSFC in the final week of the regular season. After a first round bye, the Sailfish hosted long-time divisional rivals the Colorado Yeti in the conference championship game. Patterson and the rest of the Sarasota defense held the pass-heavy Colorado offense to just a 53% completion rate and a 65 passer rating as the team won 47-27. In Ultimus Bowl XXVII, the Sailfish were similarly able to contain the New Orleans Second Line as they won 34-10, with the only allowed touchdown coming with 30 seconds left in regulation. As part of the winning Ultimus side, Patterson put up the best stats in a playoff game of his career up to that point, with 6 tackles and 2 pass defenses.
Transition to Safety
After the 2047 (S32) season, Sarasota general management approached Patterson about the possibility of a position swap to safety. Developing star Calvin Hobbes had shown promise as the team's outside corner of the future, and Patterson moving to safety addressed a hole opened up by the retirement of Cuco Clemente while also allowing the younger corner a larger role in the defense. Sarasota's head coach said in an interview that Patterson's skillset as a sure tackler and cerebral player also made him an ideal candidate for the move. Patterson agreed to the move, saying that the change of pace would be good for his career and continued interest in the game. Patterson played two seasons at free safety for the Sailfish, helping the team reach two further playoff berths and securing his second NSFC Pro Bowl appearance at age 31 in 2049 (S34).
| Career statistics | Defense | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Games | Tck | TFL | FF/FR | Sck | Int | PD | Sfty | TD | Blk P/XP/FG |
| 2041 (S26) | Sailfish | 16 | 70 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2042 (S27) | Sailfish | 16 | 95 | 0 | 2/1 | 1 | 4 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2043 (S28) | Sailfish | 16 | 84 | 0 | 3/3 | 0 | 3 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0/0/0 |
| 2044 (S29) | Sailfish | 16 | 70 | 0 | 1/1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2045 (S30) | Sailfish | 16 | 82 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 5 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2046 (S31) | Sailfish | 16 | 65 | 0 | 3/0 | 0 | 2 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2047 (S32) | Sailfish | 16 | 70 | 0 | 3/2 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2048 (S33) | Sailfish | 16 | 57 | 1 | 2/1 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2049 (S34) | Sailfish | 16 | 61 | 0 | 0/0 | 5 | 3 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0/0/0 |
| Total | Sailfish | 128 | 654 | 1 | 14/8 | 7 | 23 | 176 | 0 | 2 | 0/0/0 |
| Career statistics | Defense | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Games | Tck | TFL | FF/FR | Sck | Int | PD | Sfty | TD | Blk P/XP/FG |
| 2041 (S26) | Sailfish | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2042 (S27) | Sailfish | 2 | 11 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2043 (S28) | Sailfish | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2044 (S29) | Sailfish | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2045 (S30) | Sailfish | 2 | 11 | 0 | 1/0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2046 (S31) | Sailfish | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2047 (S32) | Sailfish | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2048 (S33) | Sailfish | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2049 (S34) | Sailfish | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
| Total | Sailfish | 13 | 62 | 0 | 1/0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0/0/0 |
Retirement and Post-Football Career
Patterson retired after a 9 season career with the Sailfish on February 18, 2050. In his retirement press conference, he cited wanting to spend more time with his family as a main reason for placing the game behind him.
In April 2050, Patterson began working as an analyst for Sports Entertainment Television, breaking down defensive back film from college, the DSFL, and the ISFL levels. In his first segment, he predicted the first two picks of the 2050 DSFL Draft would be Graham Harper and Quendyn Quarterstorm, which came true less than a week later.
