A former NFL Super Bowl champion and college football star has died at 51 years old.
The football world is mourning the death of a former college football star turned NFL defensive back. Tragically, he has passed away at just 51 years old.
Matt Stevens, a former star at Appalachian State who went on to play in the National Football League, has died, according to a release from the school.
“Condolences to the friends and family of two-time Appalachian State All-American, Super Bowl champion and App State Athletics Hall of Fame member Matt Stevens,” the program announced this week.
Stevens, who starred collegiately at Appalachian State, went on to play in the National Football League from 1996-2003. He played for five different teams, including the then-Washington Redskins and New England Patriots.
The former Appalachian State star was a third-round pick out of school.
Stevens helped the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl in 2001. His best NFL season came in 1999, when he starred for the Washington Redskins. Stevens recorded seven interceptions during that season.
The former NFL defensive back recorded 301 tackles and 13 interceptions during his career.
In 2007, he was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. He was paralyzed from the waist down. While he was ultimately able to regain the use of his legs through braces, he tragically passed away this week.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.