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Former Ball State football player Eric Patterson was reportedly shot and killed on Saturday in Florida, according to a report from the Indianapolis Star.
Per the report, Patterson was found lying on his back suffering from injuries around 5 a.m. He was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. A suspect reportedly fled from the home.
Ball State University and head coach Mike Neu offered condolences after hearing the news.
https://twitter.com/BallStateSports/status/1138113011523174401?s=20
We are mourning the passing of one of our own, Eric Patterson. We are extremely saddened by this, and we ask that you please keep Eric and his family in your prayers.
Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. #EP pic.twitter.com/MZkMnKxRiS
— Coach Mike Neu (@BSUCoachNeu) June 10, 2019
Patterson was a cornerback at Ball State from 2011-14 and appeared in 41 games for the Cardinals, including 28 starts. He ended his college career with 173 tackles and six interceptions. He then had a short stint in the NFL, signing with four different teams in 2015 and 2016.
In those two years, Patterson had stops with New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams and Cleveland Browns.
Patterson was a native of Tampa, Florida. He was just 26 years old at the time of his death.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB