Former Vols star Cordarrelle Patterson reveals how long he plans to keep playing in the NFL
Former Tennessee Vols standout Cordarrelle Patterson is one of the most electric players to ever put on a college football uniform. Patterson only spent one season at Tennessee. And while the results of the season (5-7) weren't particularly impressive, Patterson's performance as a Vol in 2012 was extremely memorable. The South Carolina native burst onto […]
Former Tennessee Vols standout Cordarrelle Patterson is one of the most electric players to ever put on a college football uniform.
Patterson only spent one season at Tennessee. And while the results of the season (5-7) weren't particularly impressive, Patterson's performance as a Vol in 2012 was extremely memorable.
The South Carolina native burst onto the scene in his first game wearing Orange, catching six passes for 93 yards and a touchdown against NC State. Patterson also rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown in Tennessee's win against the Wolfpack.
As a result of Patterson's stellar 2012 season with the Vols, he was selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Patterson immediately excelled as a kick returner in the NFL (he has the NFL record with nine career kick return touchdowns), but it took him a while to find his footing on the offensive side of the ball.
The former Vol signed with the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2021 season and it's led to his most successful years in the NFL. Atlanta uses Patterson mostly as a running back which has led to solid back-to-back seasons (Patterson has 1,983 total yards of offense and 19 offensive touchdowns over the last two seasons for the Falcons).
Patterson just turned 32 years old earlier this offseason.
So how much longer does he plan to keep playing?
As long as an NFL team wants him.
According to ESPN, Patterson said this week that he'd like to play another six or seven years.
"If a team is going to want to keep me around, but if they want me, I’m going to be here," said Patterson.
Patterson wants to get at least one more kick return for a touchdown so he can get to 10 and create some separation between himself and anyone who might challenge his record down the road.
“I need to get to 10,” said Patterson. “I need to just try to separate myself from a lot of people.”
It sounds like Patterson has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. And that's good news for NFL fans — he's one of the most fun players to watch in the league.
Featured image via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
