Former standout safety Matt Stevens, who played eight seasons in the NFL, passed away last Thursday.
Matt Stevens’ online obituary states that he passed away on Thursday at the age of 51. No cause of death was announced for Stevens, who was survived by his parents, brother and two children.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers football team offered its condolences to Stevens’ family and friends. He spent his college career there before turning professional, with the Buffalo Bills taking him 87th overall in 1996.
Condolences to the friends and family of two-time @AppState_FB All-American, Super Bowl champion and App State Athletics Hall of Fame member Matt Stevens. pic.twitter.com/ZZScIcmDfi
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) March 25, 2025
Matt Stevens had two interceptions and one fumble recovery in his rookie season, helping Buffalo reach the postseason with a 10-6 record. He then landed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997 and spent parts of two seasons there before moving on to Washington in the 1998 season.
Over his three seasons in Washington, Stevens had seven interceptions, nine pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He joined the New England Patriots in 2000, the year the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era began.
Stevens won a Super Bowl 36 championship ring with the Pats in the 2001 season, when they upset Kurt Warner and the heavily favored St. Louis Rams. Stevens appeared in all three playoff games, recording two tackles in the big game.
After his stint in New England, Matt Stevens joined the brand new Houston Texans franchise after being taken 10th overall in the 2002 expansion draft. He played his last two years in H-Town before retiring.
Sadly, Stevens was paralyzed from the waist down after suffering severe injuries in a motorcycle accident in 2007. Four years later, a specialized leg brace allowed him to move around again.
Our thoughts are with Stevens’ family and friends during this difficult time.
Matt Stevens’ Career Stats
Matt Stevens appeared in 108 games over his eight-year NFL career, making 42 starts. He retired with 13 interceptions, 17 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and 301 combined tackles.
