Former NFL Receiver Arrested in Daytona Beach After Police Find Him in Allegedly Stolen Vehicle

A former NFL wide receiver was arrested in Daytona Beach after police said he was found driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen and was allegedly connected to an armed burglary in Orlando.

Damon Patterson, 31, was taken into custody after Daytona Beach police officers reportedly spotted a white Kia traveling along Silver Beach Avenue. According to authorities, the vehicle had been reported stolen.

Police said Patterson was behind the wheel when officers stopped the vehicle. Authorities also reported finding a machete-style knife on the seat next to him.

Patterson faces several charges, including grand theft auto, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and armed burglary. Investigators allege that Patterson was involved in a burglary at a home in Orlando before leaving the area in the vehicle. Authorities had not immediately released additional details about the alleged burglary.

Body-camera footage reportedly captured Patterson speaking with Daytona Beach officers about his football career while being taken into custody.

Patterson is a former football player who attended Wekiva High School before playing collegiately at Youngstown State University. He later spent time with multiple NFL organizations, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was most recently associated with the New England Patriots, where he was on the team’s practice squad in 2019.

The charges against Patterson are allegations at this stage. Patterson should be considered innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in a court of law. An arrest or criminal charge does not constitute proof of guilt, and Patterson is entitled to all rights and protections afforded to him under the law.