Cordarrelle Patterson doesn’t fit into any specific role, and he actually prefers it that way.
During his 12-year career, he has learned that too much pride can be harmful. He’s a former first-round pick, a four-time Pro Bowler as a kick returner, and he holds the NFL record with nine kickoff return touchdowns.
However, that didn’t stop the 33-year-old from volunteering a couple of weeks ago when the punt team needed a gunner, a position not typically filled by players with his impressive background.
In that moment, the Steelers just needed someone to run 50 yards and tackle an opponent. So why not him? “I just want to play ball,” Patterson said. “That’s something I’ve been doing my whole life. Like, I can’t get enough of it.”
And it seems the game can’t get enough of him either.
The Steelers signed Patterson to a two-year deal in March, attracted by his versatility and his deep understanding of first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s playbook.
Smith coached Patterson for three seasons in Atlanta and quickly realized there wasn’t a spot on the field where Patterson wouldn’t feel comfortable.
Patterson has the size of a tight end, the speed of a wide receiver, and the eagerness for contact of a running back.
He is listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, though he’s likely around 20 pounds heavier and plays with a fierce energy that is impressive at an age when many skill players are just trying to hold on, if they’re still playing at all.
It was expected that the Steelers would use Patterson’s experience and explosiveness to benefit from the new kickoff rules. However, chances have been limited partly because Pittsburgh’s defense has allowed the fewest points in the league. So Smith has found other ways to get Patterson involved.
In some plays, Patterson might line up in the slot, while in others, he could work from the backfield. Late in the fourth quarter of a 20-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers, Patterson ran the ball four times for 33 yards during a strong drive that took up the last five minutes of the game and secured Pittsburgh’s first 3-0 start since 2020.
“I mean, he can do everything, especially when he’s that big,” Fields said. “Shoot, I know if I’m on defense and I see 6-4, 240 (pounds) — however much he weighs — running full speed at me, I wouldn’t want to tackle him.”
Patterson is aware of his impact. While he is careful not to be overly proud, he has a strong sense of self-worth.
“I know I don’t set myself short for anything, man,” Patterson said. “I feel like I could play any position on the football field. If my name is called, I’ll just go out there and make a play no matter what.”
He means it. Patterson quickly listed several positions where he believes he could contribute, even including quarterback. He often looks for a fan in the stands to throw the ball with before every game, hoping it will hint to the coaching staff that he is ready to step in if needed.
“The more you can do, man, the more you stay around in this league,” said Patterson, who has not yet thrown a pass in the NFL.
Patterson, who has worn the No. 84 since the Vikings picked him 29th overall in 2013, has shown his talent and cleverness by staying in the NFL despite playing for several teams.
He mainly played as a wide receiver while with Minnesota and Chicago, but in 2018, former New England coach Bill Belichick used him in a versatile role. That season, Patterson averaged 5.4 yards per carry and helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl.
When Smith and the Falcons signed Patterson in 2021, he excitedly looked forward to the mismatches he could create on the field. His speed makes him difficult for linebackers to cover, and he’s bigger than most cornerbacks.
He is also willing to run through tough spots and gain hard-earned yards, which is unusual for someone known for his kick-returning skills.
This Sunday in Indianapolis (1-2), Patterson is expected to back up Najee Harris since Jaylen Warren is injured. Harris called Patterson a “future Hall of Famer” because of his impressive kick-return stats, but he also simply described him as “just a good football player.”
Patterson is someone who has no intention of leaving a game he fell in love with at age 6 in South Carolina. He remains effective and a valuable option in many situations. Why would he stop until he needs to?
“I’m just enjoying it man, because it doesn’t last forever,” he said. “So just go out and have fun.”
