Matt Stevens health struggles explored as Former New England Patriots player dies at 51

Former NFL (National Football League) safety Matt Stevens has died at the age of 51 on March 20, 2025. His family recently announced the tragic news in an obituary, but the cause of death was not disclosed.

Stevens met with an accident in March 2007. According to his 2010 interview with Houston Texans, the former pro suffered a severe injury on his spinal cord when he crashed his motorcycle. The accident reportedly left him paralyzed from the waist down. Matt Stevens said,

“I can move my arms, my chest, my upper back and my head and that's it. So there's no chance of me walking, feeling, moving again, unless science comes up with some major new breakthrough.”

Despite suffering a major setback, Matt Stevens credited his then-girlfriend and children for helping him through challenging times. The former Houston Texans safety, who was in a coma briefly after his accident, said,

“I have a girl who loves me and I have two kids. The reason I subconsciously made it through the accident when I was in a coma is due to my kids.”

Matt has two children: a daughter, Cassidie, and a son, Colin. Cassidie Stevens is an evening news anchor for CBS19 News, a television station in Charlottesville. There isn’t much known about Colin Stevens.

During his interview (via phone) with the Houston Texans, Stevens also emphasized his daily struggles,

“It's very hard for me to get around. I can drive with hand controls. I have basically, on average, two doctors appointments per week, and they assess my progress. Whatever I can do, I'm trying to do at the gym just to try to keep my strength up.”

By 2011, Matt Stevens had regained his ability to move around with the help of leg braces.

Matt is survived by his parents, Jean Thillberg and Vincent Stevens, his brother Mark Stevens, and his two children. His family has confirmed that a memorial service will take place on March 28 at 2:30 pm EDT at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, located at 940 Carmichael Street in Chapel Hill.

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New England Patriots and fans remember Matt Stevens on X

He was once a Patriot and won a Super Bowl ring with the team in February 2002 before he moved to the Houston Texans. The New England Patriots remembered their former winner and wrote on X,

“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened by the passing of Super Bowl champion Matt Stevens.”

Matt Stevens’ daughter, Cassidie, replied under the Patriots’ post,

“Thank you everyone for your kind words. Continue to remember my father as the outstanding athlete he was.”

Many fans also sent their condolences to the Stevens family under the post.

“Rip Steven’s gave his all out there every play was his last 🙏🏾,” a user wrote.

“We're gonna miss you, Matt. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING Fly High RIP,” another user said.

“May his soul rest in peace,” someone added.

“Rest in peace Matt,” another one posted.

Before beginning his professional career, Stevens represented Chapel Hill during high school. He later played for Appalachian State Mountaineers football as a collegiate athlete. He went pro in the 1996 NFL season and played for the Buffalo Bills.

During his eight years in the NFL, Matt Stevens played for five teams. In addition to the Bills, the safety represented the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders), the New England Patriots, and the Houston Texans.