February 21, 2002
Former Texas A&M football player Cornelius Patterson died Tuesday in Bryan after developing an infection while awaiting a kidney transplant.
Patterson, 32, played wide receiver for A&M from 1987 to 1990 and is survived by his wife, Rochelle, and 16-month-old daughter Cherise.
During his playing career, Patterson was a starter at the flanker position where he totaled 24 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns. He was described as a dangerous receiver and return specialist with blazing speed.
In addition to his receiving duties, Patterson was a starting kickoff return specialist. As a senior, he averaged 19 yards a return.
In his final game in the maroon and white, Patterson caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Lance Pavlas in the 1990 Holiday Bowl in San Diego, Calif.
A sociology instructor at Blinn College in Bryan, Patterson was employed at Blinn for nine years as a community enrichment coordinator, and counselor.
He received his bachelor's degree in sociology from A&M in 1992 and his master's in sociology from Prairie View A&M in 1999.
A native of Moss Point, Miss., Patterson also played baseball for A&M in 1990 and ran track for the Aggies in 1989.
A public viewing will be held Saturday at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1505 Dansby St., Bryan. Patterson will be buried on Monday in his hometown of Moss Point, Miss.