Patterson exchanged his cleats for a clipboard last week and helped coach an exhibition game for the Special Olympics Unified Flag Football program.
The game kicked off between two local Florida teams sponsored by Tampa Bay and Miami. Patterson and Vikings teammate Linval Joseph coached the Buccaneers squad that ran away with a double-digit victory.
“It’s always fun winning. When I came out here, my expectations were high,” Patterson said with a smile. “It’s fun coming out here with these kids for the Special Olympics and trying to put smiles on [the faces] of each and every one of them.