Brief Introduction of Riley Patterson
Riley Patterson is an accomplished American professional football placekicker who has carved out a notable career in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his composure under pressure and a reliable leg, Patterson has been a key special teams player for several franchises. He rose to prominence during his collegiate years at the University of Memphis, where he became one of the most decorated kickers in the program’s history. Since turning professional, he has had stints with multiple NFL teams, demonstrating resilience and a consistent ability to perform in critical moments. One of the defining moments of his career came in the 2022 AFC Wild Card game, where he kicked a game-winning field goal for the Jacksonville Jaguars to complete a historic playoff comeback. His journey as an undrafted free agent to a dependable NFL kicker serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.
Riley Patterson Overview
| Full Name | Riley Patterson |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1999 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 26 |
| Birthplace | Edwardsville, Illinois, U.S. |
| Profession | American Professional Football Kicker |
| Husband/Wife | Claire Patterson (née Ebert) |
| Family | Kevin Patterson (Father), Tracy Patterson (Mother), Maddi Abegg (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Riley Patterson
Riley Patterson was born on September 7, 1999, in the city of Edwardsville, Illinois, to his parents, Kevin and Tracy Patterson. Growing up in a supportive household, his parents played an instrumental role in his athletic pursuits. Initially, Patterson’s primary sport was soccer, a passion he held throughout his formative years. He attended Edwardsville High School, where his powerful leg eventually drew the attention of the football program. Despite his dedication to soccer, often prioritizing it over football practice, he began attending kicking camps where his natural talent for football became undeniable. His high school coach, Matt Martin, recognized his potential early on, noting that Patterson was a versatile athlete who also played free safety and tailback in middle school.
His performance at national kicking camps helped him gain recognition, and he was ranked as one of the top kicking prospects in the country. This led to him committing to play college football at the University of Memphis. At Memphis, Patterson enrolled in the Supply Chain Management program. He excelled academically, earning a 3.57 GPA and being named to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) All-Academic Team for three consecutive seasons. He was also a four-time selection to the University of Memphis Dean’s List. His time in college was not only marked by academic success but also by a commitment to his community. He spent the summer of 2019 as an intern in the sports marketing department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a role he continued remotely during the global pandemic.
Riley Patterson’s Career
Riley Patterson’s football career took flight at the University of Memphis, where he established himself as a premier collegiate kicker from 2017 to 2020. He left the program as one of its most accomplished specialists, ranking second in school history with 432 points. A standout moment from his college career was setting an NCAA bowl game record with six field goals in the 2019 Cotton Bowl against Penn State. His stellar junior season earned him a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection. He was also a two-time nominee for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate placekicker. He concluded his collegiate journey by participating in the prestigious 2021 Senior Bowl.
Despite a decorated college career, Patterson went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. He began his professional journey by signing as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in May 2021. However, he was waived with an injury settlement before the season began. His persistence paid off when the New England Patriots signed him to their practice squad in October 2021. Just a month later, the Detroit Lions signed him to their active roster. Patterson made his NFL debut against the Chicago Bears and kicked his first career field goal against the Vikings. In Week 15 of the 2021 season, his perfect performance of three field goals and three extra points against the Arizona Cardinals earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
In August 2022, Patterson was waived by the Lions and quickly claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. His 2022 season with the Jaguars was arguably the most significant of his career to that point. He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 16 after scoring 13 points against the New York Jets. The pinnacle of his time in Jacksonville, and a career-defining moment, occurred on January 14, 2023. In the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Patterson kicked a 36-yard, game-winning field goal as time expired, capping the third-largest comeback in NFL playoff history with a 31-30 victory. This clutch kick solidified his reputation as a reliable performer in high-pressure situations.
Following his successful stint with the Jaguars, Patterson’s career saw him move between several teams, a common reality for NFL kickers. In May 2023, he was traded back to the Detroit Lions. He later had a brief period with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad at the end of the 2023 season. The 2024 season was a whirlwind for Patterson, as he spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and the Cleveland Browns again, often being called upon to fill in for injured starters. This journeyman phase of his career highlighted his readiness and adaptability. Most recently, he has been associated with the Miami Dolphins, continuing to prove his value as a dependable kicker in the league.
Riley Patterson Personal Life & Family
Riley Patterson’s personal life is anchored by a strong family foundation. He was born to Kevin and Tracy Patterson, who have been steadfast supporters throughout his athletic journey. They were instrumental in his early development, driving him to practices and encouraging him to pursue his passion for football, even when he initially leaned towards soccer. The family, which also includes his sister Maddi, hails from Edwardsville, Illinois. An interesting family connection in the world of professional football is that Patterson is a second cousin to A.J. Epenesa, a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills.
On April 15, 2022, Riley Patterson married his high school sweetheart, Claire Ebert. The couple had been together for seven years before tying the knot. Their wedding registry indicated they were starting their new life together with friends and family celebrating their long-standing relationship. Patterson’s Christian faith is also a significant aspect of his life, something he has mentioned publicly as a source of salvation and grounding for him. Despite the demands of his professional career, he maintains a close relationship with his family, who are often seen cheering for him from the stands.
Awards and Achievements of Riley Patterson
- NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 15, 2021)
- AFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 16, 2022)
- First-Team All-American Athletic Conference (2019)
- Lou Groza Award Watch List (2019, 2020)
- Senior CLASS Award Candidate (2020)
- American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20)
- NCAA bowl game record for most field goals made (6, 2019 Cotton Bowl)
Riley Patterson Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Riley Patterson’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his career as a professional football player in the NFL. Throughout his career, Patterson has signed contracts with multiple teams. His total career earnings through the 2025 season are reported to be over $3.7 million. His contracts often include a base salary and sometimes signing bonuses or other incentives. For the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, he signed a one-year contract valued at $1,170,000. Like many professional athletes, his net worth is subject to change based on future contracts and off-field opportunities.
Legacy and Influence
Riley Patterson’s legacy is one of perseverance and clutch performance. As a player who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, his journey to becoming a reliable NFL kicker is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. He has demonstrated the ability to overcome setbacks, such as being waived early in his career, and has consistently proven his worth when given an opportunity. His most enduring legacy will likely be his game-winning field goal for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 AFC Wild Card game. That kick not only secured a historic comeback victory but also etched his name into NFL playoff lore. It showcased his mental fortitude and ability to deliver under immense pressure, qualities that define a successful kicker.
Beyond the field, Patterson’s dedication to academics during his college years and his community involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital speak to his character. He serves as an example of a well-rounded student-athlete who values both his education and his platform to make a positive impact. His influence extends to the various locker rooms he has been a part of, where he is known for his professionalism and work ethic. While his career is still ongoing, he has already built a reputation as a resilient and dependable player who has made significant contributions to the teams he has played for.
Interesting Facts about Riley Patterson
- Before focusing on football, Riley Patterson was an avid soccer player and even missed football practices for soccer commitments in high school.
- He is a second-degree black belt in taekwondo, a discipline he practiced from the ages of six to thirteen, which he credits for helping him athletically.
- During his time at the University of Memphis, he volunteered as an intern at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in their sports marketing department.
- He is the second cousin of fellow NFL player A.J. Epenesa, a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills.
- Patterson once hit a trombone player with a stray kick while practicing on the sidelines during a high school football game.
Controversies
Information not publicly available. Riley Patterson has maintained a clean public image throughout his college and professional career, with no notable controversies reported.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information on follower count is not readily available.
- Twitter – His wife maintains a profile, but details on his official account and follower count are not widely publicized.
- YouTube – No official channel.
Final Words about Riley Patterson
Riley Patterson’s journey in the NFL is a compelling narrative of resilience and seizing opportunities. From an undrafted free agent to a kicker known for one of the most memorable kicks in recent playoff history, he has demonstrated the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level of professional football. His career has been characterized by movement between several teams, yet he has consistently shown himself to be a valuable asset wherever he has landed. As he continues his career, his reputation for being a reliable and clutch performer precedes him. Whether as a starter or a dependable backup, Riley Patterson has solidified his place in the league and will continue to be a player to watch in crucial moments. His story serves as a powerful reminder that the path to success is not always linear, but with perseverance, remarkable achievements are possible.
