Riley Patterson Bio: Marriage, Kid, Recent Waive & Back To Detroit

Riley Patterson is a football placekicker who recently got acquired by the Detroit Lions via trade in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars had waived him on May 25, 2023, after signing former Bronco kicker Brandon McManus.

The Jaguars claimed him off waivers on August 31, 2022, and waived him on May 25, 2023.

Last season with the Jaguars, he showcased his remarkable accuracy and consistency as a kicker converting 33 out of 38 field goal attempts.

His aptitude also extended to long-range kicks, with an impressive 2-of-3 success rate from distances of 50 yards or more.

Let’s get to know this prolific 25 -year-old kicker even more.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Early Life

Riley Patterson was born to Kevin and Tracy Patterson on September 7, 1999, in Edwardsville, Illinois.

He grew up with his only sibling, a sister named Maddi. Maddi completed high school in 2014 and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2018.

Maddi, who goes by the username @maddipatti15 on Instagram, is engaged to Austin Abegg. 

As a kid, Riley showed keen interest and passion for multiple sports, including basketball and soccer.

As a youngster, he found joy and excitement in the fast-paced nature of soccer, honing his skills on the field and embracing the camaraderie of team play.

Interestingly enough, Riley is a second cousin of Bill’s defensive end A.J. Epesesa.

Education

Riley played high school football at Edwardsville High School. After completing his high school education, he committed to the University of Memphis on August 17, 2016, and played for the Memphis Tigers football team.

At Memphis, he played 41 games scoring 351 points.

His dedication to the sport earned him a spot in the 2021 Senior Bowl. During this event, he seized the opportunity to showcase his exception-kicking abilities.

He graduated from Memphis on May 13, 2021.

Career

After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Riley signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in May 2021 but was later waived due to injury.

After that, he joined the New England Patriots practice squad before being signed by the Detroit Lions in November 2021.

He made an NFL debut as part of the Lions against the Chicago Bears, scoring two extra points, and made significant contributions, including his first field goal.

His standout performance in Week 15 earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. On August 30, 2022, Lions released Patterson, and he was claimed off waivers by the Jaguars.

He continued to shine, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 16 and securing a game-winning field goal in the playoffs. Nevertheless, on May 25, 2023, Jaguars waived him.

The Lions announced on 26 May 2023 that they had agreed to terms with Riley Patterson via trade in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick. Additional trade terms were not disclosed.

Engagement & Marriage

Riley Patterson married his long-time girlfriend Claire Patterson (formerly Ebert) on April 15, 2022, solidifying their seven-year relationship as school sweethearts.

Their enthralling love story has been exquisitely captured in their relationship timeline, which includes cherished moments like their first dance together on April 25, 2015, and numerous shared experiences attending events and games.

Their engagement video exudes their anticipation and eagerness as they prepare to walk down the aisle.

As a pair, they envision a future filled with lasting companionship, the joys of parenthood, and the comfort of a home they can call their own.

While details about Claire are limited, her social media presence, particularly Twitter, offers glimpses into their lives together.

Although her recent activity on social media has been relatively quiet, she often shares heartfelt posts about her partner and family, emphasizing their deep bond.

Riley Patterson Contracts & Net Worth

As of December 2024, Riley Patterson is estimated to have a net worth of around $500,000. His net worth can be solely attributed to his football earnings.

According to Spotrac, his total career earning sits at $1,175,128, with $1,170,128 coming from salaries and $5,000 from a signing bonus.

In 2021, he signed a 1 year, $36,800 contract with the Patriots, including an average annual salary of $36,800.

After getting released by the Patriots, he signed a two-year, $20,000 contract with the Vikings, including an average annual salary of $10,000.

The same year in November, Patterson signed a one-year, $660,000 contract with the Lions, including an average annual salary of $660,000.

According to NBC Sports, he was the lowest-paid kicker on the team, with a one-year deal worth $660,000. 

Among 44 kickers in the books across 32 teams, the team had both of the lowest-paid kickers, with the next being Austin Seibert.

Since his career is just starting, we can expect the 25-year-old to do better financially as his career progresses.

Recent Waive

In a surprising move, the Jaguars opted to replace Patterson and signed experienced kicker Brandon McManus on May 25, 2023.

Patterson was claimed off waivers by the Jaguars before the start of the 2022 season and quickly proved himself as a reliable asset to the team.

Despite his longest successful kick measuring 53 yards, Riley showcased impressive accuracy by converting 43 out of 49 field goal attempts (85.7 percent) and 36 out of 37 extra point tries (97.3 percent).

Notably, he demonstrated his clutch ability in January by nailing a crucial 36-yard field goal against the Chargers, contributing to a historic comeback for the team.

Despite his accomplishments, the team decided to bring in veteran kicker McManus, indicating their desire for a seasoned presence in the kicking game.

Interesting Facts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)