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Triumph Over Tragedy
Despite the misfortunes of his childhood, David Patterson survived what he knows was meant to be
Oct. 28, 2006
Danielle Warner
Nine months in David Patterson's life felt like a lifetime. In a span from March to December of 1991, Patterson felt a flurry of emotions and demonstrated a range of traits that allowed him to conquer some of life's harshest realities. In the end, a belief that for all the tragedy that happens good will prevail, forged Patterson through even the darkest moments. His four years at Ohio State, which will conclude with a memorable football career as a three-year starter at defensive tackle and a degree in integrated social studies, is proof of that.
SADNESS
When David was just 6 years old, he and his family were enveloped in a wave of grief. However, Patterson triumphed over the first of two misfortunes that could have shaken the will and reserve of anyone so young.
On the evening of March 29, 1991, good-nights were said and thoughts of the past day gave way to dreams of the night. What could possibly happen in the middle of the night that could change someone's life in a flash? For David and his family, the unthinkable occurred when David Patterson Sr. did not wake up the following morning. David Sr. had suffered a massive heart attack and died in his sleep.
SELFLESSNESS
It all started with the piggy bank. Patterson was the first grandchild on his mother's side of the family and the first in 15 years on his father's side, so his family constantly showered him with gifts and money, which he saved at the urging of his mother, Leesa.
"David had this big piggy bank in his room," Leesa said. "Sometimes he would get a spanking for playing with the piggy bank. He would ask me why he couldn't play with it and I would tell him he had to save it for an emergency."
On the evening of the day David Sr., died, Patterson went to his mother and walked her to his bedroom. The 6-year-old shut the door and handed his mother his piggy bank and said, "Mommy, this is an emergency and I am going to take care of you."
From that day, Patterson took over as man of the house, looking out for his mother and his younger sister, Devin.
"David was a nurturing person, who just assumed responsibility," Leesa said. "He always considered how I felt. If I was tired, he wanted to know how he could help. He never gave me trouble. He was my little man."
STEADFASTNESS
Tragedy struck again for the Patterson family when Leesa received a phone call on New Year's Eve in 1991 while she, David and Devin were attending church. As the trio was welcoming the new year, their Warrensville, Ohio, home was on fire. All their belongings were destroyed.
"We really did lose everything that year," Leesa said. "In that fire, we lost every material thing. All we had was what was on our backs."
GRATEFULNESS
The Pattersons moved in with David's grandmother, Thelma Burnett, and received paramount assistance from the Warrensville neighborhood, as well as their church. For the children, nearly every toy that was lost in the blaze was replaced. From Nintendos to clothes, David and Devin received all the essentials.
"It was a rough time for my mom and it was a rough time for my sister and me," Patterson said. "But my grandma was there for us and all the people at our church were there for us. That is why I am really grateful for those people being there for me and giving me everything I needed. Anything I ever needed, they were there."
The aid David received included car rides to flag football practices and games from those within the church. Leesa had to work long hours, working two jobs, so she relied heavily on others to get her son to and from his many events that not only included football, but baseball, as well.
AWARENESS
When Patterson was in junior high school he began attending the Ohio State football camps and it was then he thought maybe he could play the sport that has taken him from the flag version to the hard-hitting edition at Ohio State. However, in order to realize this dream, Patterson needed the support of the one person, who as a single mother, always provided him with the belief things always work out in the end.
With a hectic work schedule, Leesa was forced to miss David's first football game as a ninth-grader at Warrensville Heights High School to the dismay of David.
"I told David he had to understand I had to work two jobs when I missed that game," Leesa said. "But David told me afterward, `Mom, you have to be there, I can do without things, but I need you. You have to be there.' Since then I have not missed a game."
Leesa nearly was absent from David's second game though. Nevertheless, she found an alternative way to enter the stands to watch her only son play the game he loved. Leaving her second job, Leesa was late to the game and was told she could not pass through the closed gates. Determined not to let David down and miss a second game, Leesa found a police officer and had him escort her into the stands.
"I told them to either let me in or send my son out because I was not going to miss another game," Leesa said.
To this day, Leesa is David's leading cheerleader, cheering, not only her son, but all her other "sons" wearing the scarlet and gray. All the parents and family who gather in the stands on Saturdays in the fall admire her relentless spirit.
"My mom is my biggest fan," Patterson said. "When she is at a game, she is going crazy. She always gets shirts made with my name and my number and if I am anywhere with my grandma, she will not hesitate to tell anyone I'm her grandson."
"It is out of my control David's dad can't be there for him," Leesa said. "All I have to give is my love and attention to David and Devin and I believe that has made the difference."
PURPOSEFULNESS
Patterson continues to bear the responsibility of taking interest in those closest to him as a senior captain this season. As a leader, he is invested in the younger members of the team and once he exits the tight circle that makes up the OSU football team, he wants those he has helped mentor realize their potential and believe in it.
"Being a leader is just a role I came into," Patterson said. "If there is something that needs to be said, I just say it. I usually don't plan on being a vocal leader, but that is just my personality. I like to try to motivate guys. I try to take it upon myself to try to get guys going."
It comes naturally for the defensive tackle to separate the opposite identities of work and play. The Patterson who fans and reporters see making defensive stops is a polar opposite of what someone would see away from the field.
"Off the field, I am pretty laid back and pretty silly," Patterson said. "I talk a lot and joke around, but on the field, it's all business. Even at practice I'm serious. People look at me and wonder how I can be that way. It is something I just learned to do - separate my work from play. Even in the classroom, I'm serious. I know I have to be focused out there because the younger guys follow my lead and if I'm out there not focused and joking around, they will think they can joke around."
During preseason camp, each senior has to give a speech to their teammates and Patterson, who has endured plenty of life's experiences, offered one token of advice to his teammates.
"I talked about how faith and belief in yourself is fundamental," Patterson said. "Growing up, at first, I didn't know if I was good enough to play for Ohio State, but my mom told me to just believe in myself and that is important for anybody. You have to have faith and belief in yourself and your goals.
"I also talked about my heroes, my mother, grandmother, my little sister. My sister had to sacrifice a lot. When you have a brother who plays for Ohio State, sometimes it may seem like its all about me, but it really isn't. They are all amazing women."
HAPPINESS
Laugh until you cry or laughing to delay crying, laughter usually represents emotions that convey happiness or excitement, but sometimes it is a simple tool that allows the mind to overcome some of the most tragic turns in life. Patterson's cheerful disposition is without a doubt one of his most well-known characteristics and throughout his young life, he has used humor as a mechanism to conquer some harsh realities.
"David is a comedian. He is hilarious," Leesa said. "He loves to be the center of attention. I remember one Christmas all of the kids from around the neighborhood gathered around the house and played games and just when everyone would start falling asleep, David would make some joke or comment and get the house going again."
PEACEFULNESS
It has been 15 years since Patterson endured more than what many people will experience in a lifetime. However, the trials of Patterson's childhood certainly do not define who he is because there were an abundance of people who stepped in and played a role in helping him not accept defeat. From a single mother, who repeatedly let Patterson know he was capable of any and everything to neighbors and the church community, who provided the little things, Patterson is grateful for it all because in the end he knows it was meant to be.
Triumph Over Tragedy
Despite the misfortunes of his childhood, David Patterson survived what he knows was meant to be
Danielle Warner
Nine months in David Patterson's life felt like a lifetime. In a span from March to December of 1991, Patterson felt a flurry of emotions and demonstrated a range of traits that allowed him to conquer some of life's harshest realities. In the end, a belief that for all the tragedy that happens good will prevail, forged Patterson through even the darkest moments. His four years at Ohio State, which will conclude with a memorable football career as a three-year starter at defensive tackle and a degree in integrated social studies, is proof of that.
SADNESS
When David was just 6 years old, he and his family were enveloped in a wave of grief. However, Patterson triumphed over the first of two misfortunes that could have shaken the will and reserve of anyone so young.
On the evening of March 29, 1991, good-nights were said and thoughts of the past day gave way to dreams of the night. What could possibly happen in the middle of the night that could change someone's life in a flash? For David and his family, the unthinkable occurred when David Patterson Sr. did not wake up the following morning. David Sr. had suffered a massive heart attack and died in his sleep.
SELFLESSNESS
It all started with the piggy bank. Patterson was the first grandchild on his mother's side of the family and the first in 15 years on his father's side, so his family constantly showered him with gifts and money, which he saved at the urging of his mother, Leesa.
"David had this big piggy bank in his room," Leesa said. "Sometimes he would get a spanking for playing with the piggy bank. He would ask me why he couldn't play with it and I would tell him he had to save it for an emergency."
On the evening of the day David Sr., died, Patterson went to his mother and walked her to his bedroom. The 6-year-old shut the door and handed his mother his piggy bank and said, "Mommy, this is an emergency and I am going to take care of you."
From that day, Patterson took over as man of the house, looking out for his mother and his younger sister, Devin.
"David was a nurturing person, who just assumed responsibility," Leesa said. "He always considered how I felt. If I was tired, he wanted to know how he could help. He never gave me trouble. He was my little man."
STEADFASTNESS
Tragedy struck again for the Patterson family when Leesa received a phone call on New Year's Eve in 1991 while she, David and Devin were attending church. As the trio was welcoming the new year, their Warrensville, Ohio, home was on fire. All their belongings were destroyed.
"We really did lose everything that year," Leesa said. "In that fire, we lost every material thing. All we had was what was on our backs."
GRATEFULNESS
The Pattersons moved in with David's grandmother, Thelma Burnett, and received paramount assistance from the Warrensville neighborhood, as well as their church. For the children, nearly every toy that was lost in the blaze was replaced. From Nintendos to clothes, David and Devin received all the essentials.
"It was a rough time for my mom and it was a rough time for my sister and me," Patterson said. "But my grandma was there for us and all the people at our church were there for us. That is why I am really grateful for those people being there for me and giving me everything I needed. Anything I ever needed, they were there."
The aid David received included car rides to flag football practices and games from those within the church. Leesa had to work long hours, working two jobs, so she relied heavily on others to get her son to and from his many events that not only included football, but baseball, as well.
AWARENESS
When Patterson was in junior high school he began attending the Ohio State football camps and it was then he thought maybe he could play the sport that has taken him from the flag version to the hard-hitting edition at Ohio State. However, in order to realize this dream, Patterson needed the support of the one person, who as a single mother, always provided him with the belief things always work out in the end.
With a hectic work schedule, Leesa was forced to miss David's first football game as a ninth-grader at Warrensville Heights High School to the dismay of David.
"I told David he had to understand I had to work two jobs when I missed that game," Leesa said. "But David told me afterward, `Mom, you have to be there, I can do without things, but I need you. You have to be there.' Since then I have not missed a game."
Leesa nearly was absent from David's second game though. Nevertheless, she found an alternative way to enter the stands to watch her only son play the game he loved. Leaving her second job, Leesa was late to the game and was told she could not pass through the closed gates. Determined not to let David down and miss a second game, Leesa found a police officer and had him escort her into the stands.
"I told them to either let me in or send my son out because I was not going to miss another game," Leesa said.
To this day, Leesa is David's leading cheerleader, cheering, not only her son, but all her other "sons" wearing the scarlet and gray. All the parents and family who gather in the stands on Saturdays in the fall admire her relentless spirit.
"My mom is my biggest fan," Patterson said. "When she is at a game, she is going crazy. She always gets shirts made with my name and my number and if I am anywhere with my grandma, she will not hesitate to tell anyone I'm her grandson."
"It is out of my control David's dad can't be there for him," Leesa said. "All I have to give is my love and attention to David and Devin and I believe that has made the difference."
PURPOSEFULNESS
Patterson continues to bear the responsibility of taking interest in those closest to him as a senior captain this season. As a leader, he is invested in the younger members of the team and once he exits the tight circle that makes up the OSU football team, he wants those he has helped mentor realize their potential and believe in it.
"Being a leader is just a role I came into," Patterson said. "If there is something that needs to be said, I just say it. I usually don't plan on being a vocal leader, but that is just my personality. I like to try to motivate guys. I try to take it upon myself to try to get guys going."
It comes naturally for the defensive tackle to separate the opposite identities of work and play. The Patterson who fans and reporters see making defensive stops is a polar opposite of what someone would see away from the field.
"Off the field, I am pretty laid back and pretty silly," Patterson said. "I talk a lot and joke around, but on the field, it's all business. Even at practice I'm serious. People look at me and wonder how I can be that way. It is something I just learned to do - separate my work from play. Even in the classroom, I'm serious. I know I have to be focused out there because the younger guys follow my lead and if I'm out there not focused and joking around, they will think they can joke around."
During preseason camp, each senior has to give a speech to their teammates and Patterson, who has endured plenty of life's experiences, offered one token of advice to his teammates.
"I talked about how faith and belief in yourself is fundamental," Patterson said. "Growing up, at first, I didn't know if I was good enough to play for Ohio State, but my mom told me to just believe in myself and that is important for anybody. You have to have faith and belief in yourself and your goals.
"I also talked about my heroes, my mother, grandmother, my little sister. My sister had to sacrifice a lot. When you have a brother who plays for Ohio State, sometimes it may seem like its all about me, but it really isn't. They are all amazing women."
HAPPINESS
Laugh until you cry or laughing to delay crying, laughter usually represents emotions that convey happiness or excitement, but sometimes it is a simple tool that allows the mind to overcome some of the most tragic turns in life. Patterson's cheerful disposition is without a doubt one of his most well-known characteristics and throughout his young life, he has used humor as a mechanism to conquer some harsh realities.
"David is a comedian. He is hilarious," Leesa said. "He loves to be the center of attention. I remember one Christmas all of the kids from around the neighborhood gathered around the house and played games and just when everyone would start falling asleep, David would make some joke or comment and get the house going again."
PEACEFULNESS
It has been 15 years since Patterson endured more than what many people will experience in a lifetime. However, the trials of Patterson's childhood certainly do not define who he is because there were an abundance of people who stepped in and played a role in helping him not accept defeat. From a single mother, who repeatedly let Patterson know he was capable of any and everything to neighbors and the church community, who provided the little things, Patterson is grateful for it all because in the end he knows it was meant to be.
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Patterson takes a page out of Porter's playbook...
OSU Picture Archivehttp://jwinslow.fotki.com/photos/football/college/players/97_david_patterson/
Ohio State defenders David Patterson, James Laurinaitis and Joel Penton meet to stop Minnesota running back Amir Pinnix in the first quarter. (Jason J. Molyet, NNCO)
OSU Picture Archivehttp://jwinslow.fotki.com/photos/football/college/players/97_david_patterson/
Ohio State defenders David Patterson, James Laurinaitis and Joel Penton meet to stop Minnesota running back Amir Pinnix in the first quarter. (Jason J. Molyet, NNCO)
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OZone
Football
Patterson Buckeyes Leading Chucker
By John Porentas
Troy Smith has nothing on David Patterson.
Smith is OSU's Wolverine Killer, and while he has done damage to the Wolverine cause with his feet, it is his arm that has been the real problem for Michigan. Smith chucked a pass to Anthony Gonzalez late in the game last season to turn the tide in the game. His passing numbers in two starts vs. the Wolverines are remarkable. In 2004 he completed 13-of-23 for 241 yards and a touchdown. In 2005, he went 27-for-37 for 300 yards and a score. Smith has chucked the football impressively, but he's an upstart when compared to Patterson when it comes to heaving.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jay Richardson[/FONT]
"Dave probably won't tell you this, but he gets real nervous before games," began OSU defensive end Jay Richardson.
Patterson's nervousness manifests itself in the same way before every game.
"He has a history of throwing up, which early on it was kind of disgusting to me," laughed Richardson.
"David Patterson, he just gets so nervous before the games. I don?t know if it?s acid reflux or what it is, but he throws up before every game. Almost goes into convulsions," agreed defensive back Brandon Mitchell.
"We actually had a conversation about this last night about the dinner table here. If he played quarterback, we?d lose every game because he?s so nervous before the game. I don?t know what?s going on with him.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Brandon Mitchell[/FONT]
"His freshman year, when he went into the game he threw up on the ball," laughed Mitchell.
"I didn?t know what to expect. But now we?ve kind of gotten used to it so we know every week, Dave?s going to throw up."
Patterson's chucking has become a team tradition.
"If it doesn?t happen, we?re like hold on, Dave didn?t throw up. We must not be ready to play yet," said Mitchell.
"He?s loud with it, too. He?s gagging and everything. It?s bad. It?s really bad. But you get used to it. We?ve played together about 40 games now, so we?ve gotten used to it," Mitchell said.
"Every time he throws up now I like it because it kind of gets me pumped up a little bit. If Dave doesn't throw up before this game, Dave has a problem," added Richardson.
Patterson has no explanation for the behavior, but agrees his teammates have latched onto his problem as a team tradition.
"Since high school I get really nervous before games," Patterson said.
"At first it was weirding some guys out, but now they kind of like it for some reason. It kind of gets them pumped up. I?m not really sure what that?s about," said Patterson.
Patterson says the Buckeyes can count on him to perform this weekend.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]David Patterson[/FONT]
"I will be pretty anxious for this game, the butterflies will come like they always do. It?s something I?ve learned to deal with. Sometimes I don?t think I?m ready to go unless I get nervous," said Patterson.
And when he gets nervous, he heads for the stall. With a big game like the one coming up on Saturday, you can count on him being there before kickoff.
"I?m sure it might be. I guess it?s just a mental thing," said Patterson.
"It?s not a purpose thing, I don?t plan to throw up. A lot of times I try to hold it down, but I just can?t. I?m pretty sure with a game like this, as it gets closer and closer to gametime my stomach will start turning and turning even more," said Patterson.
His teammates will be waiting, because until he does, they won't be quite sure they're ready to take the field. Patterson says that if that is his role, he's ready for the challenge, particularly for his linemate Richardson
"If it starts to come up, I?ll let it out for Jay," said Patterson.
Football
Patterson Buckeyes Leading Chucker
By John Porentas
Troy Smith has nothing on David Patterson.
Smith is OSU's Wolverine Killer, and while he has done damage to the Wolverine cause with his feet, it is his arm that has been the real problem for Michigan. Smith chucked a pass to Anthony Gonzalez late in the game last season to turn the tide in the game. His passing numbers in two starts vs. the Wolverines are remarkable. In 2004 he completed 13-of-23 for 241 yards and a touchdown. In 2005, he went 27-for-37 for 300 yards and a score. Smith has chucked the football impressively, but he's an upstart when compared to Patterson when it comes to heaving.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jay Richardson[/FONT]
Patterson's nervousness manifests itself in the same way before every game.
"He has a history of throwing up, which early on it was kind of disgusting to me," laughed Richardson.
"David Patterson, he just gets so nervous before the games. I don?t know if it?s acid reflux or what it is, but he throws up before every game. Almost goes into convulsions," agreed defensive back Brandon Mitchell.
"We actually had a conversation about this last night about the dinner table here. If he played quarterback, we?d lose every game because he?s so nervous before the game. I don?t know what?s going on with him.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Brandon Mitchell[/FONT]
"I didn?t know what to expect. But now we?ve kind of gotten used to it so we know every week, Dave?s going to throw up."
Patterson's chucking has become a team tradition.
"If it doesn?t happen, we?re like hold on, Dave didn?t throw up. We must not be ready to play yet," said Mitchell.
"He?s loud with it, too. He?s gagging and everything. It?s bad. It?s really bad. But you get used to it. We?ve played together about 40 games now, so we?ve gotten used to it," Mitchell said.
"Every time he throws up now I like it because it kind of gets me pumped up a little bit. If Dave doesn't throw up before this game, Dave has a problem," added Richardson.
Patterson has no explanation for the behavior, but agrees his teammates have latched onto his problem as a team tradition.
"Since high school I get really nervous before games," Patterson said.
"At first it was weirding some guys out, but now they kind of like it for some reason. It kind of gets them pumped up. I?m not really sure what that?s about," said Patterson.
Patterson says the Buckeyes can count on him to perform this weekend.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]David Patterson[/FONT]
And when he gets nervous, he heads for the stall. With a big game like the one coming up on Saturday, you can count on him being there before kickoff.
"I?m sure it might be. I guess it?s just a mental thing," said Patterson.
"It?s not a purpose thing, I don?t plan to throw up. A lot of times I try to hold it down, but I just can?t. I?m pretty sure with a game like this, as it gets closer and closer to gametime my stomach will start turning and turning even more," said Patterson.
His teammates will be waiting, because until he does, they won't be quite sure they're ready to take the field. Patterson says that if that is his role, he's ready for the challenge, particularly for his linemate Richardson
"If it starts to come up, I?ll let it out for Jay," said Patterson.
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sportsline
D-line duo of Patterson, Pitcock a force for Buckeyes
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Back in August it seemed a long shot that Ohio State would have a quality defense; the Buckeyes had two returning starters surrounded by nine gaping holes.
Luckily, those two players -- tackles David Patterson and Quinn Pitcock -- were the right duo to lead a young and talented Buckeyes defense to the top.
Continued ...
D-line duo of Patterson, Pitcock a force for Buckeyes
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Back in August it seemed a long shot that Ohio State would have a quality defense; the Buckeyes had two returning starters surrounded by nine gaping holes.
Luckily, those two players -- tackles David Patterson and Quinn Pitcock -- were the right duo to lead a young and talented Buckeyes defense to the top.
Continued ...
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NFL Draft Countdown.com
David Patterson Scouting Report. Scott Wright has him as a 2 star Mid-rounder.
David Patterson Scouting Report. Scott Wright has him as a 2 star Mid-rounder.
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CriticalSteve
All-American
Senior Bowl weight-in:
David Patterson 6017 274 32 10 1/8 Sloppy and soft.
http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=145&p=2&c=611926
David Patterson 6017 274 32 10 1/8 Sloppy and soft.
http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=145&p=2&c=611926
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DDN
OSU's Patterson boosts his stock
Strong play could help defensive tackle be an early-round draft pick.
By Carlos Holmes
Contributing Writer
Thursday, January 25, 2007
MOBILE, Ala. ? Practice week for this year's Senior Bowl is moving rapidly as we head into Day 4, but on Day 3 we saw another Buckeye player emerge and perhaps elevate his NFL draft status.
For two days, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith was the talk at the Senior Bowl, but teammate and defensive tackle David Patterson is quietly creating a buzz of his own among NFL scouts.
OSU's Patterson boosts his stock
Strong play could help defensive tackle be an early-round draft pick.
By Carlos Holmes
Click-2-ListenContributing Writer
Thursday, January 25, 2007
MOBILE, Ala. ? Practice week for this year's Senior Bowl is moving rapidly as we head into Day 4, but on Day 3 we saw another Buckeye player emerge and perhaps elevate his NFL draft status.
For two days, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith was the talk at the Senior Bowl, but teammate and defensive tackle David Patterson is quietly creating a buzz of his own among NFL scouts.
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OSU Picture Archive
Texas-El Paso's Jordan Palmer (5), of the South team, is sacked by Ohio State's David Patterson (97), of the North team, during the second half of the Senior Bowl football game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, in Mobile, Ala. The North won 27-0. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Texas-El Paso's Jordan Palmer (5), of the South team, is sacked by Ohio State's David Patterson (97), of the North team, during the second half of the Senior Bowl football game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, in Mobile, Ala. The North won 27-0. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
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