Patton was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up playing little league football for the UNA Bears. From there, he went on to play football and baseball at Stratford High School, before later transferring to La Vergne High School in La Vergne, Tennessee, and playing high school football for the La Vergne Wolverines. He came out of high school as a 3-star recruit according to Rivals.com and was committed to Louisiana Tech University.
Patton was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round, with the 128th overall pick, of the 2013 NFL draft.[5] So excited by his new team that he flew at once to San Francisco, Patton was warned away from the 49ers training camp lest the organization receive a fine for his early presence, which would have been a violation of NFL league rules. Nevertheless, Patton's action rebounded in his favor when Coach Jim Harbaugh took favorable notice of Patton's enthusiasm.[6]
Patton started the season as a backup to the 49ers' No. 3 receiver, Mario Manningham. Having suffered a foot fracture that sidelined him after the fourth game of the season, Patton sat out virtually all of his rookie year with the 49ers and had one reception for zero yards prior to the final regular season game against the Arizona Cardinals.
However, Patton made a substantial impact in the Arizona game, most notably by catching a 29-yard sideline pass on the final drive of the game, which enabled the 49ers' winning field goal. Patton also sprinted for 26 yards on the first 49er series in the contest as well as throwing an important block later in the first quarter that helped create a long reception by fellow receiver Anquan Boldin.[6][7] Coach Harbaugh praised Patton's comeback from his injury and stated he was "excited" by Patton's progress. The 49ers had been limited by the lack of a full complement of receiving options during most of the 2013 season.[8]
Patton had no receptions in his first NFL playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, but made a notable 23-yard reception against the Carolina Panthers in his second post season experience, for the game's initial first down.[9]
2014 season
Patton played in only four games throughout the 2014 season. In the regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, he caught a very critical pass for a 35-yard reception as the 49ers won by a score of 20–17.
2015 season
On October 18, 2015, Patton caught his first NFL touchdown from Colin Kaepernick in the 49ers' 25–20 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
2016 season
Patton started all 14 games he played in registering 37 catches for 408 yards. He was placed on injured reserve on December 20, 2016.[10]
New York Jets
On March 23, 2017, Patton signed with the New York Jets.[11] On June 5, 2017, Patton was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury, and was later released with an injury settlement.[12][13]
