Rob Patton

During the 1983 and 1984 seasons, Rob Patton has a defensive standout for the Panthers.  A two-year starter at middle linebacker, Patton was the leader of defenses that were instrumental in the Panther’s impressive run of back-to-back DVAL co-championships.  As a senior, Patton was recognized by his teammates as a team captain and named Most Inspirational Player.  His play garnered the respect of the league’s coaches when they named him to the All-DVAL first-team defense.

However, it was after graduation where Patton’s abilities really blossomed.  He was awarded a full ride scholarship to play football at Sacramento State – the first year that the Hornets gave out athletic scholarships.  Patton was a four-year letterman and 3-year starter at middle linebacker. 

In 1988, he was part of a Hornet team that is still considered one of greatest in school history.  The Hornets won a school record (at that time) 10 games, advanced to the NCAA semi-finals and set several team defensive records that still stand today.  That team was inducted into the Sacramento State Football Hall of Fame in 2020.  Individually, Patton peaked in his senior season of 1990. 

His totals for unassisted tackles (74) and total tackles (136) that season still rank as first and third on the all-time Hornet record book – the total tackle record standing for over 25 years.  He was named first-team All-Western Football Conference at middle linebacker.   In addition, he was chosen as the team’s co-MVP and outstanding DB/LB by his teammates.

His individual career accomplishments, as well as his contributions to the 1988 team, led Patton to be inducted into the Sacramento State football Hall-of-Fame in 2020.