Former New England Patriots Super Bowl champion Matt Stevens has died at the age of 51, the team announced on Thursday. Stevens was a third-round pick by

Former NFL player and Appalachian State safety Matt Stevens died March 20 at the age of 51. Early in his football career, Stevens started out as a two-time All-American at Appalachian State, helping his team reach the Southern Conference Championship in 1995.

The New England Patriots have +8000 odds to win the Super Bowl, 23rd-ranked in the league as of March 18. Learn more about the New England Patriots on Fox Sports. Last year the Patriots finished 4-13 and did not qualify for the playoffs.