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Former Tennessee Vols standout goes public with his complaint about playing time after NFL playoff loss

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Jan 15, 2025 10:36 AM ET

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson wasn't too happy with the way he was used in the Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens this past weekend.

Patterson, who signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh ahead of the 2024 season after spending the last three years with the Atlanta Falcons, played zero offensive snaps against the Ravens.

The day after the loss, Patterson posted a photo to his Instagram story of a snow shovel with the caption "guess I'll shovel snow since I can't touch the field".

Steelers running back/receiver/returner Cordarrelle Patterson on Instagram: “guess I’ll shovel snow since I can’t touch the field ”

He played zero offensive snaps last night for the first time all season. Has another year on his deal with a $3.75 million cap hit. pic.twitter.com/zNdvwI1sEA
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) January 12, 2025

Patterson, who started his NFL career as a wide receiver but has transitioned to more of a running back role in recent years, finished the 2024 season with 135 rushing yards, 12 receptions, 80 receiving yards, and one touchdown.

The former Vol, who played at Tennessee in 2012, was a first round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. Patterson, a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots in 2018, just wrapped up his 12th season in the NFL

Patterson likely knows the end of his pro career is nearing and he's looking to make the most of the opportunities he has left. The frustration of not playing in a playoff loss is certainly understandable.

We'll see if the Steelers attempt to move on from Patterson this offseason. It might be what's best for both sides after a lackluster ending to the season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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