Patton gained All-State honors as a halfback at Flint Southwestern High in 1973 when he broke the city rushing record by running for 253 yards in a game. After attending Ferris State for one year, Patton transferred to Jackson State College where he earned All-American honors before enjoying a professional career in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. With the 49ers, Patton played in the 1981 Super Bowl.
