Former Colts, Ball State player killed in Florida shooting

Former Indianapolis Colts and Ball State University player Eric Patterson was shot to death Saturday in Florida, the Tampa Police Department said.

Patterson, 26, was killed about 5 a.m. in a home in Tampa, Tampa Police spokesman Eddy Durkin said.

According to a Tampa police report, a roommate woke about 5 a.m. to the sounds of a commotion in the house. The roommate went into a living room and saw an unknown suspect fleeing and Patterson on his back. Patterson died at an area hospital.

Robert Weiner, Patterson's former coach at Plant High School in Tampa, expressed condolences in a post on Twitter Sunday.

"Sad, heartbreaking time for our Plant Panthers Football Family," Weiner said. "Eric Patterson will always be a loved Panther. We mourn his passing. Our prayers embrace his family."

Patterson played college football at Ball State followed by a short NFL career in 2015-16. He played corner back for the Colts from August to September 2015.

Ball State coaches, past and present, have offered condolences on Twitter.

Patterson played in 41 games for Ball State, 28 as a starter. 

Call IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at 317-444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @VicRyc.