FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of former Patriots wide receiver Terry Glenn. Glenn passed away in an auto accident in Texas early Monday morning at the age of 43.

Glenn was drafted by New England seventh overall in the 1996 NFL Draft and went on to a 12-year pro career. In his six seasons with the Patriots (1996-2001), Glenn played in 68 games and recorded 329 receptions for 4,669 yards and 22 touchdowns. He currently ranks eighth in team history in receiving yards and ninth in receptions. 

"We were shocked and deeply saddened by today's news that Terry Glenn died in an auto accident," Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said. "Terry was one of the most gifted receivers we have ever had. For so many Patriots fans, his rookie season will be remembered as one of the most impactful in franchise history. After a disappointing 6-10 finish in 1995, we drafted Terry seventh overall, and in his first year, he helped propel the Patriots to an AFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance. One of my favorite memories came when we hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional playoff game. It was my first home playoff game as an owner and just the second home playoff game in our history. It will always be remembered for the fog that filled Foxboro Stadium that day. Yet, on the first play from scrimmage, Drew Bledsoe threw a deep pass that disappeared in the fog and reappeared 53 yards downfield in Terry Glenn's hands. We scored on the next play and ended up winning 28-3. Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry's family, his former teammates and friends who mourn his loss."

In his first year with the Patriots, Glenn made an immediate impact on the team, starting 15 games and setting an NFL record for most receptions by a rookie with 90 catches for 1,132 yards and six touchdowns. His contributions that year helped the Patriots earn an 11-5 regular season record, claim their first division title in a decade, achieve their first playoff victory in Foxboro Stadium and advance to Super Bowl XXXI.

Among his accomplishments with the Patriots, Glenn was the team's leading receiver three times in his six seasons - 1996, 1999 and 2000 - and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1999 season. He also caught Tom Brady's first touchdown pass, a 21-yarder in a 29-26 overtime win over the San Diego Chargers in 2001.

Following his time with the Patriots, Glenn played one year in Green Bay (2002) and spent his final five years in the league with the Cowboys (2003-07). In total, Glenn started 127 of 137 games played in his career and recorded 593 receptions for 8,823 yards and 44 touchdowns. 

Born July 23, 1974, in Columbus, Ohio, Glenn played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1993-95, rising from walk-on receiver to a consensus first-team All-American. He was also awarded the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 1995 which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate receiver.