The Oklahoma Sooners community was struck with sorrow on Tuesday, April 08, 2025, as news broke of the passing of former quarterback Patrick Fletcher. A beloved figure in Norman, Fletcher’s death was confirmed by JD Runnels, a former teammate, leaving fans and players alike mourning the loss of a true Sooner. From his days as a backup quarterback to his contributions to the 2000 national championship team, Patrick Fletcher’s story is one of resilience, team spirit, and an unwavering love for Oklahoma football. In this tribute, we’ll dive into his life, career, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Patrick Fletcher Oklahoma Obituary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Fletcher |
| Born | Unknown (Active in late 1990s) |
| Died | April 07, 2025 |
| Hometown | Oklahoma, USA |
| Position | Quarterback |
| College | University of Oklahoma (1996-2000) |
| Career Stats | 23/41 passes, 364 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs |
| Notable Achievement | 2000 National Championship (Backup QB) |
| Coach | Bob Stoops |
| Book | Sixteen Red: Living the Dream |
The Life and Times of Patrick Fletcher
Patrick Fletcher wasn’t just another name on the Oklahoma Sooners roster—he was a heartbeat of the team, a player whose presence uplifted everyone around him. Spending three impactful seasons in Norman from 1996 to 2000, Fletcher primarily served as a backup quarterback under the legendary head coach Bob Stoops. While his stats might not scream superstar—23 completions out of 41 attempts for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions—his contribution went far beyond numbers.
Fletcher’s journey with the Sooners began in earnest during the 1998 season, his third year with the program. Stepping onto the field as a backup, he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in that year when he threw three of his four career touchdowns. However, 1998 was a double-edged sword, as it also saw all four of his interceptions. Despite limited playing time, his role as a reliable teammate and leader off the field earned him the admiration of coaches and players alike.
Perhaps the pinnacle of Fletcher’s Oklahoma career came in 2000, when the Sooners clinched the national championship title with a 13-2 victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl. While he didn’t take the starring role—that belonged to starting quarterback Josh Heupel—Fletcher’s presence as a backup was invaluable. His dedication and positivity were cornerstones of the team’s unity, a fact later echoed by Coach Stoops himself.
Beyond football, Fletcher poured his experiences into a book titled Sixteen Red: Living the Dream. Published after his playing days, the memoir offers a firsthand look at his time at Oklahoma from 1996 to 2000, culminating in that championship season. It’s a testament to his passion for the game and his desire to share the lessons he learned with future generations of Sooners fans.
A Coach’s Tribute: Bob Stoops Remembers Patrick Fletcher
The news of Patrick Fletcher’s passing hit hard, especially for those who knew him best. Former head coach Bob Stoops took to X to express his grief, writing, “Heartbreaking news today, we lost Patrick Fletcher last night. An always happy, helpful, full of love, & Sooner through & through. I loved that guy!! Please pray for Diana and the entire Fletcher family. RIP P Fletch.” Accompanied by a nostalgic photo of the two, Stoops’ words painted a picture of a man who embodied the spirit of Oklahoma football.
Stoops’ affection for Fletcher wasn’t new. In a 2013 interview with The Oklahoman, he reminisced about the quarterback’s character: “P-Fletch? Yeah, I loved him, too… Patrick Fletcher, we get there, is a backup quarterback, beautiful kid. Great team guy. We loved him as coaches. Everybody loved him. Team loved him. Backup QB to Josh Heupel.” These sentiments highlight why Fletcher’s loss reverberates so deeply within the Sooners community.
Teammates Reflect: JD Runnels and Beyond
JD Runnels, a former Sooners fullback, was among the first to break the news of Fletcher’s passing. Though he never shared the field with Fletcher, Runnels’ tribute on Twitter spoke volumes: “Man….I was never teammates with Patrick Fletcher, but he always made me feel like I was. He will be missed, the truest Sooner.” This sentiment underscores Fletcher’s ability to connect with people, leaving a lasting impression even on those who came after him.
Across social media and in conversations around Norman, stories of Fletcher’s warmth and camaraderie continue to emerge. He wasn’t just a player; he was a friend, a motivator, and a symbol of what it means to be part of the Oklahoma family. His 28 games with the Sooners may not have made him a household name, but his character ensured he’d never be forgotten.
Patrick Fletcher’s Legacy: More Than Stats
In an era where sports legacies are often measured by yards gained or trophies won, Patrick Fletcher’s story reminds us that true greatness lies in the intangibles. His career stats—364 passing yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions—tell only a fraction of his tale. It’s the love he inspired, the unity he fostered, and the joy he brought to the game that define his legacy.
His book, Sixteen Red: Living the Dream, serves as a lasting gift to fans and aspiring athletes. Through its pages, readers can relive the highs and lows of his Oklahoma tenure, from the struggles of 1998 to the triumph of 2000. It’s a narrative of perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of a dream—values that resonate far beyond the football field.
As the Sooners community mourns, they also celebrate. They celebrate a man who lived his dream, who wore the crimson and cream with pride, and who left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Patrick Fletcher may no longer be with us, but his spirit endures in every chant of “Boomer Sooner” and every memory shared by those who knew him.
FAQ: Patrick Fletcher Oklahoma Obituary
Q: Who was Patrick Fletcher?
A: Patrick Fletcher was a former quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, playing from 1996 to 2000. He was a backup QB during the 2000 national championship season and later authored Sixteen Red: Living the Dream.
Q: When did Patrick Fletcher pass away?
A: Patrick Fletcher reportedly passed away on April 07, 2025, with the news breaking the following day, as confirmed by former teammate JD Runnels.
Q: What were Patrick Fletcher’s career stats at Oklahoma?
A: Over 28 games, Fletcher completed 23 of 41 pass attempts for 364 yards, throwing four touchdowns and four interceptions, with most of his action coming in 1998.
Q: How did Coach Bob Stoops describe Patrick Fletcher?
A: Bob Stoops called Fletcher “always happy, helpful, full of love, & Sooner through & through,” emphasizing his positive impact as a teammate and person.
Q: What is Sixteen Red: Living the Dream about?
A: The book is Patrick Fletcher’s memoir, chronicling his experiences as an Oklahoma Sooner from 1996 to 2000, including the national championship win in 2000.
Q: How can fans honor Patrick Fletcher’s memory?
A: Fans can honor Fletcher by sharing memories, supporting the Sooners, and keeping his family in their thoughts, as requested by Bob Stoops.
A Lasting Inspiration
Patrick Fletcher’s story is one of quiet strength and unshakable spirit. He may not have been the star quarterback under the Friday night lights, but his role in Oklahoma’s history is undeniable. From his contributions to a championship team to the heartfelt tributes from coaches and teammates, Fletcher’s life teaches us that legacy isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you touch along the way. As we bid farewell to this Sooner legend, let’s carry forward his love for the game, his kindness, and his belief in the power of a team united. Rest in peace, P-Fletch—your dream lives on in every Sooner heart.
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