The former financial manager is alleged to have taken more than $22m from the franchise through its virtual credit card program.
He pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in an illegal monetary transaction.
As part of his plea agreement, he will forfeit property and assets funded with the money he admitted to stealing from the Jacksonville Jaguars between 2019 and 2023. He also will be required to provide restitution to the team.
He could face up to 30 years in prison but after pleading guilty may receive a lighter penalty.
Patel said in court he is undergoing weekly treatment for a gambling addiction.
He had been gambling on prominent websites at the Jaguars’ facility, which triggered an NFL investigation. The NFL met with Patel in February and then turned the case over to the FBI. The Jaguars subsequently suspended and eventually fired Patel, who began working for the team in 2018.