This honor well received by Brown

Brown returns for halftime ceremony

FOXBOROUGH - Troy Brown didn't consult the schedule when the Patriots asked him when he'd like to be honored for his 15-year career in New England. So imagine his surprise when he realized he picked a matchup against the New York Jets - the rival he briefly flirted with before retiring in late September.

"What a coincidence," Brown said with a sly smile before last night's game.

"I'm sure I'll be looking out there like, 'Man, I could have been wearing that green and white again, just like in college.' But I'm satisfied with my career, it was a great run. If I ever feel that itch to come back again, the only person I'd be calling is Bill Belichick. These are the only colors I'll ever wear."

Troy Brown Night at Gillette Stadium, which culminated with a halftime ceremony, was meant to close the door on his career. But Brown left the tiniest of windows open should Belichick ring his cellphone to say more than hello.

"If [Belichick] ever needs me to come in there . . .," said the 37-year-old Brown with a smile. "I don't know what I'd be, 42 years old, or 44, trying to jam someone for an interception or maybe catch a pass. But he knows I'd give him 120 percent."

Drafted out of Marshall in the eighth round (198th overall) in 1993, Brown caught 557 passes (tops in team history) for 6,366 yards (second only to Stanley Morgan's 10,352). A skilled return man, a position he thrived at during his early years, Brown later lent his versatility on defense, serving as a defensive back for the injury-depleted secondary in the 2004 season.

Looking at the way the 2008 Patriots have overcome injuries, Brown takes pride in laying a foundation for versatility and sacrifice.

"That's typical Patriot football," Brown said. "I'm used to seeing that. I'm used to being on the field, being a guy they can plug in and fill in. I watch them and I'm thinking about being one of those guys. We set the foundation for what this football team is about today. Guys like [Tedy] Bruschi and [Mike] Vrabel.

"We set the example of what it takes to be not just a New England Patriots football player, but what it means to be a champion."

Brown played in five Super Bowls, winning three (2001, 2003, 2004).

A collage from his career appeared on the cover of the team's Gameday program and Brown wrote a letter thanking the fans for making him feel at home.

"Through the bad times and good times and great times, they were there for me," said Brown. "I want to let them know how much it means for me to be here and share this moment with them; to close out what I think has been a pretty darn good career. Hopefully, I won't screw it up."