Troy Brown retires
 During his retirement press conference, Troy Brown got a handshake and hug from Bill Belichick, who said it was a "privilege and an honor" to coach Brown. (Barry Chin / Boston Globe) |
Troy Brown's last route as a Patriot is taking him to retirement.
The popular wide receiver announced this morning that he's ending his playing career after 15 seasons with the New England Patriots during which he set a team record for receptions while building a reputation as one of the most dependable and versatile players in franchise history.
Brown, who played one game last season and remained unsigned this year, made the announcement at a news conference at Gillette Stadium attended by team owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick.
"It's hard to let go," said Brown, who will immediately join Comcast SportsNet as an analyst focusing on the Patriots. "But I know, at the end of the day, I played this game the way it supposed to be played."
Brown, 37, spent his entire career with the Patriots after he was drafted in the eighth round (198th overall) in 1993 out of Marshall. His 557 catches are first in team history and his 6,366 yards receiving are second to Stanley Morgan’s 10,352. Brown, who also filled in at defensive back late in his career and was an outstanding return man in his prime, played in one Pro Bowl, after the 2001 season.
"You can't outrun Father Time, as hard as you try to do it," Brown said. "There comes a time when you say 'I can't keep up the way I used to.' "
Brown was primarily a kickoff and punt returner in his first four seasons, catching a total of 37 passes and never starting a game. But in 1997 he started six games and finished with 41 receptions. He caught 83 passes in 2000, then set a single-season team record in 2001 with 101 catches. Wes Welker broke that last season with 112.
In 2004, when injuries struck the secondary, Brown played in 12 games as a defensive back and intercepted three passes.
“He had some big plays for us on the defensive side of the ball,” Belichick said. “Troy, we have so many great memories of you and all that you’ve done for this organization.”
Belichick, who said it was a "privilege and an honor" to coach Brown, recalled some of the player's greatest highlights, among them:
Belichick spoke in depth and with admiration about Brown's performance against Driver, saying the team has a photo of that play hanging in the walls of Gillette Stadium. He believes the picture epitomizes what Brown was all about as a player.
Kraft, who introduced Brown at the press conference by saying, "I want to welcome Troy Brown back to his home," also noted that the receiver was always "the consummate professional."
"Whenever someone talks about Troy Brown, they talk about what a good human being he is and what a good name he has," Kraft said.
Kraft then revealed that team's game Nov. 13, against the Jets before a nationally televised audience, will be Troy Brown Night. The owner unveiled a poster promoting the occasion.
Brown confirmed he had passed up chances to play for the rival Jets.
"I probably had the opportunity to do it but it just wasn’t the right color. I didn’t think I looked good in green and white," Brown joked, before talking about how much it meant to him to be a lifetime Patriot.
"The only colors you'll ever see on my back are the red, white, and blue of the New England Patriots. I'm proud to say it," he said, his eyes moistening with a few tears.
The Patriots let him become an unrestricted free agent after the 2000, 2005 and 2006 seasons, but re-signed him each time.
Brown began last season on the physically unable to perform list before being activated with five games left. He was inactive for all but one, against Miami in the next-to-last game, and didn’t play in the postseason.
"It's a wonderful ride," Brown said. "I can't think of anything better in life than enjoying a Sunday afternoon playing football. Now I enjoy Sunday afternoons watching football and saying in my head, 'I can make that play.' "
In a particularly emotional moment, Brown’s son, who was crying, asked the final question of the press conference:
“If you love the game so much, why are you retiring?”
Brown looked at his son and said, “I would love to keep playing, but there comes a time when the man upstairs … you can’t outrun God. He tells you you’re 37. Your knee is supposed to be hurting. Your hip is hurting. There are a bunch of 22-year-olds taking your place. There are very few places for guys 37, 38 years old. You just have to move on and craft other goals.
"It’s a sad day for me, too. … Daddy still loves football.”
(Mike Reiss of the Globe staff contributed to this report from Foxborough. Material from the Associated Press was also used.)
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There has no been no classier role model of an athlete in Boston than Troy Brown.
A great player, a hard worker, and a leader. A classic!
God Bless you Troy!!!
cheers, and happy trails, Troy. thanks for all your years of hard work. :)
Troy, you were a lot of fun to watch and you played the game well. Best of luck in your retirement!
The original TB, hope you stick around with us, on the sidelines? in the front office, anything. We miss seeing you on the field, you were the best
james
I hope they put him in the Pats Hall of Fame next year. He gets my vote for sure. Any player who could have still played on a number of teams in this league but chooses to go out as a Patriot is all class. Troy Brown will always be number 80 to me.
Troy Brown, I hope you read this: you da man!
Check this out, on November 27 Celebrities For Charity (CFC) will raffle off Je’Rod Cherry from the Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI ring. It is white gold, has diamonds and many other precious stones. Also, the winner will receive an amount of 16, 265.00 dollars to pay the taxes of the ring. All donations go to CFC. Go and test your luck at www.netraffle.com !!!
Troy, we hardly knew ya... no wait, we did know you, very well in fact. You didn't speak much, except for on the field, where your actions spoke volumes. You were the greatest professional we've ever seen in sports. In a time where free agency, late nights and greed really have taken over sports in general, you stayed true to us. So many catches, so many punt returns and so many (3) interceptions.
Thanks for never leaving us, because honestly it wouldn't have been the same without you. I'd like to think that Tom Brady learned a lot about professionalism from you. The guy could demand all the money in the world and threaten to leave for another team, but maybe it's because how you stayed, you took less money, you wanted to be a New England Patriot forever; maybe that's why he's so classy.
I can't wait to tell my kids about Troy Brown. 20 years from now when we're watching pro football on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and big tall receivers are making normal 14 yards catches just shy of the first down and then getting up and hooting and hollering about how awesome they are, I'll be able to tell stories and show them highlights of Troy Brown... the guy who always ran the right route, knowing just how far that marker was, and would make all the catches, and then get back to huddle, because you were just doing your job.
Thanks for scooping up that blocked kick in the AFC championship game and lateraling to Antwan Harris so he could finish off the play. Unselfishness defined you. Thanks for never giving up even though everyone doubted you. Thanks for helping us win 3 out of 4. Thank you Troy for always being a New England Patriot.
Don't forget about an AFC championship game in Pittsburgh
where Brown almost single-handedly finished off the Steelers.
I remember something like 3 huge plays by him. Think that
they were a punt return TD, a receiving TD and a lateral on
a punt block TD.
Also, don't forget the strip of the SD safety which essentially
won us another AFC championship game, by giving Brady
a second chance after the pick. I'm looking forward to Brown becoming
a Patriots wide-receivers/defensive backs coach. Troy was a huge
part of the Patriots' winning championships---love you, Troy.
love you Troy
One of the Patriots GREATS! He will be missed
Troy Brown. Professional. Nothing else needs to be said. Thanks for the memories #80.
He made many clutch plays but the one that I will always remember was one of his first as a Patriot. It was raining, the field was slick & Coach Parcells needed a first down. Troy Brown was crossing the middle of the field as Drew Bledsoe threw a dart that was a little behind him. As he tried to put the brakes on he slipped & was about to land on his butt when he reached up & caught the ball to sustain the drive. His focus & instinct on that play proved he could play for Parcells & in the NFL. Troy Brown - a consumate pro.
At least one Patriot isn't a cheater!!!
To My All Time Favorite Patriot,
Thanks for all you did on and off the field. You were the perfect Patriot: humble, selfless, a hard worker, and a team player, all attributes that I hope I can provide to my son as an example. There is no doubt you will wear the Red Jacket of the Patriots Hall of Fame soon, but to me you deserve to be in Canton and wear the Yellow Jacket for the way you played the game. A true football player who thought about the team first, made all the clutch catches and plays, and played both offense and defense effectively without complaint. Shouldn't the Hall of Fame be for FOOTBALL PLAYERS? In Troy Brown I see no finer example than what a Football Player should be.
Thanks Troy and New England Loves You!
Troy ranks right up there with Don Bebe of the Bills as men of small size but huge stature who played the game the way we'd like our children to see it played. If the Pats are smart, and we all know they are, Troy will have future employment with the team as part of the coaching staff or front office.
Pound for pound, the best all-around player to put on a Patriots uniform. A real man in a league full of poseurs. We are fortunate to have been able to watch him.
What a class act, there aren't many recievers that you could name that were honorable to one team. Brown was amazing to watch no matter what position he played....his number should go up on the wall!
just two words,
Thank you
Troy Brown, you are a Class Act. The anti-TO.
I'm going home to watch 3 Games to Glory.
The Pittsburg game and the Philly Super Bowl are personal favorites
What can I say that hasn't already been said. Pure CLASS ACT and TEAM player. Thanks for the many memories and championships. We will miss seeing you on the field.
It's an often overlooked fact, but the Pats only recent playoff losses occured when Brown was not a major factor (Denver 05 and Indianapolis 06). He is the pinnacle of the term "Old Reliable." Now only Faulk remains of the old guard of patriots along with Bruschi. Faulk's offensive leadership will be even more crucial now with a young quarterback.
Whenever we really needed a play, Troy came up big...a strip of Marlon McCree, a punt return TD against Pittsburgh, the fake fg and defensive debut against Torry Holt of St. Louis in 04.
But so long Troy, thanks for the memories, you were a pleasure to watch and I'm sure Drew and Tom will agree, there was no better teammate
nice article. I like the way the words all cut off on the right. fancy webpage you got here
Thank you Troy. God bless you.. Thank you for everything. Thank You
Troy's strip of the interception in the AFC Championship game in S.D. was the single best play(a game winning play) that I have EVER seen.That poor d.b. still doesn't know what happened.
I wear my #80 jersey proudly. Troy will go down in history as one of the Patriots most valuable, versatile, and humble players. We love you Troy!
Ever since football became part of my world and the New England Patriots part of my life their has never been a more familiar, true, and one with more respect about this game and this team other than you, Troy Brown. Sports can be just for fame. The game can be strictly money, but ultimately the game is passion. Passion never left your heart, and your memory will never leave ours. Do what it do Brown~ take care of you..
Love you Troy. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!!! God bless.
Troy Brown living proof that hard work and personal integrity still matter.
I wish the bozo's on wall street could understand that.
Thank you for all of the great memories and great plays. Like another famous #80 you let your game do your talking and kept your private life just that private. In a time when many athletes abuse there celebrity you kept yours in check. As my son grows up and looks for role models I hope he looks to you and the example you set. Good luck in all future undertakings.
Troy, You always did have Bingo. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Wow, Troy Brown is one of the all-time greats! I'll sure miss seeing him on Sundays.
Thanks for all the great memories!
Troy is the definition of professionallism, in any line of work. Always put others in front of him self, with an undying willingness to perform at the highest level no matter what task he was charged with. Inside of sports I hope that younger players will be able to take a look at this remarkable man and learn how to play the game the "right way" outside of sports we could all take a lesson on how to carry ourselves and what Character truly means.
You will not be missed because you will be with every football fan forever... not just one of the greatest Patriots... but one of the best ever. His contributions will always be in our minds and hearts.
Good luck on all of your future endevours, what ever you decide to do, we all know that you will be beyond successful.
Thank you Troy Brown from Patriot fans and football fans around the world (maybe even Jet fans)
God bless #80!!!
It's because of people like Troy that I will always be from Boston in my (sports) heart, no matter how many years I've lived in New York City.
Tis a sad day in NFL Football,..Troy Brown, the consummate professional football player, has retired. Thank you, so much,Troy, for your undying dedication and service to the NFL, and particulalrly, to the New England Patriots. You are one of the classiest football players to ever play the game, You will be sorely missed, not just in New England, but in the entire NFL. Thank you so much for being a New England Patriot!
In Super Bowl XXXVI, after the Rams tied it late in the game, it was patently clear there was one guy they had to stop - Troy Brown. Well, they weren't able to do it.
Thank you, Troy. You are the best.
If you look up "football player" in the dictionary... there would be a picture of Troy Brown. He symbolizes not only what it means to be a Patriot, but a football player as well. He was hard-working, willing to do whatever the team needed him to do to win, a leader, and spoke on the field instead of off it. He made plays in all 3 aspects of the game during his wonderful career. NO player will ever hold a more special place in my heart than Troy (not even Tommy B.).
Thank you Troy for all the memories. It was an honor and privilege to watch you play this game
Troy you are
Beautiful
Inspirational
Nice
Great
One of a Kind
Loved your Bingo Commercial
Your Loyal Fan .
Troy Brown may not have been the best player or the best receiver in the league or even on his own team but he is for many fans their all-time favorite Patriot. If I had a choice of any players jersey to hang up on my son's bedroom wall, it would be his. He was the most unselfish, humble, team-oriented player whoever put on an NFL jersey, as far as I'm concerned. He is way more than a great Patriot, and great football player, he is a kind and decent human being. It is sad that this day has come but he will always be my favorite Patriot. Congratulations Troy, on a wonderful career and best wishes on all your future endeavors.
Troy, it was a blessing to watch you play the game. You played the game the right way. With intensity. With style. With class. And always with a smile. It was a game and you had fun. You will forever be known as my favorite Patriot. I can't wait for the day to see your number retired. Your name deserves mention with the greats of Patriots past. Good luck to you in future endeavors.
This is a sad day in New England...We have just heard the retirement of one of the most honorable athletes this town has ever known. There has to be something said about a player who passes up making more money, to stay with a team out of loyalty and pride. Troy Brown truly represents what I'd like to think a New England Patriot is-a selfless player, who ran every route...every play...on every side of the ball...to his greatest extent. Let's not forget him stripping that ball during the Charger's playoff game...60 minutes and to the whisle....that's what he did. It's amazing to me to see a professional athlete conduct himself the way he has..., and we have been LUCKY to have him all these years. Troy -Thank You for giving us all someone to admire. Thank you for giving us the ablity to say that it's not all about the money....not to everyone. You have...and will be missed more than you know! BINGO!!!!
#80 is the only Patriots jersey I have ever owned and will wear it with pride to continue to honor one of the classiest, most hard working and professional players ever!!!
#80, the consumate professional athlete. Never complained, never sought the limelight, completely unselfish. Just played EVERY game as hard as any player could. Always did the right thing for the team. Thanks for the memories Troy. Now let's see the Pats do the right thing and put Troy on the coaching staff to teach the young players how a professional athlete is supposed to play and act.
thank you Troy!
Thank you for all your hard work through the years! We were the lucky fans who got to watch you every week display your unbelivable talents on the football field. You are truley a class act and I can't think of another athlete in this town who could even compare to you! You will be missed... Oh yes, one more thing - BINGO!
Troy
I never thought I would be gushing over a football player!
But you sir have always been my favorite ; a consistent big play maker. I'll never forget that long pass you caught in Miami that won the game for us. You're not just a good football player; you are a great football player. I hope to see you soon on sidelines, this time as a coach, and still a Patriot.
Thanks for everything you have done for us in New England. We will always remember Troy Brown and always love you.
We need more football payer role models like Troy Brown !!!
As a Jet Fan I did not cheer for him, but I ALWAYS Respected Him as a Man and a Player !!!
Thanks, Troy, for all you've done for us fans. You are one of the classiest athletes I've had the privilege of watching. I hope the Pats retire # 80 some day.
There is only one way to describe Tro Brown... Classy.
I wish half of the payers in the NFL try to be like TRy Brown.
MEMO TO THE PATRIOTS:
Please retire Troy's #80, and induct him into the Patriots Hall.
PLEASE hire him in any possible capacity. I want to see that humble, smiling face for years to come.
You have always been my all time favorite player, we love you.
I hope they retire Troy Brown's number on Nov 13th. He is my favorite Patriot of all time-thanks so much Troy for all that you've given on and off the field. I hope he continues his charity bingo event...that United Way commercial is still priceless ("I'm the man!"). You are the man Troy!
Troy, you have been my favorite player through all the success of the Patriots. Your integrity, versatility, selflessness, hard work and inner strength you showed on and off the field are second to none. You make it a joy to cheer for you. God Bless you and your family.
Listen to the inner voice...God always WINS
All Class....All The Way
TROY BROWN !! WOW!!! We will always love you and remember you for all the good things you did as a patriot or otherwise.
You showed us what good persons are like in this world. Thanks from all the Boston sports fans and Good Luck for your future. I am sure life is just began for a great person like you.
-SP
TB = The Best
Troy you will be missed! You were the ultimate teammate and player and were one of the most unselfish atheletes out there. We thank you for all of your hard work.
Troy,
You are one classy individual..Good Luck in the future.. Thanks for the memories....
One of the greatest Patriots ever. Best of luck in your retirement, Troy!
Troy Brown is the ultimate Patriot!!! Hopefully no one will wear #80 on the Patriots again. Thanks for all the great memories. You are true class!!
BINGO!!!
I will continue to wear my Troy Brown shirt with pride :-)
Troy-you have been a "class act" all the way, a leader, great player, hard worker, total professional. You have given us nothing but the best! It would be great to see you sign on with the Patriot organization as a coach/scout. I'm casting my vote for you to be in the Patriots Hall of Fame next year!
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Good luck Troy - we Patriot fans thank you for your great play!
the best "overall player" ever to wear the patriot uniform. thanks for being a great role model for kids.
Troy - you are one of the very few athletes (a handful per generation) that a father can tell his kids "now THAT is the way you are supposed to live your life - don't give up, keep on trying, and amaze people with your determination as the results will come".
I have to say, Troy picking off Bledsoe, after Bledsoe's years of outspoken praise of Troy, was one of the funniest/oddest moments I've seen in sports.
Bingo! I got Bingo! Again.
Thank you Troy Brown!!!!!
There are only so many that have epitomized 'awesome' in this league - Troy Brown will forever be one of them!
Thank you, Troy, and God Bless!
One of his best catches ever..last regular season game in 1996 against the Giants in NJ. Final drive to win the game-Troy catches a bullet pass from Bledsoe while flat on his back. Crazy skills!
We better see number 80 in the rafters very soon. Without Troy Brown the Patriots philosophy wouldn't exist. I still miss seeing him on the field and only wish we can ever find a guy like him again. Truly one of a kind player for any sport.
Troy Brown was the ultimate team player. He was willing to play any position that he was asked to play; sometimes he'd play offense and when the defense came onto the field, Troy would be there playing defense! Besides being the ultimate team player, he always came across as a gentleman and a beautiful human being. The best to you and your family, Mr. Brown.
Not only one of the greatest Patriots of all time, but one of the greatest Boston or New England Professional Athletes of our era. Truly fearless and clutch in all situations and a joy to watch on the football field.Hell he's got Bingo! Thank you Troy Brown
Troy Brown, what a Patriot. 2 plays will forever stand out to me.
1996- Made one of the most dramatic receptions of the season against the Giants when he snared a 13-yard pass from Bledsoe on third-and-13, extending a drive which led to the game-winning touchdown in a 23-22 come-from-behind victory ... The “circus catch” was made while lying on his back as he extended to make the reception. The victory secured the AFC East title and first-round playoff bye for the Patriots. WHAT AN ATHLETE!!!!!
2001-Recovered a blocked field goal attempt and returned it 11 yards before lateraling to Antwan Harris who proceeded to go 49 yards for a touchdown. WHAT A SMART PLAYER!!!!!!
2001
Bottom line: Troy Brown was\is a Class Act. Someone I would be proud to have my son, and grandsons, choose as a role model.
I never felt having someone else's name on my back was something I would pay for, so I never invested in an NFL jersey. After watching how selfless Troy Brown was in how he played and never took a play off on any snap, I bought a Brown jersey.
The only jersey I'll ever own...
Thank you. My signed #80 jersey will be worn proudly, and wouldnt be sold for a million dollars. You stuck with us through the good and the bad, and you always did a damn good job. You will be greatly missed.
Thanks for all the years Troy. You are one of the all time Patriot greats. And you have always been a fan favorite.
dont forget his strip against SD in the playoffs a few years ago. Saved our season that year. Great play from a great player. Good luck
Pittsburgh Playoffs!!!
They already had tickets to the Superbowl
Ha!!
Troy! An old style player
You will be missed
Troy Brown epitomized the ultimate team player. He was awesome. Prior to the New England Patriots rise to their Golden Age I always believed that if the Patriots had ten players on the entire team with his drive and desire they would have been absolutely unstoppable. Good luck Troy.
You know whats funny? As I read these comments there isn't a single negative thing anyone has to say. I totally agree with everyone and I feel like Sundays will never be the same! It always put a smile on your face when Troy was on the field. You just knew he was going to do something... Always!! and Always with a smile! Like eveyone else,,, I will miss you! Just not going to be the same!!..
GO PATS!!!!
TEAM PLAYER= TROY BROWN, We could not have succeeded without you Troy and if there is a model of what is right in pro sports you are the man that set that standard.
Just know this.... As I sat with my boys (who play football) and watched the games, I could point to #80 and say "THATS the way the game is supposed to be played". Thanks for that Troy!
Marshall/New England-----EXCELLENT
Troy Brown - You are a class act and a true champion. Thanks for all the memories. It's guys like you who make the game great.
Good luck in all you do and God Bless you
A Troy Brown fan and a Colts fan in Indianapolis
Only player jersey I have every plopped down money for...
Troy Brown #80
Happy trails Troy, hopefully you will be back on the sidelines again as a coach!
Thanks for the memories Troy. You are the face of the franchise through the glory years and you are a role model for me to talk about with my kids.
When the phrase "classy Patriot" is uttered look it up in the dictionary, and it will say see Troy Brown.
Thanks for playing the game the way it supposed to be played. My wife had never whatched or cared about football. But she ownes a Troy Brown jersay and is now a fan. It's third down and long Troy, I have a feeling you'll be just fine....like we always were.
Troy Brown , you'll always be known as "Mr Football" in New England.
Thank you for some great moments.
Troy
We gonna be able to play Bingo now? True professional on and off the field
My favorite Patriot. Thanks for the dedication. You're the greatest example of success and respect through raw determination.
Thank you Troy...
There may have been better players who've played for the Patriots. There may have been better athletes to don the red, whie, and blue. But, without a doubt, not one single ounce of DOUBT, was there ever or will be ever a player who embodied the spirit of the game of football and commited to a team as selflessly as one Troy Brown. Do not retire his number! Do one better-- Build a bronze statue of his playing likeness and place it the Lighthouse Tunnel for every player and fan to see!! The words " No matter the obstacles or the limitations, play the game with selfless determination and never stop working together. Play like a champion- the Patriot Way!"
Thats how you honor a real football player!
Thank you Troy!
What a tremendous football player and a class act.
I'll always remember the Carolina SB, early on a linebacker from the Panthers landed on Troys face with his knee, through the cage, breaking Troy's nose in the process. On the sidelines they were jamming cotton up his nose trying to stop the bleeding, but he came back in and had a great game.
You can have all the track stars and physical specimens, I'll take a team full of Troy Browns any day. Smart, tough, reliable, great hands. You couldn't ask any more from a player. Thanks Troy, we'll miss you.
Troy Brown will always be the man in Foxboro and with so many memorable moments and contributions to this team and the community he will always be remembered as Mr. Patriot.
Troy Brown is the definition of what it means to be a Patriot. The guy brought game to every down, every play...and always acted like he'd been there before. It is sad to watch him go and realize that we won't have his clutch plays to count on. But what a treat it was to watch him play.
Thank you Troy for all you did for our team and the area!
Always the biggest and brightest smile - thanks for the memories and for being a CLASS act both on and off the field.............
How do you spell Perfect teammate, Mr versitility, Mr unselfish, Mr no ego, Mr clutch. Mr Patriot, I spell it Troy Brown #80. Just like Bobby Orr never showed up the opposition when making the big play. Thanks for the memories and good luck to you "Mr Everything"!
Troy Brown, Thank you... you stuck by us in New England and you worked your ass off, over and over.. when the business side of football could have soured you on the Patriots or the team concept, you did anything they would ask you to do to win. I owe countless moments of happiness to your dedication and execution. Thank you for being you
he trueley is a PROFESSINAL football player. congrats troy #80 belongs in the rafters. without troy pats don't have any vince lambardi's.
Wow! What a football player. Troy has the heart of many men. He never show boated or whined like alot of pro-athletes we see on TV. He always put team before self. We wish you well. You were a joy to watch.
I have been a Troy Brown fan for a long time and wore his #80 shirt proudly for years. One word to discribe him is CLASS! One play I will never forget was on the final drive in the last regular season game in '96, he made a fourth down catch on his back to keep the winning drive alive. Pats won and got a bye in the first round which unltimately led to a AFC title. Troy Brown, you will be missed!!!
Wow. I've never seen comments so one-sided, and I agree with all that's been said. My favorite moment was his comment when asked if he was bothered about being asked to play offense and defense and special teams ... anyone have that quote?
Troy was the ultimate class act and the ultimate Patriot. I remember a TV commercial he filmed saying got BINGO here. You were right Troy....we did have BINGO here..........we were the winners.......we were the lucky ones.......we had you on our team.........you have made it very hard for me to decide who is my all time favorite player.........at first I thought it was Hannah, and then Bruschi, but I sit here a little sad that I will not see you play the game again..so you are in good company.......I have seen you on and off the field and you were always a class act. All three of you play(ed) with HEART and for the love of the game......Troy you will be missed......cannot wait for you to receive your Red Jacket......Best of luck in your future endeavors. Thanks for the memories
all of the above is true, Troy is the ultimate Patriot, and a classic Boston "scrapper", but how about Troy's unwavering warmth? does he ever not have a smile on his face? I just love the guy, and wish we could have found a spot on the roster for him, his speed may not be there like it used to be, but he would still make big play after big play, And had he played last year in the super bowl, i believe in my heart that he would done something to pull off the win...and when i found out he wasn't active for the super bowl, i "had a bad feeling" about it...and well the rest is history...in my opinion the Pats disrespected him and minimized his importance when they failed to dress him for that super bowl, shame on you...but thanks Troy...you make being a sports fan tolerable. you have already been missed.
I have to say. He is by far one of if not the best athletes in football that I had a chance to watch and play over the years. He will be missed by how well he carried himself. He didn't do it because he was trying to follow the rules, he did it because that is the kind of person he is. Such a great person. Troy, You will be missed on the field but let's hope in a few years. You will be on the sidelines coaching or somewhere within the Patriots organization.
Retire #80
Troy Brown, your my favorite football player in the wrold
best of luck with whatever you do now
Troy...I love you man.
Band of reknown.... Been a Pats fan for all my life, and few will remain as strong in my mind of you. Everyone is talking about how you were a role model and a great team player, that is so true but I have never seen anyone come up with some of the clutch catches and great plays that you did. Great man yes, but when the 80 goes up I will think of a guy who could hang with any reciever in his prime.
Thank you Troy!
I love Troy Brown. What a classy gentleman.
And it makes me smile every time I picture him at City Hall Plaza saying, "Bingo. We got Bingo!!!"
God love you and your family.
My ALL TIME favorite FOOTBALL player (I've been following the NFL since 1958) - no one better exemplified the Patriot way of TEAM first... I have been hoping against hope that the Pats would resign Troy for one last season, but it just was not to be.
Best of luck, Troy, and thanks for the memories!
Retire #80. No one else deserves to wear that number ever again. Can't compare to Troy Brown. Played offense, special teams and even defense at high level. Best all-around Patriot player ever.
God Bless, Troy. The AFC Championship Game in P'burg. Those were the Patriots I loved. Underdogs, seven points from the D, seven from special teams, nine or ten from the offense, and a W. Good luck.
Troy Brown
You were the iron man on the team playing offense, defense, and special teams. For years I have coveted your jersey and a month ago I finally got one; knowing that it is probably now or never. Some day I hope I can meet you and get you to sign it and shake your hand. I only have one pats jersey because in my mind you are everything a football player and Patriots player could be.
stick around new england - we want you around here.
Mr. Patriot. Thank you Troy.
Troy is "Da Man"!! Good luck with whatever you do Troy.
Everything I would want to say has already been said. You, Troy Brown, make me proud to be a Patriots fan. Thank you for everything you've done for the team and the fans of New England. You are a shining example of how a team sport should be played. You will be forever missed on the field....but never far from memory. Best of Luck as you start the next chapter in your life....hopefully we will see your face around Foxboro.
Thank you, Troy Brown, for being loyal and hardworking and a genuinely good guy. You gave us all so many great Patriots memories - my favorite is the interview where you said that you didn't worry about being offense, defense, special teams, or even back-up quarterback - you just came in every day and did whatever work was on your desk. We should all be so humble, and so committed. We will always love and admire #80.
Other receivers may have more catches, yards, and TDs, but your legacy will always be your integrity, heart, and the way you played the game.
I hope that your family is there on November 13th, so they can see how much the Patriots' players, coaches, and fans respect and appreciate you.
My favorite Troy Brown memory was during the winning drive in the 2002 Super bowl. His clutch pass reception as he was going out-of-bounds to set up Vinatieri's historic game winning kick had even John Madden second-guessing himself. Madden had said moments earlier that he questioned Belichick's decsion to go for the win rather than let time run out and play for the win in overtime. Brady's completion to Brown forced Madden to agree the the Pat' s had made the right call to go for the win during regulation.
Class.