Troy Brown Night
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A collage of Troy Brown images grace the cover of tonight's Gameday program as the Patriots honor his 15-year career with the team on the night of a key AFC East clash with the New York Jets.
On page 3 of the program, a letter from Brown appears under the heading, "A few words for the New England Patriots faithful." Here's the transcript of the letter:
As you may have heard, earlier this season, I announced that my playing days are over. Why now? Well, there comes a time when the body sends a clear message to the mind – it’s time to move on. The reality is that I’m leaving both healthy and happy. Over the last few weeks I've been fortunate to thank so many people – my coaches through the years, my teammates, my family and many others. Today, I want to personally thank you, the tried and true New England fans.Here, in New England, both loud and proud, the fans make a difference. I know that firsthand. You gave me a chance. From the beginning, this kid from Blackville, South Carolina felt as if he belonged. At every turn, you made me feel right at home. During good seasons and bad, I tried to win your respect, earn every yard, finish every play. Through the years, you connected with the person beneath the pads. I truly appreciate you sticking by me through it all. I’d also like to thank our ultimate fan who 14 years ago bought a struggling franchise, kept us here in New England, built the best stadium in the NFL, and invested in helping us become three-time champions.
As for what lies ahead, the playbook is wide open. I’m ready to tackle life’s new challenges, as long as it doesn’t mean I have to actually tackle someone. It was an honor and privilege to represent this team, and I feel so fortunate to have only one jersey hanging in my closet.
In the coming days, you will catch me next to you, in the stands, cheering for all of New England’s great sports teams. You may see me adding my two cents to the games on television. You will definitely catch me out in the community, lending a hand to worthy charities and exploring some business options. I hope to face it all with the same energy and enthusiasm you inspired -- with two feet on the ground, in bounds, ready to hit the ground running.
Thanks for all that you have meant to me during these 15 years,
Troy Brown
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I hope the fans give Troy a long standing ovation. He is one player that deserves such respect. Troy is the embodiment of what athletics is about and what New England's cultural ethics stands for! Thank you, Troy!
mr patriot forever. class act!
Thank You Troy!
This is what Brett Favre should have done. Troy Brown has retired as a sports legend in this town. Class act, a key member of three Super Bowl teams, and a certain Patriots Hall of Famer.
In today's professional sports world, guys like Troy Brown are one in a million. He's been a model of consistency on and off the field, and always represented himself & his family, the team and the league, with grace & humility.
We've been so fortunate as Pats fans to have Troy Brown to root for, and he's always come up big in big games. You couldn't ask more of any athlete, and I'll take a team full of Troy Browns over a team full of track stars and high draft picks any day.
Good luck & God bless Troy and his family
I am truly honored to be able to say I saw Troy Brown play football here in New England.
If every player or person had his heart and desire there is nothing we could not accomplish!
Chris
Plainvell Ma
Troy is the MAN! He is a class act and a true representation of the best of the NFL. He didn’t bark or complain when Bill asked him to play defense. We definitely miss him and all his key receptions and interceptions. I wish more NFL players would act like Troy on and off the field. Patriots hall of fame material for sure!
#80 = CLASS
I'm loving his commentary on New England Sports Tonight. He doesn't hold much back. Interesting to see a guy who let his play do the talking for him while he was a Patriot and now he tells it like it is as a broadcaster. Great addition to Boston sports media.
Troy Brown has epitomized the Patriots since he came to the team in 1994.
He was drafted in a round that isn't even held any more.
Cut more than once. Not the biggest player. Not the best athlete. Not the fastest.
But one of the smartest players in team history, and one of the hardest working.
He was a self-made player who paid his dues and put the best interests of the team in front of his own.
He's probably the only player in the last 40 years to catch a touchdown pass from a QB and intercept a pass from that same QB.
Thanks Troy for 15 fantastic years, and may you be as successful off the field as you were on it...
Bingo! I got Bingo!
Thanks Troy!
Why are there not more class act players like Troy Brown in all of sports? Troy, you will always be my favorite Patriot. Best of luck to you and your family!
Thanks for the memories Troy Brown! You have always given 110% for your entire career here in New England. You will always be a true Patriot. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors and May God Bless You and Your Family!
Great player. Even better person. Stand up guy and very classy. Thank you Troy!!!
Thank you Troy... nothing but class, as always
How could you not love this guy? He handles himself with such class and dignity that we all wish most athletes would do but don't. But this is why he is such a standout in the leage. He's like a turtle, "Hard on the outside, soft on the inside and willing to stick his neck out"
Touchdown Troy Brown!
Troy:
In my mind, your run-back in 2001-02 in the AFC championship at Pittsburgh was not only the beginning of Patriots greatness, but also the ultimate stomach punch to the Steelers......which would become a trend. Thanks for everything.
class, class, class.
If ever you look up the words 'class act' in a dictionary, it will say 'Troy Brown'. He is the spirit of the Patriots. Good luck Troy in everything you do and thanks for the memories.
Troy Brown arguably defines the Patriots Dynasty just as much as Tom Brady
Just wish We had Troy Brown in the Line up tonight Troy Brown will be Missed after his 15 yrs w/ the Patriots Troy you will always be Loved by Patriots Fans I wish you great Luck in anything you do now You will be Missed no# 80 will always be Troy Browns no# he was the best
Thank you Troy. There are professional players who have played in the past, present and future. NFL, NBA, MLB, & NHL. There are so few who gave their heart and soul and talent to their team more than you. No matter what was needed, you were always there. I wish you and family life long success in all your future endeavors. Hope to see you on camera during future Patriots coverage. Again Troy, thank you. It was a joy watching you play.
The classiest person to put on a Patriots uniform
Congratulations to Troy Brown, Football Player. Truly one of the greats. So glad that like us, there's only one uniform in your closet.
Thank you Troy!!
Troy Brown is a true Class Act, and I think that it was a shame that the New England fans that were unable to attend the game on Thursday, were not allowed to see the tribute that was bestowed upon him, and instead had to watch an interview with Chad Johnson!!! I've been watching all the sport channels, and still have not seen any coverage. Anyone know where I could watch it?
Thanks Troy for representing as you always do. Stay on top "Class Clown"!!
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