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Belichick & Troy

Email|Link|Comments (8) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff June 24, 2009 07:45 PM

Patriots coach Bill Belichick is presenting Troy Brown at tonight's "The Tradition" event at TD Banknorth Garden.

That had me thinking back to previous times Belichick has spoken of Brown. Some of the most powerful comments I remembered came last offseason when Belichick was speaking at Salem State.

The topic was leadership, and how it comes in different forms.

"Troy Brown, who hardly ever says a word, he just does his job – it doesn’t make any difference whether he’s covering Donald Driver on defense up at Green Bay, returning kicks for touchdowns against Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game in 2001, or blocked field goals and lateraling for touchdowns in 2001, or catching passes from Tom Brady. He just goes out there and does his job. Of all the players I’ve had the privilege of coaching, he’d be the last guy to get up and talk and give a team speech, or that type of thing. That’s not his style, yet he’s a tremendous leader on the football team."

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8 comments so far...

Really what can you say about Troy Brown that hasn't already been said? A tremendous athlete, don't get me wrong, but perhaps not one of the "greatest" players in terms of ability, but second to none in terms of heart, commitment, reliability and grace under pressure. A consummate professional. The team and area were extremely lucky to have their paths cross with him.

Posted by Rob in Central MA June 24, 09 09:20 PM

He won't be a Hall of Famer because that Hall does not measure heart but he will be a first ballot lock in the Patriots Hall. I'd take him on my team any day. Thanks for the memories Troy and your unselfish team first attitude. If there were more NFL players like you it would be a much better league.

Posted by Scott, NH June 24, 09 10:13 PM

Troy Brown = class act

Posted by Bill June 24, 09 11:06 PM

My favorite pro athlete of all time. Troy will be missed for so many reasons. The ultimate Patriot. Troy defines what being an athlete should be about. We were blessed to have such a selfless yet talented person to cheer for. Good luck in all that this world brings you Mr. Brown

Posted by Patsfanroach June 24, 09 11:34 PM

My favorite Patriot player of all time, no one made more out his abilities. He is all that is right with athletics and competition. We are all privelaged to have watched him play.

Posted by GTO#$)$ June 25, 09 08:58 AM

My favorite Troy Brown moment #283:
Go back to your first SB v. Rams tape and to THE DRIVE. We glory in Brady's poise, but check out the Pats huddle on the play where Troy catches across the middle/first down/field goal range/gets out of bounds to stop the clock.

The Pats end zone camera reveals Troy's reaction upon realizing he's the #1 option.
Troy Brown had the LARGEST eyes I've ever seen in pro athlete.

Posted by mikeinNH June 25, 09 11:17 AM

Ha, I think Reche Caldwell takes the biggest eyes cake. Just looking at these comments is all the proof you need that you don't have to run your mouth to get respect, you just have to do your job with class.

Posted by Pete June 25, 09 02:06 PM

Pete - I thought the same as I was writing, but certainly Troy did more with his eyeballs in one offensive series than Reche mustered in a career!

Proud to say I was @Gillette for the Troy appreciation halftime last November.
Shame the ceremony wasn't broadcasted as eventually he was appreciated throughout the NFL.

Its a reach, but I still wonder if Mr. Clutch - who was injured - would have made a difference in the '95 SB v. Packers as a 3rd down receiver, but especially on the kick return coverage team!

Posted by mikeinNH June 25, 09 02:52 PM

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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