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Troy Brown didn’t belong playing professional football. At least, that’s what many believed on Draft Day in 1993. An eighth-round pick out of Marshall, Brown surprised everyone when he earned himself a spot on the roster of the New England Patriots. But always the overachiever, he surprised everyone even more by what he came to be before his recent retirement, Mr. Patriot.
During a time in which the integrity of the game has come in to question, Brown was always a source of pride for both the Patriots organization and their fans. He would do anything he was asked, take on any role if it was for the good of the team and, in turn, helped to make the team the powerhouse of talent that it is today. Professional football players work their entire lives to perfect their game at a specific position, refining it to an art; Brown eventually did this as well, in three different positions.
When it came down to the clutch with the game on the line, you would want Brown on the receiving end of the ball. During his career with the Patriots he had a team record 557 receptions and 6,366 career receiving yards. He could make play after play after play. But what about when your defense is being ravaged by injuries? While many coaches would sign someone new or play a less experienced player, Bill Belichick had a different idea: have Brown, one of their star receivers, play as a defensive back. It seemed insane, simply changing someone’s position at the drop of a hat, but it worked. The rest is history.
The dynasty of the Patriots has involved numerous seemingly miraculous plays such as Vinatieri’s field goal in the final moments of the “Snow Bowl” against Oakland in 2001. What might not be as well known was what led up to that iconic moment, a spectacular punt return by none other than Brown. He then went on to complete a 23-yard reception to set up the game-winning field goal for their Super Bowl XXVI win over the St. Louis Rams, as well as a catch in Super Bowl XXXVIII leading to the Pats second championship over the Carolina Panthers.
Of course, I could go on for days talking about all the things Brown has done for this once fledgling franchise. He spent 15 years as a member of the Patriots, longer than Robert Kraft has owned them, and lived all of the ups and downs that came with disappointment and rebuilding. No one deserves the championship rings that signify the greatness of the team more than the man who gave everything he had to his teammates and coaches. No one can ever say that Brown left anything on the field, and despite the recent controversy of Spygate, no one can ever say he didn’t deserve every Lombardi Trophy to which he led his team.
It’s sad for Patriot’s fans to see such an amazing and devoted player bow out, but I think, in this case, we can all respect his decision, admire his career and thank him for making being a Patriots fan so rewarding over the past few years. Brown has officially retired as a professional football player, but I think everyone can agree that he will always be a Patriot.
Bangor Daily News