Fresh off his appearance on Day 2 on the NFL draft, former Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown is back in the limelight, this time as a finalist for induction into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. Brown, a first-time candidate, is one of three finalists for the 2012 honor, along with fellow Patriot greats Fred Marion and Bill Parcells. The three are facing a fan-vote that is set to end on May 31.
In a recent conference call with the media, Brown rehashed his playing days in New England and spoke about the honor of being a finalist for induction. “I’m honored to be even nominated; between Bill Parcells and Fred Marion, [there's] great competition there”, Brown stated. “It means a lot to me that they would think that my career was that successful here in New England to be considered to be one of those members.”
Modesty aside, it’s hard not think of the success Brown achieved in his 15 years in New England. The club’s all-time leader in receptions, Brown was a key in figure in the turnaround of the franchise and always displayed a willingness to help the team in any way possible; as he notably played offense, defense, and special teams.
“It didn’t matter to me what coach asked me to do – if it was go in there and block, I just enjoyed playing the game, I enjoyed every aspect of the game down to who made the block, who did this”, the former All-Pro remarked.
“As long as I was able to get on the field and participate and if I could throw the block to spring somebody, if I could take a snap or two at quarterback or go out and defend somebody or be the guy holding up the gunner on the punt return team, I just enjoyed being out on the field and helping my team win games.”
Brown was a member of the Patriots’ three Super Bowl championship teams. And had his best statistical season in 2001, when he put up 101 catches for 1,199 yards en route to helping the team win its first Super Bowl title.
“I loved [playing] for this organization, this team, this atmosphere. I loved the accountability they put on the players to go and out and do your job. I never had any problems with Bill Parcells, never had any problems with Pete Carroll and definitely haven’t had any with Bill Belichick.”
The Brown-Belichick connection is one well documented and one of mutual respect. At his retirement press conference in 2008, the often grim and dower Bill Belichick, appeared emotional while expressing his gratitude to Brown and went as far as to say that it was “an honor” coaching him.
Team owner Robert Kraft echoed similar sentiments that day when he referred to Brown as “the consummate Patriot.”
But one of the most remarkable parts of the Troy Brown story aside from the statistics, and the Super Bowl rings, and being drafted in the 8th round. Yes the 8th round of the 1993 draft. Is that he spent his entire 15 years of playing was spent with the same franchise.
“Coaching and who you’re playing for and who you’re playing with has a lot to do with guys wanting to stay where they are. I had no problem staying here my entire career. From ownership on down to the coaches and to the players I played with, for whatever reason I always seemed to get lucky to play with a great bunch guys.”
“Once I reached a certain point in my career, I didn’t want to play anyplace else. I look at Foxborough itself; I’m a small town guy and Foxborough is probably 10 times bigger than my hometown. I like the peace and quiet of Foxborough.”
And yet for all of his accomplishments on the field, Brown still found a way to help the community. When he was cut by the Patriots for a brief time in ’94, he went home and worked with the Guyandotte Boys and Girls Club in Huntington, West Virginia. And now holds the Bartrum Brown Football Camp and Troy Brown Fantasy Football Camp through with his alma mater, Marshall University.
In the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens last season Brown along with former teammates Drew Bledsoe, Ty Law, Teddy Bruschi served as honorary captains for the game. And now it’s up to the voters to decide when Brown’s next public appearance at Gillette Stadium will be.
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is set to be held on September 15, the day before the Patriots home opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
By Nate Rickard
