I grew up in Massachusetts and my family members have been fans of the Patriots since their induction into the league. I grew up in the cement and aluminum Foxboro Stadium and cheered on my Dad's favorite team for years.
Now, I'm 18 and I still have a deep love for the Patriots.
The aluminum stands of Foxboro and the luxury boxes of Gillette Stadium have seen their fair share of great players. Bruce Armstrong, John Hannah, Drew Bledsoe, Stanley Morgan, Ben Coates, and others—they have always had legends.
But a man not well known outside of the six states of New England will always have a place deep in the hearts of New England fans.
Troy Brown was drafted in the seventh round of the 1993 draft by Bill Parcells and was cut more times than the Patriots have sold out games. He stayed with the team, always doing what he was asked, and made a serious role for himself on the team.
He accomplished something not many players are able to do today, and that's stay with the same team for his entire career.
He was known for his punt returns, clutch catches, and his work on defense, but my dad remembers him most for his nature.
Troy is a kind-hearted man and has always stayed out of trouble. I remember going to a game and standing by the railing. He looked back at and gave us a wave and a smile.
He is Mr. Patriot and he will always be loved in New England
He may be moving on to another team now, but as a true Patriots fan I will always see him wearing No. 80 in blue.
Troy Brown, thank you.
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3 months ago
Troy Brown was truly a team guy who did whatever was asked of him to help the team. And, as you said, always with a smile on his face. I love the guy and I'm sorry to see him go.
3 months ago
His Number should be retired. He was the greatest Patriot of all-time.
3 months ago
If not a retired number, he should definitely get some form of recognition by the franchise. I don't know if the Pats have a team HOF, but if they do then he should be in.
In the free agency, "look out for #1" era, he's always been the embodiment of what a football player should be.
K Kelly - Great perspective into what he meant to the NE community! I'm a Giants fan, but always respected what he did for the Pats. He was like an arena league guy out there, in the sense of how many different ways he helped the team.
You'd be hard-pressed to name a more selfless, team-oriented act than Brown playing corner a few years ago. This was a guy who put everything he had out there for the team. Not many other guys would sacrifice their offensive numbers to plug a hole in the defensive depth chart.
I love what you've done with this article More people should shine a light onto unappreciated, team-oriented guys, instead of criticizing troublesome athletes or fawning over the same players that everyone else does.
Awesome work.
3 months ago
definitely one of the best patriots to ever wear the uniform
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