Troy Brown announces retirement in emotional press conference
11:59 AM Thu, Sep 25, 2008 | Permalink
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With his wife and two young sons sitting front and center, Troy Brown this morning announced his retirement after 15 memorable years with the New England Patriots. "I wanted to come here and share with you guys the announcement of my retirement from the National Football League, and most importantly from the Patriots," Brown said, his eyes wet with tears. It was apparent for a week that this day was coming; last Thursday, Brown was expected to announce his retirement on Comcast New England Sports Tonight, but nixed it. A Patriots' player said on Friday that he would make the formal announcement this week. It was expected, but nonetheless difficult for Brown, and even Bill Belichick, whose voice caught in his throat more than once as he shared memories of Troy, from the pass he caught from David Patten against the Colts in 2001, to the three catches he had in New England's Super Bowl-winning drive against Carolina, to the 27-yard punt return that set up Adam Vinatieri's game-tying kick in the Snow Bowl, to the day in 2006 he lined up at cornerback against Green Bay and held Donald Driver to one catch for three yards, and the long touchdown pass he caught from Tom Brady in Miami in 2003 to give the Pats their first early-season road win over the Dolphins in years. "Nobody thought Troy could go deep, nobody thought Troy could make plays, and all he did was make plays," Belichick said. Team owner Robert Kraft announced that the Pats' Thursday, Nov. 13 nationally-televised game against the Jets will be Troy Brown Night at Gillette Stadium. "I was thinking back," Kraft said. "It was 14 years ago when we bought the team, and in that time, we've had three head coaches, dozens of assistants, 820 players, and only one player who's been a constant. He was here before my family got here. Troy Brown, to me, is the consummate Patriot for the way he conducted himself on the field and off the field. He stayed with Patriots throughout his career when he could have gone elsewhere for more money." Brown acknowledged that he considered the offer from the New York Jets and former New England assistant Eric Mangini to play another year, but he couldn't quite see himself in the green and white of the Jets. "The only colors you'll see me in are the red, white and blue of the Patriots," he said. After trying a couple of times to wrap up his speech, Brown mentioned how difficult it was to do. He meant ending his speech, but it was clear he meant ending his playing days as well. 
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My dear, dear Troy,
How can the Murphy family begin to thank you for all the effort you put forth every single time you played for the Patriots. You are a wonderful example to everyone. You just did it all right. I know your family must be so proud. The Murphys wish you all the best that life has to offer, you deserve it. We will miss you and all your magic. Love you, Carolyn and Grayson and family
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My dear, dear Troy,
How can the Murphy family begin to thank you for all the effort you put forth every single time you played for the Patriots. You are a wonderful example to everyone. You just did it all right. I know your family must be so proud. The Murphys wish you all the best that life has to offer, you deserve it. We will miss you and all your magic. Love you, Carolyn and Grayson and family
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Troy Brown. Mr. Patriots. Incredible guy all around. Someone to be thankful for and proud of equally. You have to love Troy Brown if you are a human being, let alone a football fan.
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mr. troy brown although i new some day it would come to this day.in all the years of watching the pats i've never seen the likes of anyone so special,so dedicated,so lively,so dependable and so much fun to watch.there are hundreds of reasons to call you number one in my book and these are just a few.you played the game the way the game should be played with heart.it must have been something to sit in on all those meetings.offense,specialty teams and defense all for gameday.but i really found out how special you was just last year when a friend of mine told to read your team bio.he told me there was something in there of interest,seeing i was always talking about your greatness.what i found to be so special of the player i always talked about was we share the same birthday.big margin in years but still the same day.you will be missed and i hope we don't have to wait until your inducted into the hall to see or hear from you.bless you you're the best and thank you from john coyle and friends
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