The Patriots' afternoon practice today was held inside the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse, and among the t-shirt and shorts wearing players was someone who was in their shoes not too long ago: Troy Brown.

Yesterday named as one of the members of New England's 50th anniversary team, Brown said he's enjoying retirement, particularly the time he gets to spend with sons Sir'mon and SaanJay, but not the two-a-days his former teammates are slogging through right now.

Brown recalled one of his early training camps, in 1996, when then-coach Bill Parcells subjected the players to 13 straight double-session days.

Of the honor of being named to the 50th anniversary team, the ever-humble receiver/returner/corner/captain -- who retired as the franchise's all-time leader in catches -- said, "In 50 years of players, to have my name on the list, I don't know what to say. Out of (29) players and my name is one of them, I don't know what to say about it. To the people that voted for me, I really do appreciate it."

One of Brown's retirement projects has involved Rhode Island's own Naragansett beer -- he's been working to help promote it and once again make it one of New England's most popular brews. He is also considering venturing into coaching, since as he pointed out, that's what he knows best after doing it for 30 years of his life.

Asked if he felt like he could play again, Brown smiled and said, "Always. Whether that's the truth or not, I don't know."