New England Patriots legend Troy Brown honored at “The Tradition”

June 25, 1:35 AMNew England Patriots ExaminerSean Crowe

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That's right, he played quarterback too.
(AP Photo)

Former New England Patriots’ wide receiver, cornerback, kick returner, quarterback, and all around football player Troy Brown was honored last night at “The Tradition” event at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Curt Schilling, Nancy Kerrigan, Sam Jones, Ken Hodge, Jerry York and Jack Parker were also honored at the event.

The Sports Museum is a non-profit educational institution that has served Boston and New England for the past 30 years. “The Tradition” is the Sports Museum’s signature summer fundraiser.

The annual event celebrates the legends of Boston sports. Troy Brown certainly fits into that category.

I remember the first time I really noticed Troy Brown in a game. It was early in Drew Bledsoe’s career, though I’m not sure of the year or the opponent. Bledsoe dropped back to pass and uncorked a dart, only there was no receiver in the path of the ball. Just as the pass was about to be picked off, I saw two outstretched arms reach up from the ground and pick the ball out of midair.

Troy Brown had either fallen down or was knocked down, and he caught the ball while lying flat on his back. It was a tremendous catch, the first of many, many more he’d make during his Patriots’ career.

It was Brown’s huge catch over the middle, and his getting out of bounds after the catch, that set up the winning field goal in Super Bowl 36.

People remember Deion Branch’s 17-yard reception that set up Vinatieri’s field goal against the Panthers in Super Bowl 38, but it was Brown’s two receptions for 26 yards that got the Patriots to that point.

The next season, Troy Brown’s three interceptions were instrumental in getting the Patriots back to the Super Bowl. Troy Brown was the most effective three-way player since the days of the leather helmets. I’m not the first to say this, and I won’t be the last, but he was the quintessential New England Patriot.

More importantly (to me, anyway), he was my favorite player. My wife liked him so much, she drafted him every year three rounds too early in the fantasy football league we play in with our friends (continuing the tradition even after he retired).

Troy Brown never got in trouble. He was never the highest paid player in the NFL, at his position, or even on his team. He was a leader who led by example. The most controversial thing he ever did was yell “Bingo” in that United Way commercial.

He was drafted in a round that doesn’t even exist anymore. He was cut by Bill Parcells. Parcells brought him back later that year, and he stayed for the next 15. Only Steve Grogan played more seasons with the Patriots.

There will never be another player like Troy Brown. The Patriots haven’t been the same since he retired.

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Questions? Comments? Insults? You can email them to Sean Crowe at scrowe@gmail.com.

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