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Pats Receiver Brown Ends Stellar Career

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2008

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Troy Brown retired Thursday after 15 seasons with the Patriots in which he set a team record for most receptions.

The wide receiver, who hasn't played this season, made the announcement at a news conference Thursday attended by team owner Robert Kraft and Coach Bill Belichick.

Brown spent his entire NFL career with the Patriots after they drafted him in the eighth round in 1993 out of Marshall. His 557 catches are first in team history and his 6,366 yards receiving are second to Stanley Morgan's 10,352. Brown played in one Pro Bowl, after the 2001 season.

He also played defensive back late in his career. In 2007, he played in one game in which he fielded six punts but had no receptions and didn't play defense.

Brown, 37, said that when he watches football on television, he sometimes thinks he can still play.

"It's been a part of my life since I was in second grade, 30 years," he said. "You can't outrun Father Time."

Brown spoke on a podium in front of a video screen showing highlights of his career. On the walls around him were eight large color photographs of him in action on the field.

"He always put team first. He stayed with the Patriots throughout his whole career" even though he could have gone to another team for more money, Kraft said.

Brown was primarily a kickoff and punt returner in his first four seasons, catching a total of 37 passes and never starting a game. But in 1997 he started six games and finished with 41 receptions. He caught 83 passes in 2000, then set a single-season team record in 2001 with 101 catches. Wes Welker broke that last season with 112.

With his wife and two sons sitting in the front row, Brown fought back tears.

"It's just kind of hard to let it go," he said. "I can't keep up anymore the way I used to."

Comcast SportsNet announced Brown will join its weeknight evening New England sports show as an NFL analyst and also do features on the Patriots.

The Patriots plan to honor Brown on Nov. 13, when the Jets visit New England.

BROWNS: The NFL found no evidence that Cleveland defensive players intentionally gouged the eyes of Baltimore running back Willis McGahee during the Ravens' 28-10 win Sunday.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh sent tapes to the league's office in New York earlier this week asking for a review of two separate incidents.

CARDINALS: Defensive end Bertrand Berry will miss Sunday's game at the Jets with a groin tear. Coach Ken Whisenhunt was uncertain how long Berry, who was hurt Sunday against the Redskins, will be sidelined.

CHARGERS: After sitting out Wednesday's practice, running back LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), center Nick Hardwick (foot), tight end Antonio Gates (hip), defensive tackle Jamal Williams (knees), left guard Kris Dielman (thigh) and center Jeremy Newberry (knee) returned Thursday and went through the whole practice.

DOLPHINS: Outside linebackers coach Jim Reid, 57, underwent surgery for an undisclosed ailment Thursday, Coach Tony Sparano said. "He's in surgery right now, and it's a personal matter," Sparano said.

JETS: Brett Favre walked with only a slight limp Thursday.

The 38-year-old quarterback twisted his left ankle Monday night in New York's loss at San Diego. Though the ankle was tightly wrapped, Favre appeared to walk comfortably through the locker room before practice. He was listed as limited at practice on the team's injury report for the second straight day.

RAVENS: When strong safety Dawan Landry felt his toes wiggle after suffering a scary spinal cord concussion Sunday against the Browns, he was fairly certain he was going to be all right.

Landry has returned to the Ravens' training complex for treatment and remains in a cervical collar after being released from Maryland Shock Trauma. He's expected to play again this year.

TITANS: The team is making a change at middle linebacker, where the speedy Stephen Tulloch is replacing Ryan Fowler as the starter.

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