My first Patriot wide receiver hero was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame yesterday. Nobody played the position with as much heart or balls for this team during his 15-year career in New England. He has contributed many memorable moments to the Patriots and was a key player in their championships. The man was not the fastest, biggest or strongest. But he damn well may have been the smartest. The man is Troy Brown.
A highlight real could have been made out of his whole career. What didn’t the guy do? He played wide receiver, punt and kick returned, lined up as a nickleback late in his career, and in a preseason game once even lined up under center at QB. The guy could do it all. He blocked a field goal in the AFC Championship against the Steelers in 2001 that was returned for a touchdown, propelling the Pats to their third ever Super Bowl. In another playoff game against the Chargers, Brady tossed an interception which appeared to be the proverbial nail in the coffin on New England’s season. That was until Troy “My Boy” Brown came flying in during the same play, demonstrated his defensive skills, and stripped the ball away leading to a Pats’ recovery, first down and ultimately the win.
Brown enters the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Marshall Thundering Herd. As he enters, I believe he won’t be the only Pats receiver from Marshall that will be inducted. I fully expect Randy Moss to join him at some point. Congratulations to you, Troy Brown. You deserve it!
