Fans voted Brown into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Monday afternoon, recognizing the receiver's stellar career donning the silver and blue. Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft was thrilled by the news and expressed his "pride" in Brown's induction.
"Troy Brown will always be special to me, as he was my sweetheart [the late Myra Kraft's] favorite player during his career," Kraft said. "Clearly, a lot of Patriots fans shared her sentiment and I am proud that we will honor Troy with his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame this fall."
Kraft continued by explaining that Brown was more just another flashy player on the football field, even going as far as to call him "the consummate Patriot."
“To me, Troy was the consummate Patriot who always put team goals ahead of personal ones. His height and speed made him a proverbial underdog in a league that always featured taller and faster players. But, his heart and perseverance made him a champion and a fan favorite," Kraft said. The Patriots record books will always show that Troy was one of the greatest receivers and punt returners in franchise history, but Patriots fans know that he was so much more than that. His selfless contributions to the success of the team on offense, defense and special teams made him unique as a player and helped deliver three Super Bowl titles.
"For 15 years, Troy personified what it meant to be a Patriot, both on and off the field. With his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame, his legacy will be preserved for generations to come."
Brown, an eighth-round selection out of Marshall in 1993 (198th overall), retired in 2007 and holds the Patriots records for most receptions with 557 and for most punt returns with 252.
Bill Belichick, who coached Brown for seven seasons in Foxborough (2001-2007), alos had some glowing remarks about his former receiver turned part-time cornerback.
"Troy Brown is the ultimate team player and one of the greatest competitors I have ever had the privilege of coaching," Belichick said. "Offense, defense, special teams -– if there was a job to do, Troy embraced it and did it at a championship level. There is no more deserving player of any accolade that comes his way than Troy Brown."
Brown is the 18th player and 19th member of the Patriots Hall of Fame at Gillette Stadium. The induction ceremony will taker place at The Hall at Patriots Place on Saturday, Sept. 15, the day before New England's home opener.
