Name: Troy Brown
Number: 80
Position: Wide Receiver, Defensive Back, Punt returner
Career length: 1993-2007, 192 games
Career stats: 557 receptions, 6366 yards, 31 touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Patriots Hall of Fame, 2012
Accolades: 2001 Pro Bowl, 2001 First Team All Pro
Super Bowls: XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX
Summary: Troy Brown looked like a promising young receiver at Marshall University, despite his 5'10", 196 pound frame. Aside from his receiving skills, he looked like an exceptional returner in college. He led his division in return yard average in 1991. A year later, Troy Brown and Marshall won the National Championship, with Brown getting an interception in the final minutes of the game. To say the least, Brown set a legacy at Marshall University. He holds numerous NCAA records that still stand to this date; notable records being kickoff return average and kickoff return touchdowns. Brown cemented his place into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. After finishing his senior year at Marshall University, 21 year old Troy Brown was ready to enter the NFL Draft.
Brown's draft day did not turn out to be the best. He had a long wait, being picked in the 8th round at pick 198. There were 224 total picks in this draft. On top of this, Brown was drafted to the New England Patriots, who, at the time, finished the previous year 2-14. Brown's draft day could not have gone any worse.
Brown's first few years with the Patriots was disastrous. He got cut by New England in 1993, but was eventually resigned. Brown's role with the Pats was strictly him returning punts and kicks from time to time. He received little to no playing time as a receiver. This lasted until the 1995 season, when Brown saw a slight increase in snaps played at receiver. He caught 14 passes for 159 yards, and averaged roughly 21 yards per kick return. His role continued to increase, catching 6 touchdowns for the Patriots, 1997 AFC Champions. In 2000, Troy Brown finally became a starter for the Patriots.
In his first year as a starter, Brown looked encouraging. Catching 83 passes for 944 yards from former number one overall pick Drew Bledsoe, the duo looked like they could be the next big thing. That is, until Bledsoe went down. Bledsoe's backup quarterback, Tom Brady, pick 199, had a poor build. He was skinny, and he lacked great physical stature and strength. He lacked mobility and ability to avoid the rush. He lacked a really strong arm and he can't drive the ball downfield. He does not throw a tight spiral, and he could get exposed if used in the wrong system. He gets knocked down easily.
So now, Troy Brown, coming off his best year of his career, is without his star quarterback.
