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July 5, 2009
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Comcast SportsNet is giving fans an insider’s look to the world of "Mohegan Sun’s Sports Tonight". In the premiere of "The Rundown" exclusively on Comcast SportsNet.com, we peak in on a pre-production meeting run by producers Kevin Miller and Nate Long. The meeting is supposed to be run by these two, but Felger begins to rant on several topics with co-hosts Ryen Rusillo (in for Gary Tanguay), and Patriots all-time leading receiver Troy Brown. Watch as the lively conversation jumps around to some of the key headlines surrounding the New England sports scene.
Patriots legendary wide receiver Troy Brown will be honored by the New England Patriots tonight before their game against the New York Jets. Brown, one of New England’s best know faces, retired this year after a long and storied career with New England. Brown has come to appreciate the fanatic loyalty Patriots fans have bestowed upon him for his decision to play for just one team.
Brown released the following statement which is also in tonight’s Gameday Magazine for those attending the game:
A few words for the New England Patriots faithful,
As you may have heard, earlier this season, I announced that my playing days are over. Why now? Well, there comes a time when the body sends a clear message to the mind – it’s time to move on. The reality is that I’m leaving both healthy and happy. Over the last few weeks I’ve been fortunate to thank so many people – my coaches through the years, my teammates, my family and many others. Today, I want to personally thank you, the tried and true New England fans.
Here, in New England, both loud and proud, the fans make a difference. I know that firsthand. You gave me a chance. From the beginning, this kid from Blackville, South Carolina felt as if he belonged. At every turn, you made me feel right at home. During good seasons and bad, I tried to win your respect, earn every yard, finish every play. Through the years, you connected with the person beneath the pads. I truly appreciate you sticking by me through it all. I’d also like to thank our ultimate fan who 14 years ago bought a struggling franchise, kept us here in New England, built the best stadium in the NFL, and invested in helping us become three-time champions.
Here is the complete transcript from Troy Brown’s retirement announcement. Courtesy Patriots Media Releations.
Robert Kraft
RKK: Welcome everyone. I want to welcome Troy [Brown] back to his home here at Gillette Stadium. I was thinking back that it was 14 years ago when we bought the team. Since that time we have had three head coaches, dozens of assistant coaches and 820 players. There is only one player that has been a constant through that whole period, who was actually here before my family got here right through the end of last season. How lucky for us that Troy Brown, to me, is the consummate Patriot. What he did on the field and the way he conducted himself off the field, the fact that he always put team first, that he stayed with the Patriots his whole career, he could have gone some other places and got more money and he chose to stay here. I think it’s a great lesson for the young players on our team today who are worried about making the team.
Troy Brown Nov 2005 (Getty)" />
It finally happened, Troy Brown has hung up the cleats after 15 years.
Troy Brown Retires
Sitting in front of reporters who have covered him for years, with his family by his side and representatives of the organization surrounding him, Troy Brown made his decision to retire official today. Brown announced his retirement in front of a swarm of New England Media, many who bore witness to his participation in three Super Bowl championships.
Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft thanked Brown for being the type of person an organization like New England can have faith in.
“I want to welcome Troy [Brown] back to his home here at Gillette Stadium,’ said Kraft. “How lucky for us that Troy Brown, to me, is the consummate Patriot. What he did on the field and the way he conducted himself off the field, the fact that he always put team first, that he stayed with the Patriots his whole career, he could have gone some other places and got more money and he chose to stay here. I think it’s a great lesson for the young players on our team today who are worried about making the team.”
Head Coach Bill Belichick also shared his favorite Troy Brown memories. Belichick started off by acknowledging Brown’s work ethic.
“It has truly been an honor and a privilege to coach Troy, primarily since I came back in 2000, but even my association with him in ’96 when I was here as the secondary coach,” Belichick began. “I think Troy, as I have talked about with our players, is the consummate professional.”
