Troy Brown announced his retirement at a press conference at Gillete Stadium, this morning.

Robert Kraft spoke first, calling him a constant throughout his years as owner and the consummate Patriot.  Kraft shared some of his best memories of Brown and lauded him not only as a great player, but as a responsible family man, and good human being.

Bill Belichick declared that it had been an honor and privilege to coach Troy, painting him as a consummate professional and a great story - taking the last scholarship at Marshall and being drafted in the 8th round - a round that doesn't exist today.

Belichick recalled the game that stands out for him, which was Troy Brown playing in his first game at secondary against Green Bay.  Asante Samuel, Rodney Harrison, and Eugene Wilson were all out, and Troy Brown was matched up against the lead receiver in the NFC, Donald Driver.  Brown limited Driver to 1 catch for 3 yards, and that effort is what epitomizes Troy Brown to Bill Belichick.

The coach also recalled Brown's overtime 81 yard touchdown pass to beat Miami in Miami, when no one thought he could go deep or make big plays.

Troy Brown spoke with emotion on the podium, declaring that he will "always be a Patriot."

Brown thanked the Kraft family for saving the team and keeping it in New England.  He thanked Bill Belichick for believing in him and for seeing in Brown what it takes to be a starting receiver in the league.  Belichick taught him "the right way to play the game" in all areas, and for that Brown expressed his appreciation.

He expressed just how hard it is to walk away from the game he has played for 30 years but had to face that he "can't outrun father time."  He would love to play, but knows in his heart that he can't keep up the way he used to.

Brown thanked his family for their support and said how special it was to have been able to share with them such beautiful memories.  He is proud of helping to build the team into what it is now, of leaving a legacy of how to build champions.

In closing, Brown reiterated how he would give anything in the world to put pads on and play again.  He thanked the Krafts that he is always invited in the building, and referred to Gillette Stadium as his second home.  Brown also alluded to how he could have finished this last year as a member of the NY Jets, going so far as to work out in the facility and being offered a roster spot.  In the end, though, Troy said that as much as he wanted to play, it didn't feel right.  "Other colors didn't look right on me."  He'll always be wearing the red, white, and blue of the New England Patriots.

When asked about the future, Brown told the media that they'll be seeing him around doing "media stuff, covering a few games, and charity work."

Good Luck Troy!  We've been blessed to have you.