Troy Brown facts for kids

Troy Fitzgerald Brown (born July 2, 1971) is a famous American football coach and former player. He is currently an offensive assistant coach for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL).

Troy Brown played for 15 seasons in the NFL. He spent his entire playing career with the New England Patriots. He was a wide receiver and a return specialist. Before joining the NFL, Troy played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd. The Patriots picked him in the eighth round of the 1993 NFL draft.

During his time with the Patriots, Troy was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 2001. He was also a key player on the team that won three Super Bowl championships. After retiring as a player, Troy returned to the Patriots as an offensive assistant coach in 2020. He was honored by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He also joined the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2012.

Early Life and High School Football

Troy Brown grew up in Blackville, South Carolina. He went to Blackville–Hilda High School there. When he started playing football, some people thought he was too small. He was only about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 135 pounds.

Despite his size, Troy was very good at football. He earned a varsity letter in both football and track and field. His high school football team had an amazing season in 1988. They won a state championship with a record of 14 wins and only 1 loss.

College Football Career

Troy Brown first attended Lees–McRae College from 1989 to 1990. Later, he became a star player at Marshall University. He was an excellent wide receiver and also returned punts and kickoffs.

In 1991, Troy was the best in his college division for returning both kickoffs and punts. That year, he and his quarterback, Todd Donnan, made a record-tying 99-yard pass play. This happened during a game against the Virginia Military Institute.

The next year, in 1992, Marshall University won its first national championship. Troy was their main wide receiver and returner. In the championship game, he made a game-winning play. He intercepted a "Hail Mary" pass from Youngstown State University in the final seconds. This play sealed the victory for Marshall.

Troy still holds an NCAA record for his career kickoff return average. He averaged 29.69 yards per return. He also holds the record for four kickoff returns for touchdowns. It's amazing to think he scored a touchdown for every eight times he touched the football! In 2006, Marshall University gave Troy a special award for being a distinguished alumni.

Playing in the NFL

The New England Patriots drafted Troy Brown in 1993. He was the 198th player picked overall. In 1994, the Patriots released him before the season started. But they signed him back later that year.

Troy started playing more as a wide receiver in 1995. He caught 14 passes for 159 yards. In 1996, the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl, and Troy caught 21 passes. By 1997, he was catching even more passes and scoring touchdowns. He also started returning punts again in 1998.

Becoming a Starter and Super Bowl Wins

In 2000, Troy became a full-time starter for the Patriots. He had a great year with 83 catches. The 2001 season was even better. Troy, along with Tom Brady, helped the Patriots win their first-ever Super Bowl championship. That year, Troy set a team record with 101 catches. He also had 1,199 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. This amazing season earned him his only trip to the Pro Bowl.

Troy was also a fantastic punt returner in 2001. He returned 29 punts for 413 yards and 2 touchdowns. He led the league with an average of 14.2 yards per return. In the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers that season, Troy returned a punt for a touchdown. This play helped the Patriots win the game. He also made another special teams play. He picked up a blocked field goal and lateraled it to a teammate for another touchdown.

In 2003, Troy helped his team win another Super Bowl XXXVIII. In 2004, he showed how versatile he was. He played defense as a cornerback and even got three interceptions! The Patriots won another Super Bowl that year.

Later Career and Retirement

Troy was released by the Patriots in 2005 for financial reasons. But he signed a new contract with them soon after. He even turned down a better offer from another team to stay with the Patriots.

In 2007, Troy agreed to play his 15th season with the Patriots. This made him one of the longest-playing Patriots ever. He officially retired from professional football on September 25, 2008. He retired as the Patriots' all-time leader in receptions with 557 catches.

Memorable Playoff Moment

One of Troy Brown's most famous moments happened in a 2006 playoff game. The Patriots were playing against the San Diego Chargers. With only 5 minutes left, the Patriots were losing. Their quarterback, Tom Brady, threw an interception. But Troy Brown quickly reacted. He ripped the ball away from the Chargers' player, Marlon McCree.

This play caused a fumble, and the Patriots recovered the ball. This gave them another chance to score. The Patriots then tied the game and eventually won with a field goal. This play showed Troy's amazing ability to switch from offense to defense instantly.

Legacy and Hall of Fame

Troy Brown is a huge fan favorite among Patriots supporters. People love him for his exciting style of play and his loyalty to the team. His famous punt return in the 2001 AFC Championship game, along with many other big plays, led to his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Fans voted him into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2012. He beat out other famous Patriots like Bill Parcells and Fred Marion.

Troy is the only player in NFL history with at least 550 receptions, 250 punt returns, and an interception. This shows how truly unique and versatile he was.

Coaching Career

After his playing career, Troy Brown started coaching. In 2016, he worked with the Patriots as part of a special coaching program. In 2019, he began helping the Patriots' wide receivers coach in an unofficial role.

In 2020, it was officially announced that Troy Brown was part of the Patriots' coaching staff. He coached the running backs and kick returners. In 2021, he became the wide receivers and kick returners coach. In 2024, he moved into a skill development role, still working with kick and punt returners. As of 2025, he is an offensive assistant coach for the New York Giants.

Beyond Football

Entertainment and Business

Since 2008, Troy Brown has worked as a football analyst for NBC Sports Boston. He has also appeared on TV shows and in movies. He played himself in an episode of the cartoon show Family Guy. He also had a small role in the 2012 movie The Three Stooges.

Troy is also involved in business. He is an investor and spokesperson for the Narragansett Brewing Company.

Personal Life

Troy Brown lives in Huntington, West Virginia. A part of West Virginia Route 10 has even been named "Troy Brown Way" in his honor.

Troy has two sons with his ex-wife, Kimberly. He also works with different charities. He helps run the Troy Brown Fantasy Football Camp. He also worked with the Bartrum Brown Football Camp for many years, helping young athletes.