Don't count out Brown just yet
By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / March 6, 2008
Troy Brown's playing days may not be over just yet. A source close to the veteran wide receiver said Brown hasn't made a decision about whether he'll try to return for a 16th season, and that an announcement is not expected soon.
Most had assumed Brown, the Patriots' all-time leader with 557 receptions, would quietly retire following a season in which he didn't catch a pass, played in just one game, and wasn't active for the Super Bowl.
"He feels great. He feels he can still play and still contribute," said the source. "Obviously, he would have liked to have played more than that one game he played. I don't think he's decided whether he's playing or not playing. A lot depends on what the Patriots do."
Following knee surgery last offseason, Brown missed all of training camp and was on the reserve/physically unable to perform list for the first 11 games of the season. He was activated from the PUP Nov. 27, but his only action came as a punt returner in a 28-7 victory over Miami Dec. 23, when he returned six for 55 yards. Brown, who turns 37 in July, misjudged a punt in that game and it hit off his facemask for a turnover.
The Patriots already have seven receivers under contract - including C.J. Jones, who spent last season on the practice squad - after officially announcing the re-signing of Jabar Gaffney yesterday.
The source close to Brown indicated it shouldn't be assumed that the choices for Brown, a free agent, are returning to the Patriots or retiring. As hard as it would be to picture Mr. Patriot in another uniform, it could happen if Brown wants to play and the Patriots can't accommodate him.
"If you still have the desire to play and there is not the opportunity to play [in New England], you can't just say, 'I'm going to sit this one out,' " said the source. "This thing only comes around once."
Calls for comment from Brown's agent, Gary Uberstine, were not returned.
