http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/1390 Recent articles about Troy Brown en-us With the draft looming large in the minds of football fans everywhere, we're seeing mock draft after mock draft as well as the perennial "Worst #1 Picks EVER" lists that make Tim Couch and Ki-Jana Carter cry every year. Well, enough of this nonsense! Let's be positive for a moment and discuss the Top 10 Greatest Mr. Irrelevants of the past 30 years. Now over the years, we've seen some gargantuan flops in the first pick. Those hurt. That's money and time wasted poorly. You've seen those names ad nauseum, so I won't dip back into that well. We've seen big timers come from NEARLY the last pick, even as currently as Marques Colston in 2006 as the 252nd overall selection. We've had Donald Driver in 1999 at 213. 1993 saw the drafting of Trent Green at #222 and America's sweetheart, Troy Brown at #198. Even all the way back in 1978, Bill Kenney, a QB out of Northern Colorado was selected the pick before last and went on to be a Pro Bowl QB for the Kansas City Chiefs and eventually a Senator in Missouri. But, what about those guys who squeaked in when everyone else in the world, other GMs included, has completely lost interest? Let's go through the years and find the best of the worst: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:00:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/253852 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/253852 LOL! someone made a 10 list of players that should retire & NOW lol!!!!! some i agree with & some i don't!!! THOUGHTS?? 1. Jason Taylor, DE, Miami Dolphins: By skipping a big chunk of the offseason workout program so he could cut a rug in a dancing competition aimed at reviving the careers of has beens or kick-starting the show business runs of wannabes, Taylor is making it known that his passion for football has waned. Unless, of course, he can't parlay his twice-per-week exposure on national television into something that pays better. He still has the physical tools to play in the NFL, but football isn't really a priority for him anymore. If it were, he'd save the Fred Astaire routine for later. 2. Zach Thomas, ILB, Dallas Cowboys: I'm not a neurologist (and have not played one on television or stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night, or ever). The fact that being in a fender-bender caused Thomas to develop post-concussion syndrome tells me he has had his brain box busted a few times too many. Maybe he should be the one Dancing with the Stars -- it's a better outcome than regularly seeing them. (New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Dan Morgan and St. Louis Rams quarterback Trent Green fall into this category as well, but without the fender-bender. It would have been easy to make them No. 3 and No. 4 on the list with "See Zach Thomas" as the explanation, but I get paid by the word. Yes. I do. By the word. Punctuation. Too.) 3. Michael Strahan, DE, New York Giants: Last year, Strahan wanted more money. When he didn't get it, he stayed away from training camp as he "contemplated retirement," which most folks interpreted to mean, "hoped for more money or a trade to a contender." The irony is he ended up playing for a legitimate contender and landing an unlikely Super Bowl trophy. Strahan's best move would be to get out while he's still reasonably healthy and parlay that title into a media career that would instantly eclipse the well-engineered (but poorly executed) post-football endeavors of former teammate/nemesis Tiki Barber. 4. Brad Johnson, QB, Dallas Cowboys: With Vinny Testaverde finally packing it in, Johnson now is the official over-the-hill quarterback with the arm strength of a Tyrannosaurus. Johnson was dreadful in his final season as a starter with the Minnesota Vikings; if Tony Romo ever gets hurt, the team facing the Cowboys can confidently replace its safeties with nose tackles. 5. Byron Leftwich, QB, free agent: I actually feel bad for Leftwich. After four NFL seasons, Leftwich was abruptly dumped by the Jacksonville Jaguars in favor of a career backup who now has pocketed a big-money contract. Leftwich, meanwhile, was deemed to be not good enough for the quarterback-starved Atlanta Falcons and still is waiting for the phone to ring. He should exercise what little remaining control he has over his life by ripping the phone out of the wall. Permanently. 6. Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens: Ogden is another guy who should quit talking about retirement and just do it. For the future Hall of Famer, however, it's not about whether he loves the game. It's about whether he can continue to use a constantly injured toe to push off his 345-pound frame. (Then again, it's likely the toe is constantly injured from all those years of doing just that.) 7. Orlando Pace, OT, Rams: Although the first overall pick in the 1997 draft hasn't mused about calling it quits, he should. As the cornerstone of St. Louis' offensive line, Pace has been too injured far too often. The Rams can no longer rely on him, and Pace can no longer rely on his body. The team might give him a nudge in a few weeks by drafting Michigan's Jake Long. If Pace doesn't take the hint, the smarter move might be to move him to right tackle and treat any game in which he's actually able to play like a $20 bill found in an old pair of stone-washed jeans. 8. Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals: In a misguided effort to get out of town, the Bengals' No. 1 wideout has been threatening to retire. Coach Marvin Lewis has called his bluff. Johnson should call Marvin's bluff and pack it in. Not because it's in Johnson's best long-term interests to do so, but because the football-following world is sick of listening to his routine. The only problem is someone would likely hire Johnson to talk about football on television. So maybe it's better if he doesn't retire. Ever. 9. Troy Brown, WR, free agent: Brown is a legend in New England, but the Patriots aren't interested in bringing him back for another year. Arguably, however, Brown has been on scholarship for several seasons; he has started only 12 games in four years. Last month, Brown visited the Jets. Sure, he's free to go where he wants, but why taint his legacy in Boston to spend another season riding the pine? He has as much of a claim to the launch of the Pats' dynasty as does Tom Brady or Adam Vinatieri. If Brown finishes his career in another helmet, the memory of Pats fans regarding this specific point could fade a bit. 10. Matt Jones, WR, Jaguars: Three years ago, Jones created a huge buzz in the days leading up to the draft. Chris Mortensen of ESPN sang Jones' praises, predicting he'd qualify for more Pro Bowls than pretty much any of the rest of the skill-position players taken in Round 1. But in his third year -- the one in which receivers are supposed to break out -- Jones had a career low in catches (24) and yards (317). Although he still has the physical tools to remain in the NFL for several more years, the reality is that Jones, by all appearances, doesn't care. And if he doesn't care, he should quit. There are too many guys with less natural ability, but loads more desire and heart. Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a frequent contributor to Sporting News. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:10:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231977 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231977 With free agency seemingly dead in the water, there are still a few NFL teams looking to fill needs, but will they wait for the draft or take a veteran they know will add value? It is interesting to see how 2008 has been similar for the Patriots to free agency periods before 2007. There was too much hype on the Patriots in 2007 and now media pundits feel the Patriots have had a terrible offseason due to losing Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson from their secondary and cutting Rosevelt Colvin. Jamie recently gave a review on the Patriots free agency moves and outlines his thoughts and grades. Although the Patriots have found a few additions in the secondary with CB Fernando Bryant (lions), S Tank Williams (Vikings), CB Lewis Sanders (Falcons), CB Jason Webster (Bills), these players seem to be often injured and decent replacements for the likes of Gay and Wilson or at the very least special teamers. Dom Capers knows a few of these players and they all seem to be tough physical kind of guys he likes to have to play up in the box. I am hoping that Capers is able to improve the secondary and I agree with Jamie, 'if Bryant is the starter alongside Ellis Hobbs to start the season, I don't like the Patriots' chances to make it back to the Super Bowl'. Ty Law is still available (as well as Hank Poteat), but even then I do not like to depend on him to start the whole season. The draft is deep with cornerbacks more so then safeties, so I see Meriweather playing safety in 2008 rather then filling in at corner as he did in early 2007. If Law does join he along with Capers should be able to bring along the young talent into the Belchick mindset relatively quickly. Worse case scenario Troy Brown returns as a nickle back and the Pats at least said no to 'Pac Man' Jones. Overall, I disagree that cornerback is the top need for the Patriots this offseason as the Patriots have often filled the voids in the secondary with players off the street and have used quantity over quality. If we look at the Patriots roster, the greater need is still youth at linebacker with only Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander are the only 'veterans' (sorry Izzo is special teams and comes in on goal line defenses) behind Tedy Bruschi, AD Thomas and Mike Vrabel. They have never played well enough to even come in during the early blowouts in 2007… TJ Slaughter was recently signed and Panthers Adam Seward (RFA) was brought in for a check up with no contract given. These are back-ups not starters even if they figure out the Patriots system. Junior Seau is still surfing and has not made up his mind to return and the Pats may be interested in Takeo Spikes, but age is still a concern. So sure the Patriots did re-sign a few key players like Randy Moss and Lonie Paxton. And Tedy Bruschi is old and slow, but still a team leader and play maker having the most tackles on the team in 2007 - not bad! I think keeping Gaffney is great as he adds value with Stallworth gone, the others that were re-signed are all fillers and not game changers and talent to get to the Super Bowl. I would grade the free agency as a D, based on the Patriots not doing enough to fill the gaps and not much opportunity to draft starters in the draft. Having said that … IN BILL WE TRUST! Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:25:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224162 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224162 The AFC East is getting stronger everday as the Buffalo Bills continue to sign free agents as they re-signed safety Bryan Scott and cornerback Willam James. The Jets have signed tight end Bubba Franks and are interested in former Patriots receiver Troy Brown and cornerback Ty Law. Although the Jets have solidified their offensive line to protect their quarterback (who ever that may be) and improve their running game for , the team still sent representatives to meet with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Meanwhile, Parcells continues to be himself as his recent no-trade comments on defensive end Jason Taylor leads one to believe Taylor has to retire or play for the Phins. Uh Bill - he could also hold out. But Parcells did sign a kicker, Dave Rayner, even if only for kickoffs and competition for Feely in training camp. Update: Miami checked out BC QB Ryan and Virginia offensive tackle Jake Long. So it looks like Miami is thinking offense in the draft? Miami has not met yet with McFadden, The Ohio State DE/OLB Vernon Gholston or LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. So what did the Patriots do recently? Nothing… but I am not worried… yet! Update..Patriots met with Gholston. So if Gholston is still there at the No. 7 pick the Patriots will know what they are getting (or not) with this choice. IN BILL WE TRUST!! Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:45:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/211650 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/211650 D.J. Hackett signs with the Panthers, Troy Brown considers the Jets; DeAngelo and the Raiders continue to negotiate and much more local hometown NFL news for Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:56:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/208437 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/208437 The first wave of free agency is essentially over. However, teams looking for help on the offensive line can still find quality starters. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper Byron Leftwich Quinn Gray Gus Frerotte Tim Rattay Kelly Holcomb Trent Dilfer Craig Nall Marques Tuiasosopo Running Back Kevin Jones Ron Dayne Michael Pittman Musa Smith Mike Anderson Anthony Thomas Verron Haynes Fullback Lorenzo Neal Dan Kreider Cecil Sapp Jim Finn Wide Receiver D.J. Hackett Bryant Johnson Eddie Kennison David Givens Eric Moulds Samie Parker Reche Caldwell Peerless Price Robert Ferguson Keenan McCardell Tim Carter Jerheme Urban Troy Walters Aaron Moorehead Tim Dwight Troy Brown Bryan Gilmore Tight End L.J. Smith (franchise player) Bubba Franks Kris Wilson Marcus Pollard Dwayne Blakley Jason Dunn Stephen Alexander Jerramy Stevens Ryan Krause Christian Fauria Aaron Walker Offensive Tackle Stacy Andrews (franchise player) Fred Miller Max Starks (transition player) Shane Olivea Barry Sims Anthony Clement L.J. Shelton Oliver Ross Jason Fabini Wayne Gandy Mike Rosenthal Nat Dorsey Barry Stokes Stockar McDougle Guard Chris Naeole Jake Scott Fred Weary Floyd Womack John Welbourn Tutan Reyes Ruben Brown Matt Lehr (C) Seth McKinney Todd Steussie Milford Brown Center Justin Hartwig Mike Flynn Casey Wiegmann Mike Flanagan Jeremy Newberry Brett Romberg Kicker Jason Elam Olindo Mare Morten Andersen Aaron Elling Punter Mitch Berger Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:43:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/203042 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/203042 News is that the Patriots have chosen not to re-sign Mr. Patriot Troy Brown. According to the Boston Herald, Brown is drawing interest from the Detriot Lions and Cleveland Browns. Troy Brown has been one of my favorite players for a long time. I was disappointed when he was not signed after the 2006 season. I hoped Brown could play in 2007 and wipe out the image of his fumbled return as his last play as a Patriot. Now sadly the infamous ball bouncing off his face-mask during a punt return versus Miami on December 23rd may have been one of his last plays for New England. I wish Troy all the best if he does not return. If he were to go to another team, I would rather see him play for the Browns then Lions. At least Romeo Crennel will know how to use him and the Browns have a better shot at making the playoffs. CB Eugene Wilson? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have sign Eugene Wilson to a one-year deal worth about $1.8 million. Ironically Wilson will suit up as cornerback. A position he played in college before joining the Patriots and moving to safety his rookie season. Wilson's quick development at safety allowed the Patriots to release Lawyer Milloy just before the beginning of the 2003 season. Wilson will join other recently signed free agents DE Marques Douglas, RB Warren Dunn, QB Brain Greise and TE Ben Troupe. The Wright Guy The Patriots have re-signed restricted free agent defensive lineman Mike Wright. Wright has been with the Patriots for three years and ended 2007 on injured reserve. Wright was also on injured reserve in his rookie year, but did well in 2006 playing the full season. Ending two seasons out of three on IR, one might think why bother picking him up. Both injuries occurred at the end of the seasons and the Pats placed him on IR to bring in another body to help in the playoffs. Ventrone re-signed The Patriots continue to re-sign key young players as they re-sign safety Ray Ventrone. Ventrone was a non-drafted free agent before joining the Patriots. Originally signed to the prectice squad in 2005 and spending 2006 on injured reserve, Ventrone was picked up by Mangini and the Jets in February 2007 and cut and moved to their practice squad before the 2007 season. The Jets cut Ventrone on September 12, 2007 and he was signed by the Patriots on the 19th. As a special teamer, Ventrone had his first chance to play in a regular season game in 2007. Ventrone had his first special teams tackle versus the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. Kecklo a fullback? Former Patriots and Colts defensive lineman, Dan Klecko has signed with the Eagles as a fullback. For the Patriots Klecko was a shorter, pudgy (look at that belly) defensive-lineman that made three starts with the Patriots over three years. He seemed a likable guy until he went to the Colts… With the Colts, Klecko played as a fullback versus the Patriots and scored a touchdown in the 2006 AFC Championship game. The Colts won the game and went on to the Super Bowl. Sat, 15 Mar 2008 05:34:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/200633 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/200633 Had the opportunity -- no the pleasure of watching the second half of last season's divisional round matchup with the Chargers in HD on the NFL Network. I think this is probably a better representation of where the Chargers are this year, after all in week 2 they were still gelling with their entire coaching staff. (That and anyone who played the Pats in week 2 would have gotten absolutely boat-raced). At this juncture the Chargers were the number one seed, at home and a ton of momentum after having destroyed us at home the year below (the infamous game where Wade Phillips walked around talking about how much of a "butt whuppin'" they gave us). Hit the link for the 5 things I noticed while watching, but just wanted to say one more time thank you Troy Brown. 4th-and-5, Brady throws a pick and Troy Brown rips it out of Marlon McCree's hands and Reche Caldwell falls on the ball. (BTW Chargers fans, Schottenheimer should NOT have challenged that play, you should be happy to have Norv Turner and should be offering to pick the crumbs out of AJ Smith's mustache). Also, Gaffney absolutely tore up the Pats defense in this game as our #1 WR. Imagine what he might be able to do this Sunday. Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:04:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/76058 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/76058 As we look forward to todays first game of the post-season, news on Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs is questionable with a groin injury. If Hobbs is hobbled, then look for Randall Gay to see more action at corner and possibly rookie Brandon Meriweather playing at corner instead safety. It was also reported earlier that hard hitting safety Rodney Harrison has been limited by a thigh injury and had some issues in practice with the injury being taped. If Harrison is also limited, this will mean more work safeties James Sanders and Eugene Wilson. Add to the injury list defensive backs and special teamers Willie Andrews and Atwain Spann and there just may be a cause for concern if injuries happen during the game. I would be really concerned if special teamers Mel Mitchel and Ray Ventrone take to the field in normal defensive situations. Mitchel has limited experience in normal defensive plays and Ventrone has only special teams experience. The situation could call for wide receiver and fan favorite Troy Brown to make his first appearance in game this year. Also is Bam Childress still on the practice squad? I think he has practiced with the defense before. Can Kelley Washington play corner or will the Wes Welker legend in New England eclipse Try Brown if Welker plays defense? OH JEEZ! I wish the game would start already! IN BILL WE TRUST! Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:32:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/69677 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/69677 Despite having won their last game versus the New York Giants and finishing the season with a record breaking 16-0 record, the new year and playoffs level the field of competition. A loss in the playoffs means no chance for the Super Bowl. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:21:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/58044 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/58044 If the rivalry between the Patriots and Jets did not provide enough to make this a big game, the hype for this week's game may turn out to be one of historical or hysterical proportions. The Jets will try to blitz and blitz often. I see the Pats learning from last week with the Steelers the way to utilize Welker, So Welker and Brown should have plenty of opportunities as Moss, and Stallworth will be covered by the Jets DBs to not give up the big play. Brent's Predictions Pats 48 - Jets 13 Tom Brady 4 TDs Moss 7 catches, 86 yds 2 TDs Welker 8 catches, 123 yards 1 TD Troy Brown 3 catches 46 yards 1 TD Maroney 72 yds, 1 TD Heath Evans 54 yds 1 TD PAYBACK BEGINS!! IN BILL WE TRUST! Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:49:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/46228 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/46228 I mean really?.....have you seen that headband that New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick wears on the sidelines? With all that hair spilling over the sides? A little mas o menos if you ask me. Then I did some digging and found out what Billy really has been up to with all those cameras, scissors, headsets and head-bands. Yes, he got the boys together and formed a band, the Pecan Sandies..... Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:43:25 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/40846 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/40846 The New England Patriots just announced that they have placed linebacker Rosevelt Colvin on IR with a foot injury, ending his season. He suffered the foot injury in Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots re-signed linebacker Chad Brown to replace Colvin on the roster. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:41:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/39038 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/39038 You gotta hand it to the Pats. You can't accuse them of lacking confidence after shoving popcorn up TO's ass last Sunday. However they could be getting a little too cocky for their own good. Test your Bingo skills against super bowl champion Troy Brown and his New England Patriot teammates for the chance to win $10,000 in prize money! WR Troy Brown is sponsoring a Celebrity Bingo Tournament at Gillette Stadium along with some Patriots teammates. Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:43:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/31645 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/31645 Troy Brown intrigues me. Here is a person with three (3) Super Bowl rings, which means he's been to the pinnacle i.e. the mountaintop at least three times and brought home the prize. It's a feat in which every National Football League player past and present has played this game. Troy is entering his 15th season with the New England Patriots. He is an integral part of the once again favored Patriots. He can do it all: punt returner, wide receiver, and line up as a gunner on the punt team. I even raised up out of my stance to find my safety and corner and you guessed it, it was Troy Brown playing corner. Troy is very well known, not just in the New England part of the country, but also around the league for his blue collar play. Troy's STORY is much more intriguing than his glory that he now possesses. You see, Troy was released by the Patriots early in his career. Again, this past weekend NFL rosters had to be trimmed to their final fifty-three man rosters, which means guys lost their jobs not their dreams. Why do I admire Mr. Troy Brown? Well it's not only because we share the same number, but his ability to thrive in a cut throat business and he always gives more than is asked of him. There are many who get caught in the numbers game or are placed on that so-called "waiting list", but they never quit and never give up (a slogan that I've added to my daily meditation). I will not be defeated and will not quit. This note is to get fans ready for the upcoming regular season in the NFL. Don't just be a fan to your team, but become family. My definition of family: We praise, we don't complain; we encourage and edify as opposed to tearing down. We win together; we lose together from September to January. Troy's story is much more interesting than his glory. Remember, your words are the most powerful thing in the universe, so walk by faith and not by sight. P.S. This my MVP season. Isaac Bruce Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:23:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/25792 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/25792