Troy Brown
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Troy Brown (born July 2, 1971 in Barnwell, South Carolina) is a professional American football player, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He had a breakout year in 2001 and was a key figure in their shocking Super Bowl XXXVI victory. He also made some important contributions when the team won Super Bowl XXXVIII two years later, although he shared his stardom with players such as Deion Branch, David Givens, and Christian Fauria.
Brown was drafted by the Pats out of Marshall University and made his NFL debut in 1993. He had a good season in 1997, despite not being a full-time starter. His first year as a starter was 2000, but his best year wouldn't come until the next year, when he, alongside Tom Brady, led the Patriots to their first ever Super Bowl championship. He didn't do as well in 2002, when the team realized it couldn't take success for granted and compiled a record of 9-7, but bounced back in 2003 and helped lead the team back to the Super Bowl.
In 2004, he had only 17 receptions, but gave an enormous contribution in what was originally an emergency role on defense, ranking second on the team in interceptions with three. He was topped in this category only by Eugene Wilson. In the Pats 20-3 playoff victory over the Colts, he completely shut down receiver Brandon Stokley.
Brown was released by the Patriots on March 1, 2005 for salary cap reasons, but he signed a new contract with them on May 23, 2005.