By Matt Sohn
Sept. 25, 2008

Former Patriots WR Troy Brown has officially announced his retirement from the NFL at a press conference Thursday morning at Gillette Stadium. The venerable, diminutive wideout who spent his entire 15-year career with New England leaves as team’s all-time leader in receptions with 557. He scored 34 touchdowns — three on punt returns.

In addition to his receiving prowess, the eighth-round pick out of Marshall performed admirably as a defensive back on occasion throughout his time in Foxborough.

“I will always be a Patriot, just no longer in uniform,” Brown said. “I want to thank (owner) Mr. (Robert) Kraft and his family for allowing me to not just be part of their football team but to be a part of their family also.”