# 80??

[TexecutedInTampa]

This is intended for Pats fans. Haters are specifically dis-invited, K? Run along.

OK, Alex Smith was a good signing for NE. Even so, why does he have #80? This number needs to be retired.

80 is Troy. Period. No, he will never be in the NFL Hall of Fame. I don't care. He is a Patriot HOFamer, no question.

Agree? Disagree? Arguments are cool and fun. I am going to pull together my case for 80 being retired in NE over the weekend.

[Whit Prowdy]

Troy Brown was a terrific player, no doubt about it.

But should #80 be retired? I'm inclined to say no, but I'd figure they would wait a few years before handing it out to anyone.

[TexecutedInTampa]

Troy Brown was a terrific player, no doubt about it.

But should #80 be retired? I'm inclined to say no, but I'd figure they would wait a few years before handing it out to anyone.

They've handed it to a Tight End

[Wolverine]

It's probably going along with that mentality that every piece is replaceable for the Pats, unless of course you are Tom Brady or something like that, and therefore if you had a number, it's no big deal to anyone if they give it to someone else.

It would look kind of weird if I was a patriots fan though and saw number 80 and didn't think Troy Brown.

I still see Kordell Stewart sometimes when I look at Santonio Holmes. Those are more nightmares though.

[TexecutedInTampa]

It's probably going along with that mentality that every piece is replaceable for the Pats, unless of course you are Tom Brady or something like that, and therefore if you had a number, it's no big deal to anyone if they give it to someone else.

It would look kind of weird if I was a patriots fan though and saw number 80 and didn't think Troy Brown.

I still see Kordell Stewart sometimes when I look at Santonio Holmes. Those are more nightmares though.

Yes, that's just cruel I was just being nostalgic.

[Patzphanatiq]

If any number should be retired of the players that left in the past 10 years, #80 would get my vote. Troy Brown WAS the penultimate Patriots player.. low draft pick, multi-talented, and did whatever he needed to do to HELP the team, not his stats.

[|(evin|(olb|(ritik]

Remember the guy as fondly as you want, he certainly is a guy worth remembering. What he isn't though is a great player, make no mistake about that.

If you value the honor and significance of retiring somebodies number then you cannot even consider putting Troy Browns name up in the stadium. That single act would diminish the honor of the position as well as the accomplishments of those who have already had their names retired previously.

[BigBenCan7]

Remember the guy as fondly as you want, he certainly is a guy worth remembering. What he isn't though is a great player, make no mistake about that.

If you value the honor and significance of retiring somebodies number then you cannot even consider putting Troy Browns name up in the stadium. That single act would diminish the honor of the position as well as the accomplishments of those who have already had their names retired previously.

Agreed. He only really had 3 seasons in which you could even call his numbers somewhat impressive, and only 1 season that he broke 1,000 receiving yards. He was always a fan favorite and a player that did all the little things right, but he just has not accomplished anything near what it takes for most people to get their number retired.

It does look weird to see anyone other than Troy wearing that number though.

[Patzphanatiq]

It is not only production, but what kind of player you are. There are plenty of players that had production, but were worthless teammates (Ty Cobb is a major example). Brown typifies the influx of the team theory behind the Patriots success since 2000. He played where he was needed, when he was needed and did not complain, nor did he seek gratitude for it.

That is why he should have his number retired. Its not all about numbers, but the character of the man wearing it. He is also one of the few Patriots with 3 SB rings, and was a major contributor in those 3, both on offense, in 2001 and 2003, then defense in 2004.

Besides, how will his number being retired besmirch any of the ones before? Do you really think that Andre Tippett or John Hannah, or Steve Grogan will complain, when they ALL have sung his praises during his playing time at New England?

Just because YOU have an opinion that you have to be "Great" as in being a statistical *****, does not mean that either you are right, nor that the Patriots will listen. There are different meanings behind greatness, and Troy Brown will always be considered a GREAT Patriots player to his fans, and to the team he was drafted by, and played his WHOLE career at.

[BigBenCan7]

No one is doubting the man's character, but there is no doubt that you need to be an accomplished player in order to have your jersey retired. You're right, it takes both production and character, and Troy has one of them.