Brown back

Veteran receiver excited about contributing again

NFL. Veteran wide receiver Troy Brown said yesterday he’s “looking forward” to getting back on the field full time as a member of the Patriots.

The 36-year-old was activated off the physically unable to perform list earlier this week, and spoke publicly for the first time yesterday about his decision to return for a 15th season in a New England uniform.

“I’m always excited to be around this game,” Brown said. “My opportunity came up and I got a chance to be a part of this, and I’m just looking forward to coming in here and getting ready for this game. All I can do is take it one day at a time, one play at a time.”

“He’s been working very, very hard. [He’s] played a long time, and it’s great to have him up and available,” quarterback Tom Brady said of Brown. “I sure hope he makes a big impact on the team. He always does, just with his leadership, his ability to bring people together, and he always has positive words. He’s a great leader. He’s a great teammate, and everybody loves having Troy Brown.”

Brown’s versatility is the stuff of legend — in addition to playing wide receiver, he’s also been an integral part of special teams as a punt returner. He’s also been an emergency defensive back, coming up with 17 tackles and three interceptions in 2004.

However, no one is sure where he fits in on the 2007 team. New England is well-stocked at wide receiver, with offseason acquisitions Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth giving a jolt to the Patriots’ passing game. With the recent injuries to Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson, depth in the secondary is a slight concern, so that could be a possibility, but Welker has become the seventh-best punt returner in the NFL, averaging 11.2 yards a return.

Brown said yesterday he’ll do whatever is needed.

“[Head Coach] Bill [Belichick] saw enough to activate me,” Brown said. “I feel decent. I feel good. It’s up to him, and whatever he decides to do with me, I’ll just take it from there.”