Image courtesy of National Football Foundation

On Tuesday morning, the Patriots held the first bit of media availability heading into the 2023 season.

Director of Player Personnel Matt Groh, new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Jerod Mayo all got the majority of the attention as you’d expect, but the other assistant coaches were also on hand to chat with reporters for a bit.

I spoke briefly with Pats legend Troy Brown about coaching the East-West Shrine Game, Zay Flowers and what he remembers about his NFL Draft weekend experience. Here’s what the former No. 80 turned wide receivers/kickoff returners coach had to say:

ON THE EAST-WEST HEAD COACH EXPERIENCE AND WHAT HE LEARNED ABOUT HIMSELF

“I was put in a tough situation, you know? An uncomfortable situation and I was able to work through that and felt like I needed a good staff to be able to depend on to be able to go out and do the things I wanted to do. That, and the things we wanted to do as a team and as a staff in that game. Just because I’m uncomfortable doesn’t mean I can’t do it.”

ON WHAT HE SAW FROM ZAY FLOWERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

“Good kid. Talented kid. Local guy. I thought he was a good person and we wished him luck in this process.”

ON HIS NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE AND THE NERVES HE REMEMBERS HAVING

“It was very nerve racking. Even though I came from a 1-AA school, you just kind of had no idea what part of the draft I would be going in, what day to wait on or whatever. What to expect. So, just kind of sat there and watched the TV for three days and wait to see your name come across the screen. Getting the phone call from Bobby Greer and talking to Coach Parcells on the phone and then wondering where the heck New England was. That’s probably what I remember most, but obviously, it’s an exciting time for all those young guys, but it’s much different now than it was.”