Patriots Legend Troy Brown Brings Holiday Magic to Fall River Parade

Fall River’s Kennedy Park had that "only in December" kind of energy on Saturday as the 41st annual Children’s Holiday Parade filled the city with floats, music, and plenty of hometown pride.

Fun 107 and The MGM Show were live from the park, soaking it all in for what organizers called the biggest showing in the parade’s history.

The large Macy’s-style floats featuring familiar favorites like Elmo and Frosty wrapped all the way around Kennedy Park, with local businesses showing up in a big way and families lining the route to catch every part of the procession. Of course, Santa was there, but he wasn’t the only big name drawing attention.

Troy Brown Serves as Grand Marshal of the Fall River Parade

New England Patriots Hall of Famer Troy Brown joined the celebration as this year’s grand marshal, and The MGM Show caught up with him during our live broadcast. Brown, who wore No. 80 for the Patriots and famously contributed on both sides of the ball during the early Patriots dynasty, said he was genuinely happy to be part of the Fall River community for the day.

“I’m happy to be here,” Brown said with the familiar smile Pats fans know so well. “I’ve only been here in New England for 32 years, so it’s good to know it’s not quite as long as the parade.”

Do 2025 Patriots Remind Brown of 2001?

The conversation quickly shifted from holiday fun to Patriots football when Brown was asked whether this surprise season reminded him of the 2001 Super Bowl run. Brown didn’t force a comparison, but he praised what he’s seeing from former teammate and now head coach Mike Vrabel.

“They’ve got their own identity,” Brown said. “They’re improving each week and they’re playing strong complementary football. They’re playing as a team.”

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Troy Brown Says Community Still Matters to Patriots

Brown also highlighted something Patriots fans have always valued about him: his connection to the community. He explained that community involvement has long been part of Patriots culture, especially after Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994. Kraft wanted players to be visible, engaged and connected, and Brown said many former Patriots continue that tradition even after retirement.

As for being called a "legend," Brown handled it with humor, joking that it stings a little when someone says their grandmother loved watching him play. He insisted that when he thinks "legend," he thinks of Patriots greats such as Steve Grogan and Stanley Morgan.