A.J. Brown has spoken publicly for the first time this offseason, addressing his departure from the Philadelphia Eagles, his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts and his move to the New England Patriots in an interview with Maria Taylor on “7PM in Brooklyn.” Brown said he realized near the end of the season that his time in Philadelphia felt “up,” leading to a trade that sent him to New England for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman later confirmed Brown wanted a fresh start elsewhere.
Brown, who spent four seasons in Philadelphia, said he is still processing the split and has spent the week grieving and reflecting on his time with the organization. During his Eagles tenure, he recorded more than 5,000 receiving yards and won a Super Bowl, becoming one of the most productive receivers in franchise history.
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He also clarified the state of his relationship with Hurts, saying the two are “not as close as we once were,” but that there is no bad blood. Brown said there is still “a lot of love” and that he wants Hurts to succeed. He explained that the public focus on their friendship became unusual, especially since the two had already started to grow apart over time. Brown emphasized that neither personal issues nor family problems caused the distance, saying they simply drifted apart as life moved on.
The receiver also reflected on the 2025 season and the pressure that came with expectations after the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory. Brown admitted it was wrong to air frustrations publicly on social media, but said those comments were intentional and meant to push the team to address problems. He described the approach as a way to create pressure that could lead to improvement, saying public attention can motivate change when standards are not being met.
Despite the emotional split from Philadelphia, Brown appeared excited about his next chapter in New England. He said he has long been a Patriots fan and noted that the interview was filmed in front of a Patriots rug he has owned for years. Brown’s comments marked the first time he has openly discussed the trade, his changing bond with Hurts and the emotions surrounding the end of his Eagles run.
