The offseason trade sending All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots added major intrigue to Wednesday’s joint training camp practice in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Facing his former team for the first time since the June 1 deal, Brown fielded questions from reporters regarding his departure, his standing with Philadelphia fans, and his current connection with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
A.J. Brown Addresses Relationship With Jalen Hurts and Eagles
Despite persistent speculation about tension between the two stars, Brown emphasized that he harbors no lingering animosity toward the organization that gave him a Super Bowl ring.
Following the intense joint session on the Patriots’ practice fields, a large group of reporters gathered around Brown to ask about his exit from Philadelphia and whether practicing against his former teammates brought a sense of resolution.
Brown dismissed any notion that the practice was about settling old business or seeking emotional closure.
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“It’s not about no closure or anything. It’s love,” Brown said. “I won a Super Bowl ring with them. It’ll always be love no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly. But I’m here now. And this is where my feet are and that’s what I’m focused on.”
The relationship between Brown and Hurts became a focal point of discussion during the final months of Brown’s tenure in Philadelphia. Despite their shared history, which includes a Super Bowl title, rumors of a rift persisted prior to the June trade.
When asked directly if he had communicated with Hurts since being dealt to New England, Brown offered a blunt response.
“Hey, A.J., have you talked to Jalen since the trade?” a reporter asked. Brown said: “No”.
“Philly, man… y’all tough” 😂
A.J. Brown fielded plenty of questions about his breakup with the Eagles following a joint practice in New England on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/jFAmcnHDPe
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 19, 2026
Hurts separately confirmed to reporters that the two had not spoken since the trade went through in June, though the quarterback added that he still maintains respect and affection for his former top target.
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As questions continued to center on the circumstances surrounding his departure, Brown redirected the conversation toward a more forward-looking perspective, urging the media to move past former storylines.
“Philly man, y’all tough,” Brown said. “Man, it’s love. Listen, listen. Honestly, guys, none of that stuff even matters. I think you all should wanna report something positive. You know asking a question is gonna turn negative, so let’s not get into that. Let’s keep everything positive. It’s love my way, and just move forward. That’s all.”
Brown and Hurts were seen talking with each other on Thursday after practice to cool down the rumors of their rift.
AJ Brown and Jalen Hurts chopping it up
(via @MrUram)pic.twitter.com/f6O5VGXgpM
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 20, 2026
On the field, Brown showed strong chemistry with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, hauling in multiple completions during team drills against Philadelphia’s defensive secondary.
Brown’s numbers had already slipped in his final season in Philadelphia, and PFSN’s WR Impact Metric backed that up. He finished 2025 ranked 12th among all wide receivers with a 79.9 impact score, after totaling 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 78 catches over 15 games. That was his lowest full-season yardage output since 2021.
With the Patriots and Eagles preparing for their upcoming preseason matchup at Gillette Stadium, Brown remains focused on establishing his role in New England’s offense rather than reflecting on his past in Philadelphia.
