New Patriots WR A.J. Brown Reveals Truth About Relationship with Eagles QB Jalen Hurts
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New Patriots WR A.J. Brown Reveals Truth About Relationship with Eagles QB Jalen Hurts originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In what seemed like an inevitable outcome, A.J. Brown is officially a member of the Patriots. Brown returns to a Mike Vrabel-led team following a stint in Philadelphia. It ends a run with QB Jalen Hurts while beginning a new one with Drake Maye.
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It’s a transition that, just a few years ago, many wouldn’t have expected. That’s especially true looking back at the early camaraderie between Brown, the go-to weapon in Philadelphia, and Hurts.
Brown had 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 yards in 2023 in Philadelphia, with 18 combined touchdowns. His stats the next two years went down a smidge, with over 1,000 receiving yards in 2024 and 2025 and 14 combined TDs.
MORE:A.J. Brown Trade Grades: Patriots Snag WR From Eagles, Give Drake Maye Game-Changing Weapon
The friendship between Brown and Hurts seemed off to many, with players and pundits adding fuel to the fire. Brown cleared the air when speaking to Maria Taylor after it was announced he was going to New England.
“Not as close as we once were,” Brown said about his relationship with Hurts. “I mean, that's fine. There's no bad blood. There's actually still a lot of love. I love him to death. I want him to succeed and accomplish all the things he wants to accomplish.”
Life happens and there is no bad blood. Both parties are ready to move on!
— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) June 2, 2026
Full interview: https://t.co/qtrLGbz2s5pic.twitter.com/2SmwvPT4Hn
The two seemed to have drifted apart over the years. As Brown's numbers fell with Hurts at the QB position, rumors continued to grow. At one point, Brown told The Athletic the two were alphas who demand greatness from each other.
Brown didn’t quite understand why their friendship became the center of everyone’s attention. He added that while they weren’t close over the years compared to what they were, they still pushed one another and led the team.
“It’s just kind of strange, you know, people just got too fixated on the relationship… But, you know, that wasn’t what this was. I’m going to say it to you… I got nothing but love for him. I want him to do well and accomplish everything his heart desires,” Brown said.
MORE:How Eagles 'Did Right By A.J. Brown' By Trading Him To Patriots
When questioned as to whether there was actual tension between the two or their families, Brown denied any major differences. It was just about growing apart.
“Nothing happened. People just grow apart,” Brown said. “Nothing happened between me and him or our families, wives, anything. Nothing like that ever happened. Life happens. You just look up sometimes, and you just find yourself drifting away. That’s fine. I think both parties accepted that.”
Brown now heads to a team that was one win away from becoming Super Bowl Champions. He rejoins Vrabel, his coach while with the Titans. Meanwhile, the Eagles' top receivers will now be DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown, along with Makai Lemon, the No. 20 pick from the 2026 NFL Draft.