- FOXBOROUGH, Mass. —After A.J. Brown finished cooking the Eagles’ defense on Wednesday, he spoke about his new chapter with New England and tried his best to avoid questions about his old team.
Brown couldn’t avoid them altogether. With many Eagles reporters in attendance, Brown fielded questions about his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Unsurprisingly, Brown said he has not talked with Hurts since being traded to the Patriots on June 1, even during Wednesday’s Eagles-Patriots joint practice.
When asked if he plans to speak with Hurts at some point this week, Brown said, “I’m sure if our paths run across, yeah, sure.”
Over the past two years, it has been widely reported that Hurts and Brown’s friendship soured. Eagles legend Brandon Graham confirmed it two years ago on his 94WIP radio show. It’s been rumored to be one of the reasons why Brown wanted out of Philadelphia, along with his frustration with the passing game and his usage in the offense.
Hurts said Wednesday that he has “a lot of love” for Brown, but he didn’t address whether he plans to meet up with him on the practice field this week.
The relationship between Brown and Hurts was one topic today, but Brown fielded many questions about his time in Philadelphia.
“No, it’s not about no closure,” Brown said when asked if playing against his former team gave him any closure. “It’s love. 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 that’s where my feet are and that’s what I am focused on.”
Brown is one of the best players in Eagles’ history. He earned three second-team All-Pro selections during his four years in Philadelphia and helped the team reach two Super Bowls. He was a fan favorite, but his legacy is overshadowed by a few bad drops in his final playoff game with the Eagles, followed by months of trade rumors and drama.
Brown took responsibility for his poor play and addressed Eagles fans who may still be frustrated with him.
“I love you, and I’m not looking in the past,” Brown said. “That [49ers] game, no I didn’t play my best, but I’m not going backwards. It doesn’t exist. And that’s the last question I’m gonna answer about the past.”
Brown is focusing on his future with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, not his time with Hurts and the Eagles.
Maye connected with Brown on two deep balls and carved up Philadelphia’s secondary.
“He’s very special and he makes my job easier,” Brown said.
Brown had a great day, but he dropped a pass while being covered by Eagles All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell during one-on-ones.
The Eagles want to move on from Brown, too.
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith also said he did not speak to Brown today. So Hurts is not the only one.
On Thursday, Philadelphia’s defense will try to stop Brown after he gave the defense a rough time during Wednesday’s practice.
Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Leave a Comment