AJ Brown on Eagles QB Jalen Hurts after trade: ‘I love him to death’
AJ Brown said his relationship with the Philadelphia signal-caller was not the cause of the NFL team’s slump last season.
Olivia Bennett 
The long-standing bond between Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown began years ago on an Alabama recruiting visit. However, as the Philadelphia Eagles navigated a difficult stretch during the 2025 season, that friendship became an unexpected focal point of public speculation.
Moving Forward
Following a successful 2024 campaign that saw the Eagles secure a Super Bowl LIX victory, the team hit a rough patch to close out 2025. Philadelphia dropped five of its final eight games, culminating in a 23-19 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC playoffs.
Amid the noise surrounding the team's performance, the Eagles finalized a major move on Monday by trading AJ Brown to the New England Patriots. The deal brings a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia.
Clearing the Air
During an interview on “7 p.m. in Brooklyn,” Brown addressed the rumors head-on, clarifying that his rapport with Hurts had no negative impact on the team's production. “I love him to death,” Brown stated. “I want him to succeed and accomplish all the things that he wants to accomplish.”
Brown noted that while he and the quarterback may not be as close as they were during their initial days together, there is “no bad blood.” He expressed frustration that the media fixated on their personal dynamic rather than the football context, emphasizing that they continued to compete and lead the team effectively.
The Pressure of Expectations
Reflecting on the Eagles’ struggles last season after a promising 8-2 start, Brown suggested that the internal pressure of defending their title became overwhelming. “I think the expectations that we placed upon ourselves became too much,” Brown said during the interview. He explained that the team began “pressing,” noting that the goal should have been to focus on daily effort rather than the weight of outside expectations.
Brown leaves Philadelphia with a stellar track record, including 339 receptions, 5,034 yards, and 32 touchdowns over four seasons. During that tenure, the Eagles maintained a 50-18 regular-season record.
A Final Word from the Signal-Caller
Before the trade, Hurts spoke highly of his former teammate, highlighting the joy of seeing Brown reach personal milestones. “We’re really good,” Hurts said. Regarding their shared history, he added, “Nothing can replace all the greatness that we achieved together.”
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