Patriots’ A.J. Brown speaks about Jalen Hurts, reunion with Eagles at joint practice

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts did not reconnect at the joint practice between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday. Brown said the former teammates have not spoken since Brown was traded to the Patriots in June. 

Still, neither fueled the soap opera-like interest in their relationship after practice.

“Philly, man — y’all are tough,” Brown said to reporters who asked how he left it with Hurts. “It’s love. Honestly, guys, none of that stuff even matters. You all should want to report something positive. You know asking the question is going to turn negative. So let’s not get into that. Let’s keep everything positive. It’s love my way. And just move forward.”

Brown added that if he crossed paths with Hurts this week, they’d speak with each other.

“I got a lot of love for him — always have,” Hurts said. 

Brown was spotted chatting with other former teammates, along with coaches and support staff from his time in Philadelphia. He said he “felt some love” even though he’s “on an opposing team now.”

The Brown trade dominated headlines for the first months of the year before it could be facilitated on June 1. Brown’s discontent was apparent in his final season with the Eagles. That left a sour taste in Philadelphia at the end of a historic four-year run that included a Lombardi Trophy, another Super Bowl appearance and the two top seasons for receiving yards in franchise history. Both sides have moved on, although this week’s practice sessions had been circled as appointment viewing since the trade. 

“It’s not about no closure or anything. It’s love,” Brown said about practicing against the Eagles this week. “I won a Super Bowl ring with them.  It’ll always be love, no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I’ll always love Philly. But I’m here now.”

The question of why he’s in New England has lingered since the end of last season. That’s why Brown was asked directly by a Philadelphia-area reporter why he desired change. It was not a topic Brown wanted to explore in front of cameras Wednesday.

“I’m here now. I’m not going backward,” Brown said.

“Moving forward” was a prevailing sentiment throughout his news conference. At one point, he was asked for his message to Eagles fans after the 2025 season ended with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the opening round of the postseason. Brown, who had three catches for 25 yards in the loss, did not meet with reporters after that game.

“My message to Eagles fans? I love you,” Brown said. “And I’m not looking in the past. That game, no, I didn’t play my best. But I’m not going backwards. It doesn’t exist.”

Brown remained in a jovial mood. He was also coming off a standout practice session during which the Eagles were reminded of what Brown adds to an offense as a top-of-the-league receiver. Brown said at this time last summer that he wanted to put his stamp on being the best receiver in the NFL. It didn’t happen in a turbulent 2025 season. But he raved about new quarterback Drake Maye. He grew up a Patriots fan in Mississippi and called the trade to New England “close to” heaven in June, leading to the impression that he is happier in his new home.

“I wouldn’t say I’m in a better place (mentally),” Brown said Wednesday. “I wasn’t in a bad place in Philly. I’ll leave it at that.”