Among his former teammates again, Patriots’ Brown says he’s moved on from sour departure from Philly
Patriots’ A.J. Brown Leaves Philly Behind as Eagles Face-Off in Joint Practice
Bharatmorningnews.com – Walking across the smaller practice field at Foxborough, Massachusetts, wide receiver A.J. Brown kept his helmet strapped on and his gaze fixed on the turf. Ahead of him, on the lower field, sat the Philadelphia Eagles — the franchise he had just been traded away from. Because the Patriots’ new facility sits close enough that players must jog across that smaller field and up a hill to reach the two main practice areas, Brown had no choice but to pass through his former teammates before Wednesday’s joint session began.
He offered only brief nods to a handful of assistant coaches along the way. No handshakes. No lingering. Just a short, silent transit between two chapters of his career.
First Rep: Brown vs. Mitchell
Once the 11-on-11 drill kicked off, the tension dissolved into pure competition. Lined up against Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell — a third-year All-Pro — Brown immediately dialed up the intensity. On the opening play, the two locked up in a hand fight before Brown carved out separation along the sideline. Quarterback Drake Maye launched a deep shot; Brown got one hand on the ball before Mitchell swatted it away at the final moment.
The incomplete pass still produced one of the loudest reactions of the day from the packed bleachers.
“The first rep, man, Q got away with a little holding,” Brown said with a chuckle. “I won and he pulled himself back into the play. I just got to finish the play.”
Mitchell, for his part, welcomed the rematch.
“It was a little more amped up, knowing the battles we had in Philly,” Mitchell said. “He’s just a great receiver. He gives you so many battles and tough assignments. … It was really great to just go out there and compete with him again today.”
Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent only a brief window matched up with Mitchell during the session before rotating out.
“It’s Love, No Matter How Anyone Feels”
Surrounded by familiar faces and coaches from his Philadelphia years, Brown made clear he is not carrying resentment into New England. He described arriving in Foxborough feeling “awe” at the prospect of a fresh start.
“It’s not about no closure or anything, man. 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. This is where my feet are and that’s what I’m focused on.”
The Sour Ending in Philadelphia
The friction between Brown and the Eagles franchise — and notably with Super Bowl LIX MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts — escalated alongside a sharp drop in his production last season. The situation peaked during Philadelphia’s 23-19 wild-card round defeat to San Francisco, when television cameras captured Brown and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni bickering on the sideline. A security officer had to step in. At one point Brown tore off his helmet and shouted in Sirianni’s direction.
Asked whether he had any parting words for Eagles fans about what became one of the final images of him in a Philadelphia jersey, Brown waved it off.
“What’s my message to Eagles fans? I love you and I’m not looking in the past,” Brown said. “That game, no I didn’t play my best. But I’m not going backwards, you know? It doesn’t exist.”
“Listen, honestly guys, none of that stuff even matters,” he added. “You know asking the question is going to turn negative. Let’s not get into that. Let’s keep everything positive. It’s love my way and just move forward. That’s all.”
Hurts’ Response
From the Eagles’ side, Hurts kept his remarks brief and warm.
“I know he’s going out there and competing,” Hurts said. “I’ve got a lot of love for him, always have.”
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Among his former teammates again Patriots?
Among his former teammates again Patriots is the main topic of this guide. The article explains the context, practical details, and next steps readers should understand.
Why does Among his former teammates again Patriots matter?
Among his former teammates again Patriots matters because readers are looking for a useful answer, not just a short summary. Good content should match search intent and help them decide what to do next.