The tension that once simmered between Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown appears to have evaporated. At Thursday's joint practice between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, the former teammates shared a warm embrace and a dap-up, signaling a thaw in their relationship after a rocky 2025 season.
Brown, now a Patriot after being traded from Philadelphia, had previously acknowledged that communication with Hurts had been minimal since the deal. But Thursday's exchange suggested both were ready to move forward, a moment captured on video and quickly circulated on social media.
“I’m here now,” Brown said, per Sports Radio 94 WIP. “I’m not going backwards.” He added, “[I]t’s not about no closure or anything. 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 this is where my feet are and that’s what I’m focused on.”
The gesture drew widespread praise from NFL fans, many of whom were simply relieved to see the two stars on good terms. “Good to see they crossed paths,” one fan wrote on social media. Another added, “We can now move forward, if my 🐐 cool we good.”
Not everyone was ready to fully forgive Brown, though. One fan commented, “My problem has nothing to do with the relationship of two grown men. MY ISSUE, is he CLEARLY punted the season last year and flat out quit in that playoff game. That’s something I’ll never get over.” Another echoed that sentiment, saying, “So glad this is the end of the AJ/Jalen reporting. So over it. Also feel like the media has a soft post for AJ still. He balled out. Totally fair to point out. But this does indicate he straight up quit on a team that should have had SB aspirations.”
Despite the lingering criticism, Thursday's interaction was a positive step for both players as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season. Hurts, who has consistently avoided fueling drama, previously deflected questions about Brown with a masterful non-answer, keeping the focus on his team.
Joint practices have been a mixed bag across the league this week—from the brawl between the Cowboys and Saints to the injury scare for the Chargers—but the Hurts-Brown moment offered a refreshing display of sportsmanship.
For Eagles fans, seeing their quarterback and former star receiver on good terms is a welcome sight. For Patriots fans, it's a sign that Brown is fully committed to his new home. Either way, Thursday's exchange was a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of professional football, respect and love can endure.
As the two teams prepare to meet in a preseason game, the focus can now shift back to football. And for Hurts and Brown, that's exactly where they want it.
