For years, we've wondered about how close former Philadelphia Eagles teammates Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown really were. Despite having a quarterback-receiver connection that helped Philadelphia to a win in Super Bowl 59, two NFC title victories, and a status as one of the NFC's truly elite teams during this decade so far, it sure seems like this duo hasn't exactly been as close as you would hope.
Brown is a member of the New England Patriots now. And with Brown's Patriots squaring off against Hurts' Eagles in joint practices followed by a preseason game this week, familiar questions about their dynamic were to be expected. Let's just say that Brown did nothing to beat the allegations that he doesn't exactly care for his old quarterback.
In a post-practice
press conference, Brown maintained he didn't really want to talk about the Eagles because he didn't want to go "backwards." But that, in itself, doesn't necessarily have to do with any lingering animosity for his old team.
“[I]t’s not about no closure or anything. It’s love,” Brown said “I won a Super Bowl ring with them [Super Bowl 59]. 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.”
Brown's tenor was different when asked if he had talked to Hurts since getting traded to the Patriots, because he just said, "No." Brown's follow-up to clarify as to why he hadn't talked to Hurts since getting traded, which was over two and a half months ago at the time of this writing, didn't make his answer any better.
“Philly, man, y’all are tough,” Brown said in response to why he hadn't talked to Hurts. “Man, it’s love. Listen, 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. Let’s not get into that. Let’s keep everything positive. It’s love my way. And move forward, that’s all.”
But wait, with the Eagles spending so much time with the Patriots this week, might Brown finally talk to the quarterback he had so much success with? It sure seems like a golden opportunity to do so!
“I’m sure, if our [Brown's and Hurts' paths [cross], sure,” Brown said.
Oh, huh. Well then.
To be fair to Brown, the ball is in Hurts' court here, as well. If what Brown is saying is true, then that is also two and a half months of Hurts not reaching out to his former star receiver, either. With that said, it is funny to see Brown trying to control the narrative of his lack of contact with one of his prominent former teammates. Of course, even asking the question is "negative" because, to be candid, it's a bit weird that Brown apparently hasn't talked to a quarterback he spent four seasons with for an entire summer.
I don't know what sort of response or line of questioning the Patriots superstar expects, but he surely must understand how that looks bad, optics-wise. We'll see whether Brown and Hurts break their no-contact some time in the next few days. I wouldn't hold my breath.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: A.J. Brown had a 1-word response to question about contact with Jalen Hurts
