AJ Brown Reveals First Thing Mike Vrabel Told Him After Patriots Trade

As anticipated over the last several weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to trade star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday.

In return, the Eagles not only gained significant cap relief by completing the trade after June 1, but also acquired a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Brown will now reunite with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, whom he played under for three seasons in Tennessee. During an exclusive interview with Maria Taylor, Brown revealed what Vrabel told him after the trade became official.

"Get open and catch the ball," Brown said. "That's what he always says."

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Brown also reflected on playing for Vrabel early in his career, revealing that while the coach was demanding, he always had his players’ best interests at heart.

"When I first got to Tennessee, he was extremely tough on me, and I didn't really understand what he was trying to do," Brown said. "Obviously he was trying to push me to become the player I am today, but he was just so tough. I remember having a conversation with him and saying, ‘You don't have to humble me. I came from humble beginnings.' I just never understood why he stayed on me all the time."

Now, the two are reunited, and Brown will have the opportunity to play alongside quarterback Drake Maye on a Patriots team looking to return to the Super Bowl after losing to the Seattle Seahawks last season.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 11:26 AM.