A.J. Brown felt like a “paid actor” during Super Bowl LVII, a sentiment that reflects the overwhelming pressure and spectacle surrounding the big game. Standing outside the Los Angeles Lakers’ locker room with his Eagles teammates, he found himself in a moment any sports fan would dream of—an encounter with basketball legend LeBron James.
The NBA star recognized Brown, Darius Slay, and other Eagles players, wrapping his muscular arm around Brown’s shoulder for a photo op. With four championship rings to his name, James symbolizes success, making this encounter particularly special for the star receiver, who grew up idolizing him. “He’s one of my favorite players,” Brown admitted. “I didn’t grow up watching Michael Jordan. I grew up watching LeBron.”
This season, Brown took a page from James’ book by reading on the bench, echoing James’ own literary choice during the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. While James was seen with “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, Brown opted for “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, showing his commitment to both personal and professional growth.
Having studied journalism at Ole Miss, Brown understands that the ultimate headline still eludes the Eagles: Super Bowl champions. Two years ago, they came agonizingly close to that goal, losing 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, as they prepare for a rematch on February 9 in New Orleans, the memory of that loss looms large.
The Eagles’ players often shy away from discussing that fateful game. Quarterback Jalen Hurts dismissed questions about his most vivid memory with a curt “next question.” Brown, however, reflects on a missed touchdown opportunity that could have changed the game’s outcome. “The play really kept me up thinking about, ‘How did I miss that?’ and what I got confused on,” he shared.
When asked about the play, he hesitated, stating, “I don’t want to get into it because we may run it back.” This hints at the strategic preparations both teams are likely engaging in as they analyze past performances.
In that Super Bowl, Brown made significant contributions, recording six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Despite battling injuries that sidelined him for four games and a less dynamic passing strategy, he still managed to lead the Eagles with 67 receptions and a remarkable 1,079 yards this season. This marks his third consecutive year exceeding 1,000 receiving yards, showcasing his consistency and skill.
“A.J. is the best receiver that this city has ever seen,” remarked head coach Nick Sirianni, underscoring Brown’s impact on the franchise.
Last April, Brown secured a three-year contract extension worth $84 million, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL at $32 million per season—until Justin Jefferson surpassed him later that summer. His potential earnings could reach up to $96 million over the extension’s duration.
Despite his financial success, Brown’s focus remains on the game. He expressed a desire for a streamlined Super Bowl experience, suggesting the Eagles arrive in New Orleans on Friday for a Saturday walkthrough before the big game. “It’s about us, but it’s not about us,” he explained. “We have so much we have to do for everyone else. The media, the fans. There’s only so little time that we get to focus on what’s important, and that’s the game.”
With Brown leading the charge, the Eagles possess a formidable receiving corps. DeVonta Smith, who also surpassed 1,000 yards in previous seasons, had 68 catches and 833 yards this year, despite missing four games. Tight end Dallas Goedert and star rusher Saquon Barkley also pose threats in the passing game.
Sirianni praised his receivers, stating, “They take pride in the way they catch the ball, run routes, and change games with the ball in their hands.” This collective effort sets the Eagles apart as they prepare to face the Chiefs, who have their own standout in tight end Travis Kelce.
Brown has been selective with media engagements, prioritizing the game over the hype. “None of this stuff matters,” he remarked, emphasizing that his primary goal is to secure that elusive championship ring—just like LeBron.
