A.J. Brown, the three-time All-Pro wide receiver, spent six seasons under Mike Vrabel’s guidance with the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023.
Their connection was strong, but a 2022 trade to the Eagles strained their bond and Vrabel has since moved on, taking the reins of the New England Patriots last year.
However, Brown‘s performance with Philadelphia in 2025 sparked trade rumors as the Eagles star posted a modest 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and reports suggested tension with Jalen Hurts.
So amid the speculation of a potential reunion with Vrabel, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger spoke about Vrabel and Brown’s relationship on The Anthony Gargano Show, noting the head coach’s admiration of the talented wide man.
“When Vrabel was the head coach at Tennessee and they drafted A.J.,” Baldinger said. “And then, his contract, he was a second-round pick.
“He was entering his fourth year and that’s when they traded for him on draft day. But Vrabel before that, he said, ‘If there is one player in this team I’m never trading, it’s A.J. Brown.’
“He loved that guy. The player, the man, the beast, the physicality, like, so there was a strong strong relationship there.”
During the 2025 campaign, Brown‘s frustration with targets and production fueled rumors of locker-room friction.
Meanwhile, Vrabel guided the Patriots to the Super Bowl, where they fell to the Seattle Saeahawks 29-13 – ending their dreams of a first win since the end of the Bom Brady era but showcasing his coaching prowess.
What does A.J. Brown think of Mike Vrabel?
Trade chatter around Brown spiked, but teammate Saquon Barkley downplayed concerns, emphasizing Brown‘s commitment to Philadelphia despite his admiration for Vrabel in New England.
Still, Brown‘s interactions with Patriots legends Edelman and Gronkowski reignited speculation and he admitted he initially resisted Vrabel‘s intense coaching style.
“I didn’t like him, and I admit that he knows that,” Brown said. “I told [Vrabel] like, ‘Hey, like I’m humble already. You don’t got to humble me.'”
But the wideout explained that Vrabel pushed him to maximize his potential, spotting his immense talent early.
“He showed me another play,” Brown said. “I get tackled. He was like, ‘What’s the difference between the first play and the second play?’
“He was like, ‘You’re tired. That’s not going to cut it. That same mentality that you showed on the first play, you should do that all the time. That’s who you are.'”
Though their relationship began with tension, Brown now respects Vrabel‘s intent and coaching philosophy.
That bond could make a potential reunion with the Patriots more appealing, and if talks gain traction, the Eagles may face uncertainty regarding one of their most valuable offensive stars.
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