Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts acknowledged in a GQ magazine interview published Tuesday that he and wide receiver A.J. Brown clearly grew apart during their final season together, confirming months of widespread speculation about their deteriorating relationship before Brown was traded to the Patriots in June.
The admission from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts provides definitive closure to a storyline that dominated local and national sports media following an uneven 2025 campaign. While the franchise captured a Super Bowl title following the 2024 season, friction behind the scenes ultimately prompted general manager Howie Roseman to grant Brown a change of scenery. The star wide receiver was shipped to the New England Patriots in June in exchange for future draft compensation.
Jalen Hurts Addresses the Rift in GQ Interview
Rumors surrounding the relationship status of Hurts and Brown had persisted for months. When Hurts sat down for an interview with GQ, the quarterback was directly questioned about whether he and his long-time friend had drifted away from one another.
“There’s no surprise that it was talked about.”
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, via Fox News
“I mean, clearly.”
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, via NBC Sports
Recalling a Deep Personal and Professional History
The fracture marks a significant turning point for a duo whose bond dates back years before they wore the same professional uniform. Their relationship originally formed when Hurts hosted Brown on a recruiting trip while Hurts played at Alabama. After the Tennessee Titans traded Brown to Philadelphia in April 2022, the pair reunited as teammates and developed an even tighter personal connection through intense offseason workouts.
The bond extended far beyond the gridiron when Hurts became the godfather to Brown’s daughter, Jersee. On the field, that chemistry translated into historic production for the franchise. Over four seasons in Philadelphia, Brown hauled in 339 receptions for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns. He set the two highest single-season receiving yardage totals in franchise history, putting up 1,496 yards in 2022 and following it up with 1,456 yards in 2023.
On-Field Frustration and the Road to New England
Despite winning a Super Bowl ring following the 2024 season, cracks began to show internally. Sources indicated that Brown grew frustrated with his offensive role, specifically believing he was not receiving enough targets when opposing defenses played zone coverage. Those frustrations spilled over into the 2025 season, where Brown posted 1,003 receiving yards—his lowest output during his tenure in Philadelphia. Following a wild-card round playoff exit in January against the San Francisco 49ers, Howie Roseman accommodated Brown’s request to move on.
“Nothing happened, people just grow apart. Nothing happened between me and him, or our families, wives, anything. Nothing like that ever happened. Life happens, and you just look up sometimes and you just, you find yourself drifting away, and that’s fine. And I think both parties accepted that.”
A.J. Brown, New England Patriots wide receiver, via Fox News
Moving Forward in New Uniforms
The two former teammates had a brief encounter during joint practices between the Eagles and Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Brown admitted to reporters that they had not spoken since the trade, offering a blunt No when asked about communication. When pressed further with follow-up questions by local media, Brown deflected the negativity.
“Honestly, guys, none of that stuff even matters, man. You all should want to report something positive. You know asking the question is going to turn negative,” Brown said last month when reporters pressed him with follow-up questions about his relationship with Hurts. “So let’s not get into that. Let’s keep everything positive. It’s love my way.”
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Opens Up About His Mentality + Growing Apart from AJ Brown in GQ Interview
A.J. Brown, New England Patriots wide receiver, via Fox News
Hurts echoed a similar sentiment of mutual respect when speaking with the magazine. I’ve got a lot of love for him and always have, Hurts noted. Despite the silence that followed the blockbuster transaction, the two men were eventually spotted catching up and sharing a hug during the second day of joint practices.
As both players turn the page toward the upcoming regular season, Brown has emphasized his commitment to his new home. It’s love. I won a Super Bowl ring with them. It will always be love no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly, but I’m here now. That’s where my feet are and that’s what I’m focused on, Brown said.
Jalen Hurts Confirms He & A.J. Brown "Clearly" Grew Apart! Eagles Star Opens Up | NFL News
