Rob Gronkowski says fresh start with Patriots will lead to A.J. Brown’s ‘best year ever’
New England Patriots
“I feel like he wasn’t truly happy in Philadelphia,” Gronkowski said. “Right when he went to New England, his heart was revived.”
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When A.J. Brown first arrived in New England this summer, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said the only Patriots pass-catcher Brown could be compared to in terms of size, speed, and force was Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski loved the comparison, and he remains excited to see what Brown will accomplish with the Patriots. During a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show, Gronkowski said he believes this year will be the best one of Brown’s career.
Brown is delighted to be in Foxborough, Gronkowski said, and the change in scenery appears to have added an extra layer of motivation as the three-time Pro Bowler prepares for the season.
“I feel like he wasn’t truly happy in Philadelphia,” Gronkowski said. “Right when he went to New England, his heart was revived. That’s why he’s so happy and I feel like he’s going to have his best year ever because of that reason.”
If Gronkowski’s prediction comes true, the Patriots will be glad they swapped a first-round pick for the 29-year-old receiver.
Brown had 88 catches for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns during his first year with the Eagles in 2022. He followed that up with 106 catches for 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2025 before things went downhill last season.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts told GQ this week that he and Brown had “clearly” grown apart by the end of Brown’s time in Philadelphia.
Brown said last month that he will always have love for Hurts, but also mentioned that the two hadn’t spoken between the day the trade went down and the beginning of New England’s joint practices with Philadelphia.
He mostly deflected questions about the end of his time with the Eagles, saying that he wanted to avoid negativity. He eventually said his message to the Philadelphia fans is that he loves them too, while adding that he’s focused on the future and not looking back to the past.
Hurts and Brown eventually spoke with each other in Foxborough and had a quick hug on the field.
Over the summer, Brown praised Drake Maye’s talent and leadership skills. Brown has a reputation as one of the best deep threats in the league, while Maye is building his reputation as one of the league’s premier deep ball throwers after a breakout season last year.
“Drake can put the ball where A.J. needs the ball every single time to make the play,’ Gronkowski said. “So, I have the Patriots winning the division, because of A.J. Brown and because the Patriots have a solid defense. The Buffalo Bills’ defense just lets up too many points.”
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