A.J. Brown encountered familiar faces as the New England Patriots hosted his previous team, the Philadelphia Eagles, for joint training camp practices. This gathering follows Brown’s uneven 2025 season with the Eagles, which led to his trade to the Patriots in exchange for future draft picks. A shifting dynamic in Brown’s friendship and performance with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed to this move.

Despite the passage of over two months since Brown’s transition to New England, discussions about his rapport with Hurts emerged again after a recent Patriots-Eagles joint practice. Brown acknowledged that he hasn’t communicated with Hurts since joining the Patriots. He emphasized positivity when questioned further about his past teammates.

“Honestly guys, none of that stuff even matters. You all should want to report something positive. You know asking the question is going to turn negative,” Brown remarked while urging a focus on positive narratives. “So let’s not get into that. It’s love my way.”

Hurts, echoing a similar sentiment, expressed warmth towards Brown. “I’ve got a lot of love for him and always have,” Hurts, the Super Bowl LIX MVP, stated.

Brown, who mentioned a potential meeting with Hurts during the joint practices in Foxborough, had set remarkable records with the Eagles. He achieved the two highest single-season receiving yardage marks in the team’s history with 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 in 2023. Following a wildcard round elimination by the San Francisco 49ers, Brown requested a change, citing frustrations regarding his role and targeting in offensive plays, especially during zone coverage.

Throughout the 2025 season, Brown had voiced his frustrations in interviews and on social media, reflecting unease about his involvement in the Eagles’ offense.

During practice breaks, Brown reconnected with former teammates Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean. On the field, he showcased his skills, successfully receiving all six targets from third-year quarterback Drake Maye during team drills. Despite a missed pass attempt against All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Brown identified promise in his budding connection with Maye.

“There’s definitely been some challenges, but he’s very special, and he makes my job a lot easier. Just learning how he sees the game and getting on the same page,” Brown explained about his collaboration with Maye.

Bearing in mind his enduring affection for Philadelphia, Brown clarified that the encounter with the Eagles was not a final farewell. “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,” he expressed. “That’s where my feet are and that’s what I’m focused on.”

The Eagles are set to commence their regular season on September 13 against the Washington Commanders, while the Patriots will face the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, on September 9 to kick off their 2026 season.

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.