Vrabel Reflects on Relationship with Eagles' Brown Amid Trade Rumors

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel discusses his close bond with former Titans star receiver A.J. Brown.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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As trade rumors continue to swirl around A.J. Brown, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel opened up about his relationship with the star wide receiver. Vrabel and Brown were together on the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2021, and the coach praised Brown's growth as a player, father and husband, saying their bond goes beyond just football.

Why it matters

The potential trade of Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Patriots has been a major storyline this offseason. Vrabel's comments provide insight into the personal connection he has with Brown, which could be a factor if New England does pursue a deal for the talented wideout.

The details

Vrabel told reporters that he has watched Brown "grow" and "mature" over their time together with the Titans. The coach said he is "proud" of Brown not just as a player, but as a father and husband as well. Vrabel added that the two stay in touch to support each other, saying their relationship is a "two-way street of support and reminders of what got us to where we are here today."

  • Vrabel and Brown were together on the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2021.

The players

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who previously coached A.J. Brown when they were both with the Tennessee Titans.

A.J. Brown

The star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, who played under Vrabel with the Titans from 2019 to 2021.

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What they’re saying

“The relationships with players, and specifically... A.J., has meant a lot. I've watched him grow, I've watched him mature. I'm proud of him. Proud of the father that he is, proud of the husband, and that has nothing to do with where he plays or where he played. Those are the things that are important. We reach out and text each other during the things that happen good to each other and sometimes things don't go so well for the people that you're close with, and you text those as well. It's a two-way street of support and reminders of what got us to where we are here today.”

— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach, New England Patriots (Bleacher Report)

The takeaway

Vrabel's close relationship with Brown, built during their time together in Tennessee, could be a factor if the Patriots pursue a trade for the star receiver. The coach's comments suggest a deep personal bond that goes beyond just football, which could help facilitate a potential deal.