Eagles' AJ Brown Reflects on Tumultuous Rookie Year Under Vrabel

The star wide receiver admits he 'didn't really like' his former Titans coach, but the tough love paid off.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a recent podcast interview, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown opened up about his rocky relationship with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel during his rookie season in 2019. Brown revealed that he 'didn't really like Vrabe' at the time due to Vrabel's intense coaching style, even going so far as to 'hate-doodle' in his notebook. However, Brown acknowledged that Vrabel's tough love approach ultimately helped him develop into a dominant receiver, as he went on to have a historic rookie campaign.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the challenges young players can face when transitioning to the NFL, and how a demanding coach's methods, though initially unpopular, can sometimes bring out the best in an athlete. It also raises questions about the dynamics between players and coaches, and whether a reunion between Brown and Vrabel with the Patriots could be in the cards.

The details

Brown admitted that as a rookie, he 'didn't really understand what [Vrabel] was trying to push me to be.' Vrabel would constantly call on Brown during meetings to ensure he remained engaged, which the receiver initially resented. However, Brown's numbers speak for themselves, as he led all NFL rookies in receiving yards and averaged an impressive 20.2 yards per catch in 2019.

  • In 2019, Brown was a rookie with the Tennessee Titans.
  • In 2025, Vrabel led the New England Patriots to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl LX appearance.

The players

A.J. Brown

A star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who had a breakout rookie season in 2019 under Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Mike Vrabel

The current head coach of the New England Patriots, who previously coached A.J. Brown as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

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What they’re saying

“At the time, I didn't really like Vrabe. I didn't like him. I admit that, he knows that. In my notebook, I used to write 'I hate Vrabe. I hate Vrabe. I hate Vrabe.' Right? But, I was doing that to pretend like I was taking notes to look like I was engaged.”

— A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles (Dudes on Dudes Podcast)

“He was so hard on me when I was a rookie... I didn't really understand what he was trying to push me to be.”

— A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles (Dudes on Dudes Podcast)

What’s next

With rumors of Brown potentially looking to join the Patriots, a reunion between the star receiver and his former coach Vrabel could be in the works.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex relationship between players and coaches, and how a demanding approach, though initially unpopular, can sometimes bring out the best in an athlete. It also raises questions about the dynamics between Brown and Vrabel, and whether their past differences could lead to a reunion in New England.