FOXBOROUGH- When A.J. Brown stepped onto the field for his first joint practice against his former team, the energy in Foxborough immediately shifted. Suiting up for the New England Patriots, the elite wideout delivered a swift, physical reminder to the Philadelphia Eagles of the game-changing presence they once had.

Throughout the competitive session, Brown showcased his trademark strength, route-running precision, and dominant playmaking, drawing groans from the Eagles fans that were present and cheers from the Patriots fans in the crowd. He battled top cornerbacks like Quinyon Mitchell in high-intensity rep after rep throughout practice. 

The day served as both a competitive display and a moment of reflection for the star receiver. Meeting with reporters following practice, Brown addressed facing his old squad and the ongoing noise surrounding his departure.

“It’s not about no closure or anything, man. It’s love,” Brown said. “I won a Super Bowl ring with them. It’ll always be love, no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly. But I’m here now. This is where my feet are and that’s what I’m focused on.” 

Brown also broke down his tightly contested one-on-one battles against Mitchell, offering a lighthearted assessment of a deep shot down the sideline that just missed connecting. 

“Q got away with a little holding,” Brown said with a laugh. “I won and he pulled himself back in the play. I’ve just got to finish the play. My right hand didn’t get to the ball quick enough. My left hand got to the ball.” 

Reflecting on the finer details of the competitive reps, Brown emphasized the standards he sets for himself on every snap. 

“It’s the little things. That could have been a 40-yard bomb. Now it’s a long foul ball. So those are the things I’m focused on, and just getting better every day.”

As for his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts, Brown said he hasn’t talked to him but he plans on catching up with him while the Eagles are in town.

Brown had high praise for his current quarterback, Drake Maye.

“(Maye is) very special,” Brown said. “He has a lot of arm talent. He can place the ball anywhere. The way he sees the game. The way he sees the field.”

When asked about sending one final message to Eagles fans, Brown simply said this:

“I love you and I’m not looking in the past. That [49ers] game, no I didn’t play my best, but I’m not going backwards. It doesn’t exist. And that’s the last question I’m gonna answer about the past.”