Throughout the first week of NFL training camps, some fans had a field day watching clips of the former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown struggle in practice with the New England Patriots.
Everything has been quiet on that front as of late, as Brown started to hit his stride in his new offense, but a message from a former Eagles linebacker still stands.
Ex-Eagles Player Demands Fans To Stop Talking About AJ Brown
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 14: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during warmups before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
“Eagles fans, I’m begging you: stop stalking your ex,” former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho said on Speakeasy on August 2. “Stop talking AJ Brown.”
Acho’s message was followed by telling fans to simply look forward to what the Eagles have moving forward.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 14: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
DeVonta Smith replaces Brown’s No. 1 target role, and that goes without saying. Since Brown arrived in Philadelphia, Smith has often been regarded as one of the best sidekicks in the league. He’s ready to take on that top role.
“Look forward to what you got: Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, [Dontayvion] Wicks. Stop worrying about what AJ Brown is out there doing,” Acho finished.
Will It Be Hard To Move On?
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 20: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs after the catch against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Purely from a football standpoint, of course it will be hard for the Eagles to move on. Even if Brown lost a step, he was still a 1,000-yard receiver for the fourth year in a row in 2025.
The Eagles know what Smith can do, and they are confident that he’ll maintain a high level of play as the top target for Hurts.
So far, Wicks seems to be off to a great start in training camp. That’s a great sign as he looks to replace Smith’s role. Beyond that, there are plenty of questions. Makai Lemon, the first-round rookie, has struggled to stay healthy throughout the offseason.
When Lemon has been healthy, he hasn’t done anything to warrant praise from reporters. As for Hollywood Brown, he hasn’t garnered too much talk this offseason as well.
Beyond football, Brown was simply a headache for Jalen Hurts and the offense. The team felt a sense of relief now that his saga, which has been playing out for almost two years, has concluded.
It will be an adjustment moving on, but the Eagles have to get through joint practices in New England later this month before the talk totally fades.