PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Brothers from another mother, or married couple?
When it comes to characterizing the relationship between Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, both descriptions fit, say people who have observed the stars together over the years.
The quarterback and receiver have known each other since they were teenagers, when Hurts made a failed bid to recruit Brown to play college ball with him at Alabama.
Nevertheless, the two hit it off, linked up routinely for summer workouts, and got close.
Following a blockbuster trade in 2022 that brought Brown to Philadelphia, the duo’s chemistry paid major dividends.
Hurts and Brown each had the best seasons of their respective careers, helping propel the Eagles on an unexpected Super Bowl run.
Since then, Hurts landed a franchise quarterback-anointing contract, and Brown inked a lucrative extension.
The past two seasons, however, have put the tandem’s bond to the test. The Eagles’ offense struggled at times last year, particularly during the team’s brutal collapse.
As Brown’s production dipped, his public angst grew.
This year, with Saquon Barkley in the mix, Brown has been mostly diplomatic about taking a back seat to the running back, who’s authoring a record-breaking season.
But a paltry 43-yard receiving performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 14 was enough to light the fuse.
Brown expressed disappointment in the passing attack, his comments drawing reaction from fans, media, and even teammates — most notably, Brandon Graham.
A source familiar with Brown’s thinking told The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane that Brown was frustrated he didn’t get the ball more against the Panthers — “Brown was open a lot and he wanted Jalen to trust his receivers more.”
Graham’s now infamous remarks on his weekly radio show (94.1 FM WIP) only drew more attention to the Hurts-Brown dynamic.
On the field, after a week’s worth of media hysteria, Hurts and Brown were in lockstep. Brown grabbed a season-best eight catches for 110 yards in the Eagles’ 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A purposeful dance celebration between Hurts and Brown after they connected on a five-yard touchdown in the first quarter seemed to send a message that Hurts later echoed almost defiantly in his postgame press conference.
“So that’s what y’all wanted to see, huh?,” he said.
A year ago, as the Eagles crumbled down the stretch, a staff member labeled them “the most miserable 10-1 team.” This season, amid last week’s drama, the same staffer said, “This is nothing. It will only make us closer.”
How did Hurts, Brown, and the Eagles weather all the outside noise that preceded their record-setting 10th straight regular season win? What reconciliatory gestures were made behind the scenes?
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reports on a story that consumed everyone outside the Eagles organization, but few within it.
Plus, check out a new “Pick Six” with Josh Sweat. The veteran outside linebacker shares tips on computer building, leadership, and number changes.
🎧 ▶️ unCovering the Birds
unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes each week during the regular season. Follow on the free Audacy app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you listen to podcasts.