For Mike Vrabel, A.J. Brown reading a self-help book on the sidelines of a playoff game is emblematic of the star wideout’s growth.
Vrabel coached Brown for the first three years of his career, when Vrabel was the head coach of the Titans, who took the now-27-year-old wideout in the second round of the 2019 draft. It did not take long for Brown to blossom into a star, reeling in over 1,000 yards receiving as a rookie on 52 receptions.
But the ending got messy, with the Titans ultimately dealing Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022 draft. Since Brown’s departure, Tennessee has cycled through veteran free agents like Robert Woods, DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley to be their top receiver.
Brown has since become the unequivocal top receiver in Philly. Though their run-heavy offense has resulted in Brown venting frustration about usage, Brown is the clear top dog in their wideout room.
Thus, he turned heads Sunday when, during the second half, cameras caught him on the sidelines reading a book. It was quickly assumed that it was a message about not being utilized enough, but, in fact, he was actually reading a self-help book. Brown denied that reading on the sidelines was any sort of veiled message.
"I wasn't frustrated at all. I figured that's what y'all probably thought," Brown told reporters after the game. "Why do you always think I be frustrated? Dang. I like to read."
His former coach, installed this week as head coach of the New England Patriots was, somewhat jokingly, asked Tuesday on The Greg Hill Show about the viral moment. Vrabel used it as an opportunity to salute Brown.
“I think AJ is just trying to find ways to release – I'm proud of his development, his personal development, and working on himself and working on getting back to center," Vrabel said. "He’s a passionate player, I love him to death, and I have a very, very close relationship with him.”