AJ Brown’s sixth season in the NFL is probably his most memorable. The All-Pro has won the third consecutive 1,000-yard season and is an important part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl title.
Prior to entering the NFL, Brown finished with less than 3,000 yards with the Ole Miss Rebels during his tenure as a college football star.
While Brown has become one of the best players in his sport, there was a time when he thought of a different path.
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Philadelphia Eagles receiver AJ Brown spoke with the media on May 2, 2020 at the Novacare complex in Philadelphia. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The three-time professional bowler has performed well in Starkville High football and baseball in Mississippi. He also participated in the 2015 Under Armour High School All-American Baseball Game.
Brown admitted that he was shocked by the tough ability of the pitcher in that game, which led to his decision to pursue football.
AJ Brown brings Lombardy trophy to young Hawks fans recover in hospital after Philadelphia plane crash
Brown explained during a recent appearance on the “Million Dollar Game Game” Podcast, “I’ll tell you to play football when I decide to play football. I’m playing all over the U.S. in Chicago. The first time was 97 (MPH) – 97 breaks? I usually face 85.”
Philadelphia Eagles receiver Aj Brown reacted to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 15, 2024 in Philadelphia after a touchdown in the first half. (AP Photo/Matt Slokham)
“We’re still in high school, though. So, these are high school players, these guys are probably going to be in the first round. I see him throwing a speed ball, like a 90 mph ball. I’m going to see if I can hit it here.”
Brown did get interest from Major League Baseball teams, with San Diego Padres picking him in a later round in 2016. However, Brown chose to attend college in his native Mississippi and follow the football route. Brown won the world championship twice in his outstanding career with Ole Miss.
The Philadelphia Eagles catcher AJ Brown in a warm-up game against the Dallas Cowboys in Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on December 29, 2024. (Eric Hartline/Imagn image)
Earlier this month, Padres Regional Scout Stephen Moritz recalled scouting Brown a decade ago and saw his elite athleticism.
“You’re never sure,” Moritz told MLB.com. “As a scout, you’re wrong more often than the right ones. But I’m sure [that] He will be an excellent outfielder. He would be great in the outfield. Too much athletic ability. Have natural abilities. You add all his tools together, and that’s one thing I’m very confident about. This guy will be a great outfielder in the major leagues. ”
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In 2020, Brown detailed how baseball helped him shape the football player he is today.
“You catch the ball with your eyes,” Brown told ESPN. “Baseball really helped me with football. It helped me a lot when you track a ball, especially a deep ball. I played the midfield court in a baseball game. In the deep pass of football, you can judge and track it like a midfield fielder.”
The Tennessee Titans chose Brown in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and handed him over to the Hawks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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