A.J. Brown embraces leadership role for New England Patriots

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 5:52 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

A.J. Brown embraces leadership role for New England Patriots
Summary

A.J. Brown enters the 2026 NFL season with the New England Patriots after arriving in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. While Brown did not receive a captain designation from his teammates, head coach Mike Vrabel noted that the wide receiver has become a key mentor for younger players like Gabe Jacas. The Patriots are scheduled to face the Seattle Seahawks in their season opener on Wednesday night. This matchup serves as a rematch of the most recent Super Bowl, where the Seahawks defeated the Patriots in January. Brown credits his long-standing relationship with Vrabel for helping him develop his current leadership style and professional maturity. The team selected six captains, including Drake Maye and Hunter Henry, to lead the roster alongside a designated leadership group.

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By the Numbers
  • A.J. Brown joins the Patriots for the 2026 season following a trade from the Eagles.
  • The Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday night in the regular season opener.
  • Six players, including Drake Maye and Kevin Byard, were elected as team captains.
  • A.J. Brown previously worked under head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans.
  • The team plans to utilize a leadership group to assist the six designated team captains.
Latest Updates
  • 5:52 PMYahoo SportsSunday Patriots Notes: Tough love shaped A.J. Brown’s leadership
What they're saying
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Notes and thoughts on A.J. Brown, the Christian Gonzalez negotiations, the volume of offseason moves, and more.

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