AJ Brown is still finding his rhythm in New England. The Patriots receiver returned from injured reserve last Sunday and caught three passes in a 26-19 win over the Jets. Now he is addressing something far bigger than football. It involves the quarterback who threw him passes for four seasons, and it has pulled the NFL and the players’ union into a public standoff.
AJ Brown backs Jalen Hurts after blood clot diagnosis
Brown spoke about Jalen Hurts as the Patriots prepare for Thursday night’s game against the Bears. He called the blood clot situation a tough one and said he is praying for his former teammate.
“It’s a tough situation, man. I got a lot of love and respect for him. I’m praying for him,” Brown said.
He also described Hurts as a tough guy who can handle anything, and he asked God to keep His hand on the quarterback.
“You know how serious it was, all of us kind of found that out. But he’s a tough guy. He can handle anything. ……. I pray that God continue to keep his hand on him. It’s a lot of love and respect for him this way. So, speedy recovery.”
#Patriots WR AJ Brown on Jalen Hurts’ health situation:
“It’s a tough situation. I got a lot of love and respect for him. I’m praying for him. … He’s a tough guy, and he can handle anything. … I pray God continues to keep His hand on him. It’s a lot of love.” https://t.co/UqSJJCPNSt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 21, 2026
The bond between the two runs deep. They spent four seasons together in Philadelphia and won Super Bowl LIX. Hurts is also the godfather of Brown’s daughter, Jersee.
Their relationship hit a rough patch after Brown was traded to New England on June 1. The Eagles received a 2028 first-round pick. The two had not spoken for months before a warm reunion at joint practices in August.
Brown is working through his own challenges. He caught three passes for 27 yards on 10 targets against the Jets. Afterward he said, “I didn’t play good.”
Brown offered support, but the bigger fight over how Hurts was treated is happening between the league and the union.
NFLPA wants answers on Jalen Hurts’ medical care
The NFLPA released its statement Tuesday night after NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills defended the Eagles’ medical staff. The league said it stayed in contact with Eagles doctors and Cleveland Clinic London throughout the process. However, The Athletic reported that the NFL will not punish Philadelphia.
The NFLPA said it was not aware of any league investigation into Hurts’ care. It added that the NFL had earlier told it no review was planned. It also said:
“Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward.”
Statement from the NFLPA on the #Eagles and QB Jalen Hurts:
“The NFLPA is not aware of any NFL investigation into the medical care provided to Jalen Hurts. In fact, the league previously informed the union that it did not plan to review the care he received. Before conclusions are drawn about how this situation was handled, there must be a full investigation into what occurred. Determining the facts is essential to ensuring players receive the highest level of care and protection going forward.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 20, 2026
Hurts was cleated against the Rams on Oct. 4. A London ultrasound on Oct. 10 found a superficial clot in his calf, and he played the next day in a 19-17 loss to the Jaguars. On Monday, the Eagles and his agent revealed deep vein thrombosis and clots in both lungs.
The Eagles sit at 2-4 after four straight losses and turn to Tanner McKee against the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. The Patriots, 4-2, visit the Bears on Thursday with Brown looking to bounce back. Hurts faces at least three months of treatment.
More NFL News:
- Emmanuel Acho Questions Eagles’ Handling of Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot Diagnosis
- Steelers’ Troy Fautanu Shares Key Mindset for Handling Left Tackle Expectations
- Ravens LB Trenton Simpson Predicts Big Game for Trey Hendrickson Against Bengals
- New England Patriots: Get Brutal News on $48 Million Starter
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