New England Patriots receiver A.J. Brown says he's learned to accept criticism from head coach Mike Vrabel after not taking feedback well earlier in his career.
Brown dropped the first throw in his direction from quarterback Drake Maye during the Patriots' first practice in training camp. Although Vrabel criticized the dropped pass, Brown took the comments constructively.
"First team meeting, he ripped me for not bringing in a catch," Brown said on Monday after the club's third practice, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Early on as a rookie, I didn't really like that too much. Now I know it comes from a great place. He expects me to make that play, and so do I."
Brown is getting acclimated to the Patriots' offense after being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in June, following four seasons with the club. The trade reunited Brown with Vrabel, who coached him during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2021.
The 29-year-old said he understands that Vrabel's message comes from a "genuine place" as he adjusts to life with the Patriots. He added that he's gotten 90% of the team's playbook down and continues to build on his chemistry with Maye.
"I come to work each and every day with a smile on my face. I'm around great guys, great energy," Brown said. "We're pushing each other to be great and holding each other accountable."
The former All-Pro wideout departed Philadelphia after several controversies, including posting cryptic social media posts about his usage in the Eagles' offense. Brown also got into an altercation with head coach Nick Sirianni during the team's loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round.
Brown finds himself as one of the key veterans among a receiving corps that includes Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas. The Patriots released Stefon Diggs in March after he led New England with 85 catches for 1,013 yards in 2025.
