In a recent interview, Philadelphia Eagles veteran defensive end Brandon Graham spoke candidly about the dynamic between teammates A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts, noting that the relationship between the two has shifted this season. Graham, who has been with the Eagles for years and is known for his leadership, emphasized that while A.J. and Jalen were once close friends, the situation has evolved over time.
Graham acknowledged that tensions between the two had become apparent, especially given recent public comments made by A.J. Brown about the team’s passing game. Brown had voiced concerns about the Eagles’ passing offense, hinting that things weren’t functioning at their best. Although he didn’t directly criticize Hurts, the timing of his comments led many to believe that the frustration was directed toward the quarterback.
The ongoing tension is further complicated by the fact that, despite the Eagles’ strong record, the team has struggled with inconsistencies in the passing game. As one of the NFL’s top receivers, A.J. Brown’s frustration stems not from a desire for more targets but from a belief that when he is open, he deserves the ball. His feelings reflect a broader issue within the team regarding offensive execution and playcalling.
Graham also explained that while these issues were being discussed publicly, the real work of resolving them happens behind closed doors within the locker room. He expressed his disappointment with how the media has been involved in airing out internal issues, something he believes should be handled within the team.
Ultimately, Graham’s comments highlight a larger issue: in the high-pressure world of the NFL, even superstar players like A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts can experience friction. However, as Graham pointed out, this doesn’t necessarily mean the team is in trouble. Many successful teams, including the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl-winning squad, have had players who clashed at times but still went on to achieve great things together.
Graham concluded that while personal dynamics and beefs between teammates can exist, they need to be put aside in order to focus on the ultimate goal — winning games and competing for championships. Regardless of their current differences, the goal for the Eagles is to ensure that these internal issues don’t affect their performance on the field as they pursue another Super Bowl title.
