Eagles WR A.J. Brown Honors His Debt of Gratitude With a 15-Year Promise
Not every NFL story is written on the field. For Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, one of the most powerful and meaningful chapters comes from a quiet act of gratitude off it.
Years ago, when Brown was just a teenager chasing his NFL dream but weighed down by financial struggles and uncertainty, he nearly reached a breaking point. That was when the mother of a childhood classmate stepped in. She not only provided him with money to cover expenses, but also gave him something far more valuable — the belief that his dream could still come true.
For many, it might have been just a loan. For A.J. Brown, it was a lifeline and an act of faith he vowed never to forget.
Since signing his first NFL contract, Brown has kept that promise: sending $10,000 every month for 15 years to the family who once helped him when the odds were stacked against him.
“She didn’t just give me money. She gave me hope,” Brown recalled. “I promised myself that if I ever made it, I would make sure her family never had to worry again. And I’ll keep that promise for as long as I can.”
By the end of that commitment, Brown will have given back more than $1.8 million — far beyond the original help he received. But for him, the numbers don’t matter. What matters is loyalty, gratitude, and honoring the people who believed in him when the world still doubted.
Brown has gone even further to show his appreciation. He hired the woman’s son as the personal driver for his wife and children — not just offering steady work, but building a bond that has turned an act of kindness into a lifelong connection between two families.
In Philadelphia, fans already admire A.J. Brown for his explosive catches and game-changing touchdowns. Now, this story paints a deeper picture: a man who understands that true greatness is measured not only in touchdowns, but also in gratitude and humanity.
Jim Harbaugh talks rivalry with Pete Carroll ahead of 'MNF' matchup
Fans of the Pete Carroll-Jim Harbaugh rivalry will be happy to know it hasn't subsided, despite a hiatus that has lasted for more than 10 years.
Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) will face Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) on "Monday Night Football" at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. It's the first time the coaches have squared off since the 2014 season, when Harbaugh was with the San Francisco 49ers and Carroll was with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jim Harbaugh speaks on his relationship with Pete Carroll ahead of Week 2
"I always thought if I had ever played for him or one of his teams — because he was coaching when I was playing — or was on his staff when I got into coaching, I bet we would've been really good friends," the former NFL quarterback told the media Wednesday. "Alas, we have been on opposite sides, so I'm not on his Christmas card list."
It's not surprising they don't wish each other a merry Christmas. It's fair to wonder if they'll even talk before Monday's game.
The rivalry started at the college level when Carroll was coaching at USC and Harbaugh was at Stanford. The Cardinal went 2-1 against the Trojans under Harbaugh.
This included a 55-21 rout during the 2009 season, where Harbaugh tried to run up the score by attempting a two-point conversion at the end of the game. Afterward, the coaches met at midfield, and Carroll asked, "What is your deal?"
Carroll would get revenge in the NFC Championship Game during the 2013 season. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 after cornerback Richard Sherman deflected a pass intended for wide receiver Michael Crabtree, which was intercepted.
Per Stats Perform, Carroll has a 5-4 record (including playoffs) against Harbaugh in the NFL. His teams have won the last three matchups.
Don't be surprised if a super-passionate Harbaugh shows even more fire in the Chargers' road game on Monday. He'll want to even the score with Carroll.
