Explaining Eagles WR A.J. Brown's Beef With Donovan McNabb and His Comments

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is tired of repeating himself.

Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb referenced a sideline squabble between Brown and Philadelphia's current QB, Jalen Hurts, from earlier this season during a Monday appearance on SportsRadio 94WIP. McNabb insinuated that there may be tension between Brown and Hurts centered around how often the Pro Bowl receiver is thrown the ball.

The former six-time Pro Bowler knows a thing or two about playing with a diva wide receiver who always wants the football, Terrell Owens, and acknowledged that during his interview. But Brown continues to be adamant that's not what's happening now.

"With all due respect I will repeat, that conversation was not about targets," Brown said on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday. "Two friends bumped heads about something and moved on. And if you feel that way, keep that to yourself because the media is going to hold on to everything you say. Out of all people, you should know better."

Here's a recap of the Brown-Hurts situation, which both claim has been overblown.

What Happened Between Brown, Hurts?

A tense exchange between Brown and Hurts was shown on the TV broadcast during the fourth quarter of a Week 2 Eagles win over the Minnesota Vikings. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni intervened and spoke with Brown as Hurts walked away. Sirianni said postgame that what was said during the conversation was going to be kept private.

There was speculation from some Eagles players after the game, according to ESPN, that Brown was frustrated with his role in the offense. The wide receiver finished that game with four catches for 29 yards. Brown did not address the media after the 34-28 Eagles win.

What Brown Said Afterward

Before moving on to Week 3, Brown wanted to clear the air. The 26-year-old said that emotions were high against the Vikings but his conversation with Hurts was centered around something that happened earlier in the game, not how often he was being targeted.

"The little sideline discussion, I want you all to know that's what it was—it was a discussion," Brown said last month, via ESPN. "This is a game that we both love, and I want everybody to understand that sometimes emotions run high. That doesn't mean it's the end of the world. That doesn't mean I'm beefing with Jalen.

"I know everybody took that out of context, but it's not a big deal, me and him are still on the same page, we're still growing, we're still trying to become great and get wins most importantly."

Brown is in his second season with the Eagles. Last year, the 6-foot-1 receiver set career highs in receptions (88) and receiving yards (1,496) after being acquired in an off-season trade with the Tennessee Titans. Brown also tied a personal best with 11 touchdown catches. The fifth-year pro is tied for the fourth-most targets in the NFL through six games (60). Brown is also tied for fifth in the league in receptions (42) and ranks second in receiving yards (672).

McNabb Questions Offense, Hurts Previously Denied Drama

McNabb's words carry weight in Philadelphia.

The former QB led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Game appearances during his 11-year tenure with the franchise. McNabb leads the Eagles all-time in passing completions, attempts, yards, and touchdowns. So McNabb speculating about the current Philly offense is going to garner some attention.

The 46-year-old seemingly compared his two drama-filled seasons playing with Owens to the current Hurts-Brown relationship during his radio appearance.

"It's been so inconsistent each and every week and I go back to before the—I can't say argument or maybe the complaint from A.J. Brown about not being more involved in the offense and getting the ball," McNabb told Jon Marks and Ike Reese during his 4pm Monday calls on 94WIP. "I go to that because I've seen it before, I understand it, I know as a quarterback you don't want to be involved in it. But what I'm seeing is, I'm seeing offensive play calls are being more catered to try to feature instead off... [spreading] the ball around."

But the T.O. narrative doesn't appear applicable in this case. Hurts has frequently said he considers Brown one of his closest friends. The current Eagles QB also made clear earlier this season that there is no drama between him and Brown.

"Y'all talked about it and made it a big deal when it wasn't," Hurts told reporters of the Week 2 interaction, via ESPN. "That's always going to be my guy. We're all great competitors and we all want to help the team win. Nothing's going to change with that and he's going to continue to put his best foot forward to help the team."

The Eagles just suffered their first loss of the season, bringing their record down to 5-1. Hurts, Brown, and the Eagles will host the 5-1 Dolphins in a highly anticipated Week 7 Sunday Night Football matchup. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET and air on NBC.