A.J. Brown Embraces No. 1 Jersey with Patriots, Leaving No. 11 Behind

FOXBOROUGH — A.J. Brown has long held a desire to don the No. 1 jersey, a number he sported during his time at Ole Miss and in high school. However, after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans, he found that number retired in honor of Hall of Famer Warren Moon. When he later joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, he hoped to reclaim his favorite number, but Jalen Hurts had already made the switch from 2 to 1 after punter Cameron Johnston departed.

Upon his recent trade to the New England Patriots, Brown received a message from former Patriot Julian Edelman, who made No. 11 famous during his tenure in Foxborough. Edelman gave Brown his blessing to wear 11, which has been worn by Tyquan Thornton and Josh Dobbs since, though the team is not expected to retire it. Despite this, Brown chose to forge his own path, saying, “He gave me his grace to wear 11, but I have so much respect and so much love for him. I’m going to let that be and create my own legacy here.”

Thus, Brown will take on the No. 1 jersey, stepping into a position as the primary receiver for the Patriots. He expressed excitement about returning to his roots, stating, “It’s a match made in heaven going back to my roots. It feels good.” He donned his new practice jersey featuring the number at the team’s OTA practice on Tuesday.

The No. 1 jersey has not been a common sight for the Patriots, and its past wearers have faced challenges. N’Keal Harry and Ja’Lynn Polk struggled to make an impact while wearing it, and Cam Newton's final season was marred by difficulties as well. Historically, only two Pro Bowlers, kickers Tony Franklin and John Smith, have been synonymous with the number.

As Brown embarks on this new chapter, he aims to redefine the legacy of the No. 1 jersey in New England.