AJ Brown: From MLB Draft to Patriots Star, Just Behind Red Sox Pitcher

For fans of Boston sports, the recent acquisition of AJ Brown by the New England Patriots has certainly made waves. The talented wide receiver, who previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, has now taken the spotlight as the team's top receiver. However, his athletic journey began on the baseball diamond, where he was once a notable prospect.

In the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft, Brown was selected in the 19th round by the San Diego Padres. Despite this opportunity, he chose to pursue a collegiate career in football, a decision that has proven to be highly beneficial for him. Interestingly, Brown's selection in the draft came just shortly after that of a current Boston Red Sox player.

Greg Weissert, now a member of the Red Sox, was picked 16 spots ahead of Brown in the same draft. Weissert was drafted in the 18th round by the New York Yankees while playing at Fordham University. He made his Major League Baseball debut with the Yankees in 2022 and later joined the Red Sox in 2024, solidifying his place in the league.

This connection between the two athletes highlights the diverse paths that professional sports careers can take. As AJ Brown continues to make his mark in football, his early baseball prospects serve as an intriguing footnote in his journey.