AJ Brown gives his seal of approval to one of the Eagles newbies

Last season, during the Philadelphia Eagles' Week 10 bye, we hung out with DeVonta Smith. It was nothing major, maybe an 11-minute chat. One of the things that stood out (there were many) was what he told us about his relationship with A.J. Brown. 'We're like two big kids'.

From the outside looking in, that's a good way to describe things. They celebrate each other's wins. Their mic 'd-up moments are magic. Watching A.J. and DeVonta work together is like watching two old friends have a good time. It makes one think.

We talk about this game a lot. We agonize over wins and losses, but in the end, it's supposed to be fun. It's entertainment. The more we all get to know A.J., the more we like him as a player and person.

A.J. Brown gives teammate Isiah Rodgers the thumbs up.

One doesn't have to work hard to come up with reasons to compliment A.J. Brown. He cares about his craft. He's a good guy, but here's the most important part. You can't find a teammate or coach that has anything bad to say about him.

All of that says a lot, more than we can mention honestly.

A.J. is also never short on the love he showers others with. Just recently, during a chat with select members of the Philly media, he gave Quinyon Mitchell his stamp of approval. Wouldn't you know it? Isaiah Rodgers has also won 11's respect.

"For a guy that has not played football for a year, coming back, he looks like he has been playing nonstop. He's flying around, and he's going to do special stuff for us this year." Thank Tim McManus for the quote.

His recent take about Rodgers in an ESPN story about players who surprised us most at minicamp is worth a read. Rodgers has made a name for himself this spring and seems to be someone worth watching once training camp and the preseason begins and things eventually transition into the regular season.

A.J. sees something. So does McManus. If they've bought in, so shall we. Brown and Rodgers are expected to make plays on their respective sides of the ball all season.

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