PHILADELPHIA — Right before Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown spoke Wednesday about his latest controversy of criticizing his team publicly, he noticed teammate Xavier Gipson walking toward him, delayed talking to reporters and answered Gipson’s question.
Then Brown turned to the cameras and explained why he spoke negatively about the Eagles’ offense and his role in it during his appearance on JankyRondo’s stream the day before. He did not apologize for calling this season a “s---show” or telling people to drop him from their fantasy teams.
Brown’s frustrated that the ball isn’t coming his way and that the passing game continues to underperform. He posted two cryptic messages on social media — “using me but not using me” and “if you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw” — earlier this season to show his displeasure.
Eagles fans and the media have expressed concern about Brown’s commitment to the team and the negative effect his attitude could have on Philadelphia’s culture as the 7-2 Eagles prepare for another Super Bowl run.
But Gipson has never questioned Brown’s dedication, nor does he worry about him becoming a malcontent. On the contrary, Brown is one of the best teammates Gipson has ever had, consistently showing up for him no matter what’s going on in his own life.
As a journeyman wide receiver who joined the Eagles in September, Gipson is still finding his place in the NFL after being cut by both the Jets and Giants to start the year.
In Philadelphia, Gipson quickly developed a friendship with Brown, leaning on him when doubt creeps in.
“It’s more than football with A.J.,” Gipson told NJ Advance Media on Thursday. “If I need somebody to talk to when I’m feeling down or lonely, man, I go to A.J..”
Yes, Brown could handle his frustrations better to avoid distractions. But even if he isn’t a perfect leader, the three-time captain has had a major impact on his teammates, particularly in off-field conversations about life issues.
Brown, who has spoken about his own struggles with depression, has become a strong mental health advocate and recently wore a ‘Check on your teammates’ shirt before a game.
“Without him knowing, he got me out of some tough situations by telling his story,” Gipson said.
Gipson said he and Brown often have “deep” conversations that go beyond football, but even their talks about the game offer guidance, especially when it comes to handling criticism — something he had to deal with after the Eagles’ victory over the Green Bay Packers last Monday night.
Gipson, who has returned punts in the last three games, picked up the ball near the 3-yard line after Packers gunner Bo Melton touched it. Gipson then ran backward and was tackled in the end zone. The punt crossed the goal line, so it was ruled a touchback.
Once the coverage team touches a punt, the returner can’t lose yards — the ball goes back to where it was first touched. Gipson did nothing wrong, despite fans who thought he nearly gave up a safety.
“They say all these things. I’m dumb, I’m doing this ... I’m gonna keep my mind clear so my brothers and people that actually care about me and the team that actually depends on me knows what I’m doing,” Gipson said about his mindset after speaking with Brown.
Brown may continue to vent if the offense continues to struggle and his production doesn’t improve, which again could rub some people the wrong way.
But as long as Brown doesn’t cause further disruption in the building, the Eagles can manage these moments when he vents online. So far, he appears not to be causing a divide. His leadership is still strong behind the scenes even though he’s not happy.
“I’m always trying to make somebody smile, but he’ll do the same thing with me,” Gipson said. “He will ask me, ‘You good, bro?’ He’ll check up on me. It’s just deeper than football, deeper than anything that’s going through your mind. That’s a good dude.”
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