Rob Gronkowski told Boston.com reporter Khari A. Thompson on Sept. 3, 2026 that A.J. Brown‘s fresh start in Foxborough has “revived” the receiver and that he expects Brown to have his “best year ever.” The comments came during an appearance on the Up & Adams Show and were quoted directly by Boston.com as Gronkowski’s opinion about Brown’s state of mind and fit with the New England Patriots.
The Boston.com story situates those remarks alongside Brown’s recent résumé and the Patriots’ early-season outlook under head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
What Gronkowski said about A.J. Brown on the Up & Adams Show
Boston.com transcribed several verbatim lines from Gronkowski’s appearance. The key quotes reported are below and are presented as Gronkowski’s opinions:
“I feel like he wasn’t truly happy in Philadelphia.”
“Right when he went to New England, his heart was revived.”
“That’s why he’s so happy and I feel like he’s going to have his best year ever because of that reason.”
“Drake can put the ball where A.J. needs the ball every single time to make the play.”
“So, I have the Patriots winning the division, because of A.J. Brown and because the Patriots have a solid defense. The Buffalo Bills’ defense just lets up too many points.”
Boston.com attributes these lines directly to Gronkowski. The article frames them as public commentary rather than an evaluation from team officials.
Brown’s recent production and résumé
To ground expectations in reported facts, Boston.com reminded readers of Brown’s recent production: he totaled 88 catches for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022, and followed that with 106 catches for 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. The piece also notes Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler and that he helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2025.
Boston.com’s write-up references earlier coverage about the end of Brown’s tenure in Philadelphia and includes reporting that Jalen Hurts characterized the relationship as having “clearly” grown apart in comments to GQ; Boston.com reports the players later spoke and exchanged a brief hug in Foxborough. Those items are described in the Boston.com piece as reported interactions and quotes from other outlets rather than new reporting from Patriots sources.
How Brown fits the Patriots offense now
The Boston.com article includes a staff-side observation that compares Brown’s combination of size, speed and force favorably to past top Patriots pass-catchers. It also relays Gronkowski’s comment on the Brown–Maye connection: “Drake can put the ball where A.J. needs the ball every single time to make the play.”
Framed to reflect the source material, two source-backed points emerge: first, Boston.com reports Brown projects into New England as a primary downfield threat given his track record; second, Gronkowski emphasized placement and catchability as the key elements of any early chemistry between Brown and rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Those observations are presented here as reported commentary rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Boston.com also referenced comments from offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels comparing aspects of Brown’s game to past New England pass-catchers, using that comparison to illustrate why coaches see Brown as a natural fit in certain downfield roles. The story does not supply specific scheme play-calls or guaranteed usage rates; it ties fit to the attributes Boston.com and quoted staff described.
Division outlook and Gronkowski’s prediction
Gronkowski told Boston.com he expects the Patriots to win the division, citing A.J. Brown’s impact and what he described as a solid Patriots defense. He contrasted that with his view of the Buffalo Bills’ defense, saying it “just lets up too many points.”
Boston.com and this report treat that as Gronkowski’s prediction and label it opinion. The article records his view alongside factual roster context and does not present a division title as an established team forecast.
What’s next: Seahawks game and near-term watch points
Boston.com notes the Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks next week, giving fans a near-term setting to evaluate Brown’s integration. Based on the reporting, here are three concrete, source-aligned things to monitor in that matchup:
- Targets: Watch how often Brown is targeted, especially on early downfield snaps, to see whether game plans prioritize him as a primary vertical threat.
- Chemistry: Track the accuracy and timing on deep attempts between Drake Maye and Brown — plays Gronkowski cited when describing placement and catchability.
- Game script: Observe how game flow influences Brown’s role: whether the Patriots use him as a consistent field-stretcher or rotate looks based on opponent coverage and score.
Source attribution and uncertainty
This article is grounded in Boston.com’s report by Khari A. Thompson published Sept. 3, 2026. Direct quotes and characterizations of Brown’s mood, Gronkowski’s “best year ever” forecast, and the receiving statistics cited above come from that story and the earlier coverage it references.
Predictions quoted here — including Gronkowski’s expectation that Brown will have his best season and his division pick — are presented as opinions, not as established outcomes. Actual results will depend on on-field performance, health, coaching decisions and game contexts; Boston.com’s piece and this report do not treat Gronkowski’s projection as a fact.
Read the original Boston.com story here: Rob Gronkowski says fresh start with Patriots will lead to A.J. Brown’s ‘best year ever’ (Khari A. Thompson, Boston.com, Sept. 3, 2026).
Key takeaway: Boston.com’s reporting captures a prominent endorsement from Rob Gronkowski that frames A.J. Brown’s move to Foxborough as motivational and potentially influential for early-season passing plans. Treat the remarks as informed opinion and balance them against game evidence as the season unfolds.
