Eagles A.J. Brown changes tune on incredible former coach Mike Vrabel

NEW ORLEANS — If only Mike Vrabel knew what A.J.Brown was actually writing in his notebook.The newly hired Patriots head coach and the Eagles receiver have a tight bond nowadays, but when Vrabel’s Titans drafted Brown with a second-round pick in 2019, it wasn’t all smooth sailing during team meetings.“Early on in the league — he doesn’t know this — but I didn’t like him,” Brown said Thursday with a laugh.

“I used to take notes and write, ‘I do not like Vrabes.I do not like Vrabes.’ He would make me take notes and do all these things that are uncomfortable as a rookie.

As I got older and was learning, he was developing me and getting me ready for moments like these.”The five-time 1,000-yard receiver will play in Super Bowl 2025 — his second in three years with the Eagles after he was traded reportedly against Vrabel’s wishes.Vrabel recently spoke glowingly about Brown’s development and added “we’ll see” when asked if the Patriots might try to trade for him.“He’s an incredible coach and we have an incredible relationship,” Brown said.“I’m happy for him.

I’m always wishing him success — that’s with everybody I’m close with.”As if New Orleans wasn’t already stocked with some of the best restaurants in the world, Rao’s, the New York City Italian institution, opened a pop-up version of the iconic restaurant on 114th Street, for Super Bowl week.The operation in New Orleans is being run by meatball maven Dino Gatto, the executive chef at Rao’s for the past 29 years.Sign up for Starting Lineup for the biggest stories.

Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.Gatto and Rao’s, which has outposts in LA and Miami, also do a pop-up version of the restaurant at the Masters.At the pop-up on St.

Peter’s Street on Thursday night was a large table for the Man...