On January 19, 2025, Lincoln Financial Field buzzed with playoff energy as the Philadelphia Eagles prepared for their Divisional Round showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. Amid the cacophony of fans, camera flashes, and tailgate smoke, one moment stole the pregame spotlight: star wide receiver AJ Brown casually pulling up in a sleek $30,000 Honda Accord.
That a player with a $100 million contract was seen stepping into an everyday sedan made heads turn for fans and media alike. Subdued, the car stood in quiet contradiction to the usual line of high-end cars NFL stars favor on game day; it quickly became the talk of the town.
Within minutes, photos and videos of Brown and his humble ride surfaced all over social media. Eagles Nation and NFL fans from around the country sounded off on the scene, with comments ranging from admiration to good-natured trash talk.
” Man, AJ Brown pulling up in a Honda Accord is the most Philly thing ever,”
tweeted one. Others added,
“He’s got 100 mil and drives what I drive? GOAT move.”
Meanwhile, others speculated on the story that surrounded the choice:
“AJ keeping it humble—gotta respect that.”
Even NFL analysts were talking about it. ESPN’s Mina Kimes said,
“This is exactly why AJ Brown is a fan favorite. The guy just gets it.”.
Not one to shy away from the hype, the notoriously candid Brown simply said,
“It’s reliable and gets me from A to B,”
with a grin during a post-game interview.
This is not the first time Brown’s off-field moments have gone viral. Just last week, during the Eagles’ Wild Card win against the Packers, cameras caught him reading Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life on the sideline. The image of a star receiver diving into a self-help book mid-playoff game had people talking about his focus and mental fortitude.
“I’m always trying to find different ways to get better, not just as a player but as a person,”
Brown said after the game.
It’s a sentiment that resonates with fans and underscores his reputation as one of the NFL’s most down-to-earth players.
While Brown’s off-field persona continues to win hearts, his playoff performance so far has been underwhelming. After a standout regular season that saw him notch 67 receptions for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns, he’s managed just one catch for 10 yards in the postseason.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni had all the confidence in the world that Brown would rebound.
“AJ’s a competitor. He shows up when it matters most,”
Sirianni said. With the Eagles seeking a spot in the NFC Championship, fans are hoping Brown’s even-keel demeanor-fueled by his now-famous book and humble car rides-will translate to game-changing plays.
Brown’s Honda Accord moment has started a broader conversation about NFL players defying stereotypes. While the league often celebrates opulence and excess, Brown’s approach is a refreshing reminder that not every player measures success in material terms.
For many fans, this relatability is part of what makes Brown so beloved.
“He’s one of us,”
said lifelong Eagles fan Terrence Simmons.
“A superstar who stays grounded-that’s Philly through and through.”
With AJ Brown continuously navigating humility and excellence both on and off the field, his choices remind us that true greatness isn’t measured in touchdowns and flashy cars; it’s about staying true to who you are.
Meanwhile, The Eagles advanced to the NFC Championship, defeating the Rams 28-21. While Brown had a quieter night statistically, his presence and leadership loomed large—proving once again that sometimes, it’s the little things that drive greatness.
