A.J. Brown, the standout wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently returned to his alma mater, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), to deliver an inspiring commencement speech at the university’s 2025 graduation ceremony. Held on May 10, 2025, in Oxford, Mississippi, the event was filled with excitement and pride as over 5,500 graduates gathered to celebrate their achievements.
Brown, a former Ole Miss football star, was welcomed back as an icon and role model, making the occasion even more special. Known for his incredible career both at Ole Miss and in the NFL, Brown shared a message of perseverance, faith, and leadership, urging the new graduates to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams with relentless dedication.
A Champion’s Journey
A.J. Brown, originally from Starkville, Mississippi, played for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2016 to 2018, where he became one of the most prolific wide receivers in school history. During his time at Ole Miss, he amassed 189 receptions, 2,984 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns, setting several records that still stand today. His remarkable performances earned him a spot in the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Tennessee Titans. Brown’s professional career took another leap in 2022 when he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he became a key player, helping the team reach the Super Bowl.
In his first season with the Eagles, Brown recorded 88 receptions for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns, proving himself as one of the league’s top receivers. His leadership and performance were integral in the Eagles’ Super Bowl appearances, culminating in a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025. Along the way, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and several All-Pro honors, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite talents.
However, Brown is not just known for his football accomplishments. He is also a passionate philanthropist, using his platform to give back to the community. In 2023, he founded the A.J. Brown Foundation, focusing on literacy, youth empowerment, and mental health awareness. His charitable efforts were recognized when he received the 2024 Emerging Young Philanthropist award from the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy.
A Powerful Message to the Graduates
Standing before the eager and hopeful faces of the graduating class, A.J. Brown delivered a message of hard work, resilience, and self-awareness. He began his speech with a powerful quote: “Success isn’t owned. It’s rented—and rent is due every single day.” Brown emphasized that success is not a one-time achievement, but something that must be earned consistently through discipline and effort.
He spoke about the importance of self-discipline and taking ownership of one’s life, stating, “You are your own operation. Your discipline is your product. Your name is your brand.” He shared his own journey of overcoming setbacks, including his initial disappointment when he was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the initial challenge, Brown’s perseverance led to even greater success with the Eagles.
Brown also encouraged the graduates to trust in God’s timing and to embrace new opportunities, saying, “You’re stepping into a new season. You’re holding the ball. Ole Miss gave you the playbook. Now it’s your job to call the plays and lead the drive.” He reminded the graduates that their education at Ole Miss had prepared them for the challenges ahead, and now it was up to them to take control of their futures.
Inspiration for a New Generation
A.J. Brown closed his speech with a call to action, urging the graduates to dream big: “Dream big. Bigger than what feels safe. Bigger than what feels comfortable. Because with God, with faith, and with consistent hard work, there’s no limit to what you can build.”
For many of the graduates, Brown’s words struck a deep chord. Madison Greene, a first-generation college graduate, reflected on how her time at Ole Miss had shaped her into a stronger individual ready to take on the world. Maxwell Hennin, an Army veteran who earned a business degree, expressed excitement about his new career path as a project manager. Jaden Ganga, who graduated in accountancy and data analytics, shared his plans to continue his education at Ole Miss.
A Full-Circle Moment
A.J. Brown’s return to Ole Miss as the commencement speaker was a full-circle moment for both him and the university. It highlighted the importance of perseverance, faith, and community, as Brown’s own life story exemplified the values he encouraged the graduates to carry with them into the future.
His speech left a lasting impact on the Class of 2025, motivating them to step into the world with confidence, work ethic, and a belief in their own potential. As Brown reminded them, “With hard work and faith, there’s no limit to what you can build.” For many, these words will serve as a guiding light as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
