NFL star AJ Brown to Ole Miss Class of 2025: ‘You’re holding the ball’
All-time Ole Miss football great AJ Brown on Saturday delivered the university’s 172nd graduation commencement.
Brown is arguably the greatest wide receiver in program history. He’s the only Rebel in history to score multiple touchdowns in the Super Bowl.
Brown stars for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, who defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-35, in Super Bowl LVI back in February.
“You are poised to contribute to the world in meaningful ways,” Brown said. “Your education and experience at the University of Mississippi have prepared you to live a life full of purpose.
“As you go forward in life, I know you will be outstanding and passionate ambassadors for Ole Miss through your example, continuing your trajectory of accomplishment and fulfilling your dreams in the process.”
Brown, 27, is one of 15 Rebels to win a Super Bowl.
He’s only the seventh to play in two or more. His 139 combined receiving yards are the most for any Rebel in Super Bowls.
Brown left Ole Miss in 2018 as the Rebels’ career leader in receiving yards (2,984) and 100-yard receiving games (12). He signed in 2016 as a 4-star recruit and out of the back yard of Ole Miss’ bitter in-state rival, Mississippi State.
Brown led Starkville to a 6A state championship as a senior. However, he didn’t see the postseason again until he reached the NFL.
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“You’re stepping into a new season,” Brown said. “You’re holding the ball. Ole Miss gave you the playbook. Now it’s your job to call the plays and lead the drive.”
Brown advised graduates to take control of their futures and trust God’s timing. He made the remarks in front of some 5,500 graduates gathered on a rainy Saturday in Oxford inside The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss.
Brown last season went over 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth time in six NFL seasons.
He landed All-Pro honors for the third straight time.
Brown is arguably the greatest wide receiver in Ole Miss history. He was a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist his final season. Brown finished third in career receptions (189) and fifth in receiving touchdowns (19). He’s the only Ole Miss receiver on record with 60 or more receptions in back-to-back seasons.
“Success isn’t owned,” Brown said. “It’s rented – and rent is due every single day.”
Brown’s final message was to aim high..
“Dream big,” Brown said. “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. Above all, bet on yourself. Trust the work and trust the one who gave you the gift. Class of 2025, give yourself a round of applause. You’ve earned it.”
The included photos were provided by Ole Miss Athletics.
AJ Brown
Logan Diggs
Yam Banks
Austin Simmons
