No Cameras, No Crowd—What DeVonta Smith Did for AJ Brown in the Hospital Will Stay with Him Forever

In the Philadelphia Eagles’ locker room, where talent and egos often collide, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith stand out not just for their on-field chemistry but for a friendship rooted in mutual admiration. Brown, the team’s star wide receiver, has repeatedly praised Smith’s relentless work ethic and humility, qualities that have forged an unbreakable bond between them. This connection, celebrated after their Super Bowl LIX victory, is a testament to how shared values and heartfelt moments can elevate a team.

Brown’s admiration for Smith crystallized when he joined the Eagles in 2022. In a 2023 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Brown marveled at Smith’s approach. “DeVonta’s a Heisman winner, a top receiver, but he works like he’s still proving himself,” Brown said. “That hunger pushes me.” Smith’s quiet intensity, especially in high-pressure moments, also captivates Brown. He described Smith’s “silent fire” as a calming force during games, like their 2024 season opener when Smith’s precise routes opened up Brown’s game-winning touchdown. This synergy helped them become the first Eagles duo to each surpass 1,000 receiving yards in 2022, a milestone they attribute to their trust in each other.

Their bond deepened through a poignant moment in December 2023, during a challenging stretch for the Eagles. Brown, a devoted father, was grappling with his daughter Jersee’s brief hospitalization due to a fever. Overwhelmed, he confided in Smith, who skipped a team event to visit Jersee with him. In the hospital room, Smith, usually reserved, brought a tiny Eagles jersey for Jersee and prayed with Brown for her recovery. “That meant more than any touchdown,” Brown later shared on X, his voice breaking in a post-game press conference. Jersee recovered swiftly, and the gesture solidified Smith as more than a teammate—a brother. Brown keeps the jersey in his locker as a reminder of Smith’s selflessness.

On the field, their friendship translates into magic. Brown’s physicality pairs seamlessly with Smith’s finesse, as seen in Super Bowl LIX, where Smith’s clutch catches and Brown’s 12-yard touchdown fueled a 40–22 rout of the Chiefs. Off the field, they share a commitment to faith and family, often praying together before games. Brown, engaged to Kelsey Riley in May 2025, invited Smith to the star-studded event, where they laughed over old game tapes. Smith’s presence at Brown’s milestones underscores their closeness.

What Brown cherishes most, though, is Smith’s humility. “He doesn’t need the spotlight,” Brown told ESPN in 2024. “He just works, and that’s rare.” This shared ethos extends to their mentorship of younger players like Joseph Ngata and community work in Philadelphia, where they host youth camps. Their vision of a lasting legacy—beyond rings, a culture of grit and grace—makes Brown and Smith the Eagles’ heart and soul, their friendship a beacon for teammates and fans alike.