A.J. Brown, fresh off winning his first-ever Super Bowl, will headline his alma mater’s graduation ceremony.
Ole Miss officials announced on Thursday that the Philadelphia Eagles’ superstar wide receiver will deliver a speech during the university’s 179th annual commencement on May 10. The event will be held in the Grove, and Brown is slated to deliver his remarks at 9 a.m.
“It is an honor to welcome A.J. Brown back to campus as our 2025 Commencement speaker. He is the epitome of excellence, determination, and service – all characteristics that our graduates will need as they embark on the next steps in their own journeys,” Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “From his record-setting career at Ole Miss to becoming both a Super Bowl champion and dedicated philanthropist, A.J. represents the very best of what can be achieved through perseverance and the commitment to making a difference.”
Before becoming a Rebel, the Starkville native excelled in baseball and football at Starkville High School, earning him several state and national accolades. During his time at Ole Miss, Brown engraved his name in the statbooks, becoming the school’s all-time leading receiver with 2,984 yards in the air.
He earned All-American and All-SEC honors during his record-setting career for the Rebels. In 2018, he broke single-season school records with 85 receptions for more than 1,300 yards.
“I remember being here at Ole Miss, wondering what my future would look like, dreaming big but not really knowing what was ahead. To stand up there now, with experience, with some success under my belt and with the same hunger I had back then, it’s a blessing,” Brown said. “It means they see something in me worth sharing, something the next class can take with them. It’s humbling, it’s emotional, and it’s a reminder that no matter how far you go, never forget where you came from.”
The Tennessee Titans drafted Brown in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. He helped the Titans to their first AFC championship game in 17 years. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 and has seen his career continue soaring.
Brown has played in two Super Bowls with Philadelphia, including this year’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown has also been selected as a member of the Pro Bowl three times and has been named second-team All-Pro on three occasions.
Off the field, the Mississippian is an active advocate for literacy, youth empowerment, and mental health awareness. He launched the A.J. Brown Foundation in 2023 to offer programming, mentorship, and scholarships aimed at helping young people achieve success.
His advocacy for literacy was evident during the NFL Playoffs, when he was captured on camera reading the book “Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life” on the sidelines. His actions launched the literary piece to No. 1 on Amazon by the next morning.
Brown is hopeful that Ole Miss students are positively impacted by his message of faith, perseverance, and authenticity.
“Don’t be afraid to bet on yourself and don’t forget to enjoy the journey,” the NFL wideout said.
