A.J. Brown jersey number: Why new Patriots WR is switching from patented No. 11

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) looks on prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

In a trade that was rumored for months, the Patriots have finally acquired A.J. Brown from the Eagles. When he arrives in Foxborough, Brown will look a little different, or at least the number on his back will. 

NFL fans know Brown for the iconic No. 11 that appears on the back of his jersey season after season. But in an online post following the trade, Brown's jersey removed a digit from that number, making his Patriots jersey No. 1. 

This change may look new to many fans, but those who have followed Brown prior to his NFL days may be noticing some similarities. 

Here's why Brown is changing his number and the history behind his jersey number in college and the NFL. 

MORE A. J. BROWN NEWS:

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• How A.J. Brown return compares

A.J. Brown jersey number with Patriots 

Despite wearing No. 11 for his entire NFL career, Brown is switching to No. 1 after his trade to the Patriots, according to a photo posted by the team.

WR1 pic.twitter.com/prgizq270j

While the No. 11 is not retired by the Patriots, it was worn by Super Bowl 53 MVP Julian Edelman. Nevertheless, Brown will return to his collegiate roots and cut his number from 11 to 1. 

Why did A.J. Brown switch to No. 1?

Brown wore the No. 1 in college, but it was taken at both of his previous stops. When he played in Tennessee, the number was retired in honor of Warren Moon. 

Then, with the Eagles, Jalen Hurts had already laid claim to the No. 1 jersey, leaving Brown to once again settle for No. 11. 

Now, with no one in New England blocking his college jersey number, Brown finally has a chance to relive his glory days at Ole Miss. He'll wear the No. 1 jersey on his back in New England in 2026. 

Has A.J. Brown worn No. 1 before?

Yes, Brown wore jersey No. 1 while he played wide receiver at Ole Miss in college. Through three seasons in Mississippi, Brown had the same number on his back every year.

Now that he's headed even further north, Brown is returning to his southern roots.