A.J. Brown, Pro Bowl wide receiver and Super Bowl champion, revealed an unexpected reason for declining a scholarship offer from the University of Georgia during his recruitment in 2016. The decision, made before Kirby Smart’s inaugural season as Georgia’s head coach, boiled down to one detail: his dislike for wearing black socks.
The star wideout explained on the podcast Pardon My Take that he simply did not want to wear black socks with black cleats, finding the combination unappealing. Instead, Brown preferred white socks because they made him feel faster and smoother on the field.
“I didn’t choose Georgia because I don’t like wearing black socks,”
Brown said.
“That may be crazy, but I don’t like wearing black socks. Putting on black socks with black cleats, it’s so hideous to me. When I put on white, I feel so fast, so smooth. It’s just something about it.”
Recruitment Journey and Choosing Ole Miss Over Elite Programs
As a highly regarded four-star prospect in the 2016 recruiting cycle, Brown attracted offers from numerous top-tier programs. He was a key figure in one of the most notable recruiting classes in Ole Miss history, joining future <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL talents such as D.K. Metcalf, Greg Little, and Shea Patterson. Despite official visits to Alabama, California, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss, Brown ultimately committed to the Rebels just days before National Signing Day in February 2016.
Brown, who hails from Starkville, Mississippi, stood out early in college football. Over his sophomore and junior years as a Rebels starter, he amassed 160 receptions, 2,572 yards, and 17 touchdowns across 24 games, establishing himself as a dominant playmaker before entering the NFL.
Maintaining Focus After Super Bowl Victory with the Eagles
Now a seasoned NFL veteran and premier pass-catcher for the Philadelphia Eagles, Brown recently discussed his mindset during an interview with SiriusXM Radio. Despite celebrating a Super Bowl 59 championship last season, he emphasized that the daily work ethic remains unchanged.
“You know, the process is still the same,”
Brown stated.
“I am very blessed and fortunate to achieve and to win the Super Bowl as a team, but the process of the daily grind stays the same. And so, once you kind of look at it through that lens, you’ve just got to go back to work. All that stuff is over with.”
He also spoke about the elusive nature of championship success, highlighting the challenge of sustaining it.
“I like to say, you know, the Lombardi, she’s not loyal. She’s not loyal. So, we got to do what we got to do again, try to win her over again.”
The Long-Term Impact of His Unique Recruitment Choice
Brown’s unusual reason for passing on Georgia recruitment highlights how even small factors can influence major decisions in athletics. His preference for a specific sock color steered him toward Ole Miss, where he flourished before becoming a respected NFL star. Moving forward, as a vital member of the Eagles, Brown’s relentless focus underscores his drive to maintain peak performance and pursue further championships—ideally without needing to compromise on his sock choice.