AJ Brown recalls receiving death threats after committing to play for Ole Miss
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When it comes to college football rivalries, few can rival the intensity of the Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State Bulldogs. This fierce competition doesn’t just end on the field; it spills over into recruiting battles that can feel more like a war zone than a friendly game of football. Just ask AJ Brown, the Starkville High School standout who made headlines when he chose to don the red and blue of Ole Miss instead of staying home in maroon and white.
Imagine being at the center of that firestorm. As AJ recounted in his interview with Pardon My Take, his decision didn’t just ruffle feathers—it ignited a full-blown controversy.
“I was getting death threats,” he told the podcast. ” I was just a kid, getting ready to play football. Long story short, I had a white Challenger with a red stripe — everyone knew it was me. License plate 1K. I was getting followed, people taking pictures of my car online. I didn’t even know it, I’m a kid. My dad was like ‘This is serious.’”
Ironically, Mississippi State wasn’t even in the final running for Brown’s commitment—he had narrowed it down to Alabama and Ole Miss. With Nick Saban’s legacy looming large, AJ also saw an opportunity to step outside of Mississippi and embrace something new.
“They just expected me to go there,” he shared about MSU, recalling how difficult it was to break that news to Dan Mullen: “You no longer can recruit me. I’m not coming here.”
That moment marked a turning point, igniting a whirlwind of emotions from fans who felt betrayed. But Brown didn’t let the pressure faze him at the time and remain focused on making a name for himself at Ole Miss.
Over 3 seasons, Brown showcased his undeniable talent, racking up an impressive 189 receptions for a jaw-dropping 2,984 yards and 19 touchdowns. Each game was a testament to his work ethic and determination, but it was during the 2017 Egg Bowl that he truly made waves. With a standout performance that included 167 receiving yards and a heart-stopping 77-yard touchdown catch, Brown reminded everyone why he was a force to be reckoned with.
While he may not have dominated the Egg Bowl series throughout his collegiate career, there’s no doubt he left an indelible mark on Oxford’s football legacy and continues that in the NFL. Brown’s journey is proof that sometimes, the best legacies are built not just on numbers, but on grit and resilience and shying away from schools that wear adidas and ring cowbells.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
