Eagles WR A.J. Brown Honors His Debt of Gratitude With a 15-Year Promise

Philadelphia, PA – September 10, 2025

Not every NFL story is written on the field. For Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, one of the most powerful and meaningful chapters comes from a quiet act of gratitude off it.

Years ago, when Brown was just a teenager chasing his NFL dream but weighed down by financial struggles and uncertainty, he nearly reached a breaking point. That was when the mother of a childhood classmate stepped in. She not only provided him with money to cover expenses, but also gave him something far more valuable — the belief that his dream could still come true.

For many, it might have been just a loan. For A.J. Brown, it was a lifeline and an act of faith he vowed never to forget.

Since signing his first NFL contract, Brown has kept that promise: sending $10,000 every month for 15 years to the family who once helped him when the odds were stacked against him.

“She didn’t just give me money. She gave me hope,” Brown recalled. “I promised myself that if I ever made it, I would make sure her family never had to worry again. And I’ll keep that promise for as long as I can.”

By the end of that commitment, Brown will have given back more than $1.8 million — far beyond the original help he received. But for him, the numbers don’t matter. What matters is loyalty, gratitude, and honoring the people who believed in him when the world still doubted.

Brown has gone even further to show his appreciation. He hired the woman’s son as the personal driver for his wife and children — not just offering steady work, but building a bond that has turned an act of kindness into a lifelong connection between two families.

In Philadelphia, fans already admire A.J. Brown for his explosive catches and game-changing touchdowns. Now, this story paints a deeper picture: a man who understands that true greatness is measured not only in touchdowns, but also in gratitude and humanity.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: How to Watch Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears Preseason Week 2: TV, Streaming, and Radio Options

The Buffalo Bills take on the Chicago Bears in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL Preseason, offering fans a chance to see backups and rookies compete for roster spots. The game, held at Soldier Field in Chicago, gains extra attention as the Bills are featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know to watch or listen to the matchup.

TV Viewing Options

The game will air nationally on FOX as a primetime broadcast. For fans in Western New York and surrounding areas, local affiliates include:

Buffalo, NY: WIVB (CBS affiliate)
Rochester, NY: WROC
Syracuse, NY: WSYR
Binghamton, NY: WBGH
Utica, NY: WPNY
Elmira, NY: WETM
Watertown, NY: WWTI
Albany, NY: WXXA
Erie, PA: WJET
Burlington, VT: WFFF

The broadcast team features Adam Amin (play-by-play), Jim Miller (color analyst), and Lou Canellis (sideline reporter for FOX 32 Chicago). Check local listings to confirm your area’s channel.

Game Date and Time

The game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 17, 2025 (8:00 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2025, in Vietnam, +07).

Streaming Options

Fans can stream the game through several platforms:

Fubo: Includes FOX and local affiliates, with a free trial (1-7 days depending on signup). Starts at $85/month post-trial.
YouTube TV: Carries FOX, offering a free trial (2 days to 2 weeks). Costs $83/month after trial.
NFL+: Streams out-of-market and nationally televised preseason games, starting at $7/month, available on mobile and tablet devices.
FOX Local: Available only in the Chicagoland area on fox32chicago.com and the FOX Local app.
Bills Mobile App: Live streaming for fans in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Erie, PA, presented by M&T Bank.

International or out-of-market viewers can use a VPN (e.g., NordVPN at $3.59/month) with Fubo or YouTube TV to bypass geographic restrictions.

Radio Options

Tune in via the Bills Radio Network:

Buffalo: WGR 550 AM
Rochester: WCMF 96.5 AM, WROC 950 AM
Syracuse: WTKW 99.5 FM, WTKV 105.5 FM Broadcast team: John Murphy (play-by-play), Eric Wood (color analyst), and Sal Capaccio (sideline reporter).

In Chicago, listen on ESPN 1000 with Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer. Nationally, Westwood One may broadcast, depending on the region.

Key Notes

Players to Watch: For the Bills, keep an eye on WR Tyrell Shavers, DT Deone Walker, and RB James Cook (if he plays). For the Bears, RB Ian Wheeler, TE Colston Loveland, LB Ruben Hyppolite II, and CB Terell Smith are ones to watch. Starters like Josh Allen and Caleb Williams may sit out, as both teams held joint practices focusing on roster battles.
Blackouts: Some areas, especially Chicago, may face restrictions on FOX Local. Verify access with streaming services or a VPN.
Hard Knocks: The game is filmed for Hard Knocks, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the Bills, adding to its appeal.

Catch all the action from Soldier Field via TV, streaming, or radio!