OXFORD, Miss. – Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and former Ole Miss Rebel A.J. Brown will go from catching touchdowns in the Super Bowl to delivering words of encouragement and inspiration at the University of Mississippi’s 172nd annual Commencement on May 10.
Brown, who won the NFL championship with the Eagles, will deliver his speech at Convocation, set for 9 a.m. in the Grove.
It is an honor to welcome A.J. Brown back to campus as our 2025 Commencement speaker,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “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.
“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.”
Speaking at his alma mater provides another chance to give back to the place that helped build him, Brown said.
“I remember being here at Ole Miss wondering what my future would look like, dreaming big but not really knowing what was ahead,” he said.”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.
“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.”
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 Ole Miss career, Brown electrified fans with his performance on the field. He holds multiple school records, including being the school’s all-time leading receiver with 2,984 receiving yards.
