AJ Brown denies throwing shade at Ryan Tannehill

AJ Brown had very high praise for Marcus Mariota after the veteran quarterback signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week. Some people thought the compliment might have been a subtle shot at Ryan Tannehill, but Brown insists it had nothing to do with that.

Brown reacted to the news of Mariota going to the Falcons by tweeting that Mariota is the “best leader I ever been around.” The Tennessee Titans star deleted the tweet, but BroBible captured a screenshot. That wasn’t the first time Brown had said that about Mariota, as he made the same comment after the former second overall pick signed with the Las Vegas Raiders two years ago.

Former Titans wide receiver Derrick Mason told 102.5 The Game in Nashville this week that he thinks Brown’s remark about Mariota shows a lack of faith in Tannehill. Brown responded on Friday and told Mason he is “completely wrong.”

I’m not from this weird planet. I was taught to show Love to our love ones and support them and that’s all I was doing. I took it down because of the slander it was bringing to one of my teammates. You have a good day sir .

— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) March 25, 2022

Brown followed up by telling fans not to “attack” Mason and to show respect for all the former receiver did in Tennessee.

Even if Brown didn’t intend to knock Tannehill with his Mariota praise, you can understand why the tweet created some awkwardness. Tannehill has been the starting quarterback in Tennessee the entire time Brown has played for the team. Brown has put up some monster numbers during those three seasons. That said, Brown can still view Tannehill as a great leader without the QB being the best leader he has ever been around.

Photo: Dec 20, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) talks with teammates on the bench during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports