Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, AJ Brown clash sparking criticism from NFL great
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NFL legend Michael Strahan was upset by the heated interaction between Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and wide receiver AJ Brown during the first half of their playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Sirianni and Brown were seen shouting at each other on the sidelines, leaving fans wondering whether it was tensions escalating or the fiery competitive spirit breaching the barn.
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Michael Strahan, far left, gives the thumbs up as he retires his New York Giants jersey, along with former coach Tom Coughlin, far right, and former player Jessie Armstead, center. The Giants defeated the Eagles 13-7 on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. (Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com/USA TODAY NETWORK)
The former New York Giants star didn’t seem to appreciate the moment.
“I don’t understand why Sirianni ran in there and yelled at one of his star players, AJ Brown,” Strahan said during halftime of the FOX broadcast. “You know, AJ Brown wanted to get involved, I’m sure of that. They made two big shots with him, maybe he said, ‘Give me a chance,’ and the coach said, ‘You took your chance, better catch the ball next time.’
“I don’t understand why you do that in the middle of a game like this, because I don’t think it brings out the best in your players. I think it affects your play. I think it affects the attitude and the energy of the team.”
Philadelphia Eagles player AJ Brown #11 walks off the field after his team’s 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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Strahan appreciated that the Eagles were able to win games on what appeared to the outside to be “internal dysfunction.”
Sirianni explained that he ran toward Brown to get him off the field so the team could punt.
“I love AJ, I think he knows how I feel about him. I have a special relationship with him,” Sirianni said. “We probably went through every emotion you can have together. We laughed together, we cried together, we yelled at each other. We’re both emotional. I was trying to get him off the field and that’s what happens in this game.
“It happens in this game, but I love it.”
Brown had the opportunity to play on third down on its final drive, which left the Eagles four points behind. A Jalen Hurts pass destined for wide receiver was deflected out of his hands. The Eagles’ drive was able to continue as they converted in the fourth.
Brown did not get another goal for the rest of the series.
San Francisco won the game 23-19.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni watches the NFL Wild Card game between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on January 11, 2026. (Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Brown had three catches on seven targets for 25 yards. Dallas Goedert scored on a rushing touchdown and a goal from Hurts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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