A.J. Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and Super Bowl champion, was raised by his parents, Arthur Brown Sr. and Josette Robertson, in Starkville, Mississippi. His father played an important role in developing his athletic abilities, while his mother helped establish the family’s values of discipline, faith, and responsibility. Brown has also spoken openly about how his parents’ divorce affected him during childhood, making their influence an important part of his journey to professional football.
Born Arthur Jauan Brown on June 30, 1997, the NFL star grew up with two older sisters in a family passionate about sports. His childhood included baseball practice, church activities, and difficult personal experiences that eventually helped shape his character.
Who Are A.J. Brown’s Parents?
A.J. Brown’s parents are Arthur Brown Sr. and Josette Robertson, who raised their children in Starkville, Mississippi.
Both originally came from Illinois before settling in Mississippi during their younger years.
Arthur was a talented athlete who particularly enjoyed baseball, while Josette grew up in a family with its own sporting connections.
The couple had three children together, including A.J. and his older sisters, Reva and Shareda.
Their marriage ended when A.J. was approximately 12 or 13 years old, a separation he has described as one of the most difficult experiences of his childhood.
A.J. Brown’s Father Arthur Brown Sr.
Arthur Brown Sr., also known as Bug, grew up in Chicago before moving to Starkville.
During high school, he played football as a wide receiver and developed a strong passion for baseball.
He later worked for an electric company, spending many years in a physically demanding occupation before retiring.
Arthur introduced his children to competitive sports and encouraged them to practice regularly.
On the family’s property, he created a baseball practice area where A.J. spent countless hours improving his skills.
His influence extended beyond athletic training. Arthur emphasized humility, preparation, and earning recognition through performance.
Brown has credited his father with teaching him the importance of hard work from an early age.
A.J. Brown’s Mother Josette Robertson
Josette Robertson was born in Illinois and later moved to Starkville, where she met Arthur during their teenage years.
Although she did not compete extensively in organized sports, athletics were familiar within her family.
Josette helped raise three children while maintaining a household built around education, church, and responsibility.
She also served as a Sunday school teacher, reflecting the family’s religious involvement.
In interviews, Josette has recalled that she and Arthur initially planned to have only two children.
A.J.’s arrival came as a surprise, but he eventually became the family’s youngest child and only son.
Josette has continued expressing pride in his achievements and the person he has become.
How His Parents’ Divorce Affected His Childhood
A.J. Brown has discussed the emotional impact of his parents’ separation during his early teenage years.
He struggled to understand the changes taking place within his family and began experiencing difficulties at school.
Brown later acknowledged that he acted out and made poor decisions while trying to cope with the situation.
His father and other trusted adults in Starkville encouraged him to redirect his energy toward athletics.
Football and baseball became important outlets during that period.
Brown has explained that those experiences influenced how he approaches trust, relationships, and personal responsibility as an adult.
A.J. Brown’s Sisters and Family Background
A.J. Brown grew up with two older sisters, Reva Claybrook and Shareda Robertson.
Reva played basketball, while Shareda participated in softball.
The siblings spent much of their childhood enjoying outdoor activities and sports on the family’s property.
Their parents maintained clear expectations involving schoolwork, household chores, and behavior.
The family also attended 16th Section Missionary Baptist Church, where faith played an important role in their upbringing.
These shared experiences helped establish the foundation for Brown’s early development.
How His Parents Helped Shape His NFL Career
Brown attended Starkville High School, where he became a standout football and baseball player.
His baseball talent was significant enough for the San Diego Padres to select him in the 2016 MLB Draft.
However, he chose to pursue football at the University of Mississippi.
At Ole Miss, Brown developed into one of the country’s most productive college receivers.
The Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
He joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 and became a central figure in their offense.
Brown helped Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2025.
His success reflects years of athletic preparation, family encouragement, and the personal lessons he learned while growing up in Mississippi.
Arthur Brown Sr. and Josette Robertson remain important figures in A.J. Brown’s story. Although their marriage ended during his childhood, both contributed to the upbringing and values of one of the NFL’s most recognizable wide receivers.