A.J. Brown Personally Mentors Rookie WR with Huge Potential to Replace Him – A True Football Legacy in the Making

A.J. Brown Personally Mentors Rookie WR with Huge Potential to Replace Him – A True Football Legacy in the Making

This year’s Eagles training camp has revealed an unexpected storyline: superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown taking a young rookie under his wing, guiding him through every drill and rep. That rookie is none other than Ainias Smith, a fifth-round pick who’s turning heads with his impressive performance and rapid development during the 2025 offseason.

What caught even more attention was Brown’s public praise:

“Ainias has that special something. If I had to pass the torch to someone, it’d be him.”

Smith doesn’t just flash elite athleticism – he also carries a deep football pedigree. His father, Maurice Smith Sr., played in the CFL and Arena League, while his older brother, Maurice Smith Jr., was a safety in the NFL and XFL. Ainias quite literally grew up in a football family, molded by the sport both on and off the field.

Throughout training camp, footage shows Brown coaching Ainias closely – adjusting his stance, teaching him route timing, and offering advice after nearly every rep. In a red-zone drill, Ainias ran a crisp route and scored a touchdown that left coaches buzzing.

Many now believe that within the Eagles’ offensive system, Smith could be the natural heir to Brown – and sooner than expected.

“He’s not just fast – he understands the game flow. I see a younger version of myself in him,” Brown said.

With a blend of football DNA and elite mentorship, Ainias Smith is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young prospects in Philadelphia. And when the time comes for a new WR1 to rise, don’t be surprised if it’s the kid who learned directly from the best.