FOXBOROUGH — Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown and head coach Mike Vrabel reunited this offseason after previously working together during Brown’s first three NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2021. The renewed partnership has brought a fresh dynamic, with both men reflecting on how their relationship and Brown’s approach to the game have evolved since their initial stint together.

Vrabel coached Brown during his formative years in Tennessee, where the receiver recorded 185 catches for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns over three seasons. Brown recalled that early in his career, he struggled to grasp Vrabel’s sometimes stern coaching style. Despite strong on-field performances, including a 100-yard game in his NFL debut, Brown said Vrabel’s tough messaging initially felt challenging to process.

“As a young player, I really didn’t understand his approach,” Brown said before Patriots practice on Saturday. He recounted a turning point when facing cornerback Jalen Ramsey, which made Vrabel’s message resonate more clearly. “It didn’t help in my first game, I had 100 yards, and he was trying to bring me down. Then I ran into Jalen Ramsey, and his message hit home really quickly.”

Following his tenure with the Titans, Brown spent four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before returning to work under Vrabel in New England via a trade this June. Vrabel said he has noticed significant maturation in Brown’s character and leadership since their initial days together. The coach emphasized Brown’s enhanced communication skills and professionalism both on and off the field.

“The maturity has been what I’ve appreciated seeing daily,” Vrabel said. “The way he talks to the young receivers, coaches, and the quarterback shows he has grown. It’s different than the young player I saw before.”

Brown has taken on a leadership role during training camp, helping younger teammates navigate the demanding nature of Vrabel’s coaching style. Second-round rookie Gabe Jacas, in particular, has been subject to intense scrutiny from the head coach, a dynamic Brown is familiar with from his early years in the league.

“I’m just sitting in my chair laughing, seeing the process all over again,” Brown said. “I want to have a couple words for Gabe to keep him locked in. Hopefully, my words help.” Brown stressed that Vrabel’s tough love stems from high expectations geared toward player improvement.

Now 29, Brown expressed enthusiasm about starting a new chapter with the Patriots. “I literally looked at the sign today and said, ‘I’m a Patriot,’” he said. “I’m still in awe, and I’m grateful. I’m excited.”

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Ben Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson were absent from practice Saturday. Henderson is recovering from a right ankle injury sustained on August 24, while Ben Brown is progressing from an undisclosed preseason injury. The Patriots are expected to release their first official injury report on Sunday afternoon.