Eagles Pro Bowler jokes that he wants to chase Lionel Messi money
Amid reports that soccer superstar Lionel Messi is in talks with the Saudi Pro League on a contract worth $400 million annually, Philadelphia Eagles wideout AJ Brown took to social media to let it be known that he would also like to throw his hat in the soccer ring.
Shortly after rumors emerged of Messi's potential deal -- which would make him the highest-paid soccer player in the world -- Brown seemed more than ready to swap the NFL field for the pitch and even had a position in mind.
"Where that soccer ball at?" Brown tweeted. "I know I can play goalie!! Sign me up."
It's unclear how Brown handles a soccer ball with his feet, but his reliable hands are well-known. After posting a career-high 88 receptions in 2022, perhaps it would not be a huge stretch to believe Brown's mitts might translate well for net-minding purposes.
While purely financial, Brown's sudden interest in soccer is not likely to garner much attention from the international scene. However, he did pique the curiosity of the local Major League Soccer club, the Philadelphia Union, who responded to his tweet with an eyes-wide-open emoji.
Thankfully for the Eagles, this is all in good fun. Brown isn't going anywhere soon, with four years remaining on a $100 million deal he signed with Philly last May following a draft day trade from the Tennessee Titans. On average, Brown's contract pays him $25 million a year. Not Messi money, but not bad.
As for Messi, his future remains uncertain. In April, reports emerged that he was "unlikely" to remain with Paris Saint-Germain after the conclusion of his contract at year's end. Reports indicate that Messi would also reject the idea of any possible move to the MLS.
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