A.J. Brown Blamed for Taylor Lewan’s Career‑Ending ACL Tear

**A.J. Brown** was at the center of former Titans tackle Taylor Lewan’s career‑ending ACL tear during the Titans’ 42‑36 overtime win over the Houston Texans on Oct. 25, 2020. Lewan’s comments on the *Bussin With The Boys* podcast placed the blame squarely on the wide receiver’s route.

In the third quarter, with 6:12 left, Ryan Tannehill dropped back and launched a screen pass toward **A.J. Brown** downfield. Lewan, tasked with pass‑blocking, tried to cut his angle but felt a sharp pop in his right knee. He collapsed on the turf, was helped to the sideline, and later confirmed an ACL rupture via a social‑media post that read, “I tore my ACL yesterday against Houston.” The injury forced him out for the rest of the 2020 season.

Lewan argued that the screen design left him exposed. “It was a screen pass to AJ Brown, and he didn’t get the guy to turn his shoulder. So, he was so pressed on him,” he explained on the podcast. He believes the lack of proper blocking on the defender allowed the defender to hit him squarely, leading to the torn ligament. While Brown’s route itself wasn’t illegal, Lewan feels the play’s execution created the dangerous situation.

After surgery, Lewan returned for the 2021 season, starting all 13 games and playing in the divisional round. However, the lingering mental and physical strain persisted. In week 2 of 2022, he re‑tore the same ACL, ending that season as well. The Titans released him with $14.8 million due in the final year of his contract, and he never appeared in another NFL snap. In 2023, Lewan sued Dr. James Andrews for alleged malpractice, claiming the repair was faulty and contributed to his permanent knee damage.

Brown’s involvement is limited to being the target of the play; he faced no disciplinary action and continued his ascent as a premier receiver. The incident adds a footnote to his 2020 season, which already featured 1,075 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. While Lewan’s remarks generate buzz, they do not alter Brown’s on‑field performance or contract status.

Lewan now hosts the *Bussin’ With The Boys* podcast, discussing football and life after the NFL. His lawsuit remains pending, and he has hinted at possible retirement if the legal battle drags on. The case may set a precedent for how former players pursue medical malpractice claims.

For Titans supporters, the 2020 win over Houston remains a thrilling overtime victory. For Lewan, the play is a painful reminder of how a single snap can change a career. And for **A.J. Brown**, it’s a minor blip in an otherwise stellar trajectory that continues to shape the NFL’s receiving landscape.