After spending 10 years with the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown officially said goodbye to the city that had been his NBA home throughout his career. Brown’s farewell took place Sunday at Boston Common during the “741 Frequency Fest,” an event organized by his brand and focused on the Boston community.
Jaylen Brown Receives the Key to the City
Brown was honored for his impact both on and off the basketball court. After being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on July 1, ending his decade-long run with the Celtics, the former Boston star received a special recognition from the state of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Rep. Christopher Worrell presented Brown with a key to the city, recognizing his work within Boston’s Black and brown communities. Brown appeared visibly stunned by the gesture.
Boston Honors Brown With “Jaylen Brown Way”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also took the stage to pay tribute to Brown. The mayor highlighted his work in Boston schools, classrooms and parks, emphasizing the impact he had made beyond basketball.
During the ceremony, members of the city council presented Brown with a street sign reading “Jaylen Brown Way” as a lasting reminder of his connection to Boston.
Jaylen Brown’s 10-Year Celtics Legacy
Brown spent a decade with the Celtics and became one of the most important players of the franchise’s recent era. He helped Boston win the 2024 NBA championship and was named Finals MVP, while earning five NBA All-Star selections.
His Celtics tenure officially ended this summer when Boston traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers, but Sunday’s celebration showed that his relationship with the city remains strong.
Jaylen Brown Thanks Boston: “I Love You”
An estimated 10,000 people attended the event, according to Brown himself. The five-time All-Star also streamed much of the celebration on Twitch while wearing his Celtics championship ring.
Brown eventually took the stage to address the crowd and reflect on his 10 years in Boston.
“When I got to this city, I said I’m going to go to war for this city.”
He went on to thank the people who supported him throughout his career and community work before delivering an emotional message: “I just want to say thank you to Boston, thank you to the city, and I love you.”
Jaylen Brown Will Return to Boston as a 76er
Sunday’s farewell will not be Brown’s final appearance in Boston. He will return to TD Garden on January 21, when the Philadelphia 76ers face the Celtics.
It will be Brown’s first game in Boston as an opponent following his summer trade, and after such an emotional farewell, the former Celtics star is likely to receive a memorable reception.