Jaylen Brown said farewell to Boston on Sunday in an event organized by his brand, 741 performance, and others, and highlighted by the state of Massachusetts presenting Brown with a key to the city.
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Brown in a blockbuster trade on July 1, ending the forward’s 10-year tenure with the Celtics. Brown made his mark on the court, helping the Celtics win the 2024 NBA Finals and earning Finals MVP honors. He also made a strong impact in the community.
Therefore, Brown decided to have one final send-off for the city. His brand on Aug. 7 announced the “741 Frequency Fest” at Boston Common, with the city and the local restaurant Hue Boston among the organizers.
Sunday’s event was held from 2 to 7 p.m. ET. It was free to everyone, and tickets were not required. Fans took advantage, flocking to show their love for one of Boston’s own. They signed a thank-you board with messages such as “you will truly be missed” and “Boston will always love you.”
There were performances from rappers Lil Jon, Lil Baby and A$AP Ferg. Brown and A$AP Ferg released a song together, “Just Do It,” last month and proceeded to rap it together on stage. The Larry O’Brien Trophy made its way through the crowd at one point too.
Brown posed with fans and walked around the grounds. He signed autographs on Celtics and 76ers jerseys and hats. One fan even asked him to sign the notes app on their iPhone, which prompted Brown to quip: “I don’t know how to do this.”
Later on in the event, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu went on stage and shared that she had attended with her government colleagues because “Jaylen has been about so much more than basketball here in Boston.” Wu explained that she has seen Brown in Boston schools, classrooms and parks.
“He has changed lives throughout Boston. That’s why there are so many people here,” Wu said. “That’s why we are all heartbroken and still trying to process on what’s happening. We’re never going to let you forget us, and we are never going to forget you.
“We are so honored to celebrate you.”
Wu then invited city council members on stage for a “special presentation for someone.” They handed Brown a street sign that read “Jaylen Brown Way” as a memento.
“This is so you’ll never forget this city,” she said.
Jaylen Brown Way 🫡💚
A permanent piece of Boston for @FCHWPO from Mayor Wu. pic.twitter.com/PXUXuAS84e
— 741Performance (@741Performance) August 30, 2026
The festivities didn’t stop there, though. On behalf of the state of Massachusetts, Rep. Christopher Worrell of Boston gave Brown a key to the city — technically Worrell’s 5th Suffolk District — “for his incredible work in the Black and brown community.” Brown put his hands over his head in stunned fashion.
He posted on X after the event, writing, “God is crazy.”
God is crazy ❤️
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) August 30, 2026
Brown, wearing his Celtics championship ring, broadcasted live on Twitch during the event for almost 2½ hours. He hopped on the stage at one point to share a message to the crowd.
“I f—ing love y’all, man,” he said, before some attendees yelled back that they loved him too.
The five-time NBA All-Star, who estimated on his Twitch stream following the event that there might have been 10,000 attendees, added that he was at a loss for words and shared his appreciation for people who came out. He then reflected on the past 10 years in Boston and all of the people who supported him.
“When I got to this city, I said I’m going to go to war for this city. I met so many great people here. People that helped me in the community, that motivated me on my journey. People that have supported me even when I didn’t support myself at times,” Brown said. “I just want to say thank you to Boston, thank you to the city, and I love you.”
Brown will return to Boston as an opponent for the first time on Jan. 21 when the 76ers face the Celtics. It will surely make for a special atmosphere following a special goodbye.
