Former Boston Celtic player Jaylen Brown was presented with a key to the city by the state of Massachusetts.
The presentation was done during a farewell ceremony organised by by his brand, 741 performance.
Rep. Christopher Worrell of Boston gave Brown a key to the city on behalf of the state of Massachusetts “for his incredible work in the Black and brown community.”
Jaylen Brown Way 🫡💚
A permanent piece of Boston for @FCHWPO from Mayor Wu. pic.twitter.com/PXUXuAS84e
— 741Performance (@741Performance) August 30, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers traded Brown in a deal that came to fruition on July 1st, marking an end to Brown’s 10 years with the Celtics.
Brown made a name of himself by winning with Celtics the 2024 NBA Finals and by being named Finals MVP. He left an impression outside the court too.
Boston Farewell Celebration
Thus, Brown thought of having a farewell ceremony for the city. His brand announced on Aug. 7 “741 Frequency Fest” at Boston Common, including the city and the local restaurant Hue Boston among organizers.
On Sunday, the event ran from 2 to 7 p.m. ET. It was completely free for all attendees, and no tickets were needed. Fans seized the opportunity and came to see their beloved man off in the numbers that could be considered a huge turnout. Fans signed a thank-you board with such phrases like “you will truly be missed” and “Boston will always love you.”
Performances by rappers Lil Jon, Lil Baby and A$AP Ferg were scheduled to take place during the event. Brown and A$AP Ferg produced a song, “Just Do It,” last month and they performed it on stage together. There was also an appearance of the Larry O’Brien Trophy among the guests.
Brown took pictures with fans and walked around. He signed autographs on Celtics and 76ers jerseys and hats. One fan even requested Brown to sign the notes app on their iPhone, to which Brown joked: “I don’t know how to do this.”
Encomiums showered on Brown
After some time, the mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, went on stage and said that she had come there with her colleagues from the government because “Jaylen has been about so much more than basketball here in Boston.” Wu said that she saw Brown at 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.”
In his reaction, the five-time NBA All-Star appreciated the state of Massachusetts for the honor, per ESPN.
“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.”
