Matt Damon Explains Why He Admires Celtics Star Jaylen Brown

Hollywood stars and Boston natives Matt Damon and Casey Affleck joined ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday to discuss their new film “The Instigators.”

Things certainly took a turn from discussing the film when Damon was asked which Boston athlete, past or present, he would save in a heist.

“Oh my God. It’s a good question. How about we go with present-day players? There are a lot of them,” Damon said. “I will tell you, one present-day player who I absolutely love for what he does on and off the court is Jaylen Brown.”

Damon continued: “I just admire that guy. I can’t believe how young in age and he’s already thinking strategically about to use his platform to make the world a better place.

” … He’s obviously a very conscientious guy. A really, really smart guy. I admire him. He’s a formidable man and I’m really proud that he’s playing in Boston.”

Brown’s social media handle “@FCHWPO,” is his mantra for life, both on and off the court. FCHWPO stands for “Faith, Consistency, Hard Work Pays Off.” Brown’s hard work in basketball has certainly paid off. The three-time All-Star clinched his first title with the Celtics and was named MVP of both the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals.

Damon said he recognizes how hard and competitive professional athletes are and sees the similarity in acting.

“It’s so competitive to get there. You have to be singularly focused and then to stay there takes so much,” Damon said. “We can relate as actors. It’s very competitive. It’s very difficult and it doesn’t work out for most people.”

The 53-year-old star never did say if he would actually save Brown in a heist, but it’s safe to say he would do his best to protect the Celtics star.