A.J. Brown’s Sideline Secret: The Book Fueling His Game
On a crisp day in Philadelphia, among the roar of fans and the intensity of the Eagles’ playoff battle against the Green Bay Packers, wide receiver A.J. Brown was seen unwinding in an unusual way—by immersing himself in the pages of a certain paperback, tattered and marked with highlights. This isn't a new ritual for Brown; it’s an ingrained part of his game day routine. The book in question is Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, a text that has seemingly become as essential to him as any piece of equipment.
Brown has consistently been seen reading Inner Excellence during games, a habit that has piqued the curiosity of both fans and commentators. Philadelphia fans recently caught a glimpse of the book after the Eagles secured a 22-10 victory over the Packers, though Brown’s contribution to the game statistics appeared minimal with only one catch for 10 yards. Yet, for him, the stats tell only part of the story.
"It gives me a sense of peace. That's a book I bring every single game," Brown shared candidly, when asked about his reading habit, noting how deeply the book resonates with him. "My teammates call it a recipe. That's the first time I've heard y'all got me on camera. That's not the first game. It's got a lot of points in there."
As Brown’s game involvement went beyond the offensive numbers to include strategic blocking and supporting teammates, his resolve and mental clarity stood out. He emphasized, “It didn't show on the stats, but I did a lot today for my teammates, blocking and stuff. So it was good.” For Brown, football transcends physical prowess; it wades into the mental domain where he prepares for every play with the help of his well-worn book.
Philadelphia Eagles captain Jordan Mailata confirms Brown's routine, speaking to its consistency and role in Brown's mindset before each game. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata explained, cautioning against creating unnecessary drama from Brown’s distinct sideline ritual. "He does it every game. ...There's nothing else to report. Now we're talking about him reading a book on the sidelines. He's been doing it all year. Let's not start drama!"
While some may puzzle over reading literature in the heat of competition, Brown finds crucial mental reinforcement in Inner Excellence. The bestseller, now boasting a No. 1 spot on Amazon, imbues Brown with perspectives vital for his performance. "It's a mental game, a lot of mental parts about it, and what's for me, the game is mental," Brown explained, underscoring the importance of mental strength, not just physical capability. "I physically believe I can do anything and everything. But I gotta make sure my mental's good. It's something like how I refresh every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass."
As he bears the burden of a knee injury, Brown navigates his path with steadfastness and understanding gained from Inner Excellence. He speaks to the value of maintaining a clear mind under pressure, highlighting one of the book’s messages that deeply resonates with him: "It states that if you can have a clear mind ... and remember that nothing else matters. A clear mind and a clear conscience. Nothing else matters negative or positive. Be willing to take risks. It also says if you're humble, you can't be embarrassed."
For Brown, the game is as much about psychological resilience as it is about physical exploits. His choice to find tranquility in the pages of a paperback reflects a broader strategy of holistic fulfillment. In a sport often dominated by brute force and statistics, Brown's approach is a testament to the deeper, often unspoken elements of athletic performance. As he continues to tackle challenges on and off the field, A.J. Brown’s commitment to mental fortitude remains unwavering, guided as ever by the quiet wisdom of Inner Excellence.