Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown and His Sideline Companion
On any given game day, if you glance over at the Philadelphia Eagles' bench, amidst the hustle and clamor of the NFL, you might catch wide receiver A.J. Brown engrossed in an unlikely companion—a book. For Brown, "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy isn't merely ink on paper; it's an integral part of his game-day ritual.
Brown’s affinity for the book has been a talking point among his teammates. "It gives me a sense of peace. That's a book I bring every single game," Brown explained. His well-handled paperback, marked with highlights, reflects a deeper connection to its content. "My teammates call it a recipe," he added, underscoring the book's role in his pre-game preparation. It was indeed a revelation when cameras caught him with the book during a pivotal playoff confrontation against the Green Bay Packers.
The Mental Game
The Eagles emerged victorious against the Packers, securing a win with a score of 22-10. While Brown's statistical performance—a single catch for 10 yards—might seem negligible, he insists that his influence extended beyond the numbers. "It didn't show on the stats, but I did a lot today for my teammates, blocking and stuff. So it was good," he asserted. Brown's perspective emphasizes the nuances of the game, where contribution isn't always quantifiable.
Understanding this broader facet of football, Brown highlights the mental aspect of the sport as essential. "It's a mental game, a lot of mental parts about it, and what's for me, the game is mental. I physically believe I can do anything and everything. But I gotta make sure my mental's good," Brown explained. For him, the teachings of "Inner Excellence" provide a mental reset—an oasis in the high-pressure desert of professional sports. "It's something like how I refresh every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass," he said.
A Reading Ritual Backed by Teammates
This habit hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. Eagles captain Jordan Mailata voiced his support for Brown's practice, emphasizing its longstanding presence in Brown's routine. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata confirmed. Dismissing any notion of novelty in Brown’s sideline read, Mailata was direct: "Now we're talking about him reading a book on the sidelines. He's been doing it all year. Let's not start drama!"
The book’s ascent to No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon suggests that Brown isn't alone in his appreciation, and perhaps his endorsement has contributed to its newfound popularity.
An Instrument for Clarity and Courage
Brown points out that "Inner Excellence" advocates for a mindset where clearing the mind and maintaining a focused conscience is paramount. It instructs to "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," Brown elaborated. Such reflections hint at why this book is much more than sideline decoration for Brown—it is a mental toolkit fashioned for the rigors of competition.
Though currently managing a knee injury, Brown remains an influential figure for the Eagles—on and off the field. His unique prelude to play, a page-turning engagement with inner excellence, might just be a blueprint worth noting in the NFL's playbooks of modern mental fortitude. As Brown embodies the teachings, his example extends beyond the field, inviting both players and fans alike to contemplate the mental dimensions behind the visible expertise of sport.