Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown Finds "Inner Excellence" on and off the Field
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has captured the attention of fans and media alike, not just for his on-field talent but for his unexpected sideline habit. In an environment where high-octane action and split-second decisions reign supreme, Brown has found solace in an unlikely companion: a paperback book titled "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy.
During games, as players on the field become blurs of motion and strategy, Brown takes moments to himself, engrossed in the pages of his well-thumbed book. "It gives me a sense of peace," Brown explains, adding, "That's a book I bring every single game. My teammates call it a recipe." The book is more than just a comfort item; it's a philosophy that has been embraced by Brown and observed by his Eagles teammates throughout the season.
Brown was notably caught by cameras indulging in his book during a pivotal playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers. It was a game the Eagles emerged victorious from with a decisive 22-10 win. While Brown's statistical contribution on the field was modest—with just one catch for 10 yards—his personal takeaway from the game 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," Brown reflected post-game, hinting at the less quantifiable influences he had during the clash. For him, as he puts it, "the game is mental. I physically believe I can do anything and everything. But I gotta make sure my mental's good."
The mental fortitude Brown speaks of seems to be drawn directly from the teachings within "Inner Excellence." The book has hit home with Brown, reaching No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon, a testament to its broader appeal beyond the gridiron. For Brown, it's a guiding principle: "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."
Team captain Jordan Mailata acknowledges Brown's unique game-day ritual as an essential piece of the team's puzzle. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata says, dispelling any notion of controversy or surprise surrounding Brown's public reading. "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!"
Indeed, Brown's dedication to "Inner Excellence" and its mental teachings have become interwoven with his identity as a player—a testament to a professional committed to more than just athletic prowess. Despite dealing with the challenges of a knee injury, Brown’s mental preparation remains a testament to his resolve and approach to the sport he loves.
For A.J. Brown, the path to greatness seems to lie both within the pages of his trusted book and in his quiet moments of introspection amid the noise of the NFL. The lessons he draws from "Inner Excellence" not only shape his mindset but provide an invaluable balance to the frenzied world of professional football. Brown's reading habit may be uncommon, but it underscores an essential truth for many athletes: the mind is as vital a player in the game as any physical statistic.