A.J. Brown's Literary Secret to Inner Excellence
Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown has found an unexpected source of strength and tranquility amid the chaos of NFL games: a well-thumbed book titled Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy. This unassuming paperback, now tattered and highlighted from frequent use, has become an indispensable part of Brown's game-day routine.
A Sideline Staple
During a pivotal playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, fans watching closely might have noticed Brown immersed in the pages of Inner Excellence as he sat on the sideline. Despite the Eagles clinching a convincing 22-10 victory, Brown's statistical contribution was modest, with just one catch for 10 yards. Yet, the wide receiver emphasized his role that day went beyond 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 remarked, pointing to the less tangible ways he helps his team succeed.
The Mental Edge
For Brown, the essence of the game transcends physical prowess. His commitment to maintaining mental acuity plays a pivotal role in his performance. "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," he explained. "It's something like how I refresh every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass."
Supported by Teammates
Brown's approach to sideline reading is fully supported by his team, including Eagles captain Jordan Mailata. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata stated, shutting down potential drama over Brown's literary habit. "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!"
The Recipe for Success
To Brown, the teachings in Inner Excellence are akin to a “recipe” that brings peace and focus. As he explained, "It gives me a sense of peace. That's a book I bring every single game. 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." This steady routine not only helps Brown manage game-day pressures but has also resonated enough to help drive the book to No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon.
Insights that Elevate
Central to the philosophies outlined in Inner Excellence is the notion of maintaining a clear mind. "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," Brown shared, underlining how these principles align with his own views on resilience and humility on and off the field.
With each game, A.J. Brown continues to demonstrate that excellence in sports is not bounded by physical statistics alone but is deeply rooted in the mental game. Whether he is making tackles or quietly turning pages on the sideline, Brown epitomizes a new wave of athletes who balance inner peace with external performance, crafting a narrative that extends beyond conventional playbooks. As he nurtures this holistic approach amidst the demanding NFL landscape, Brown's tattered copy of Inner Excellence serves not only as his guide but also as a testament to the power of a good book when seeking greatness.