Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown Finds Solace in "Inner Excellence"
In the heart of the NFL season, with the high-stakes pressures of professional football at hand, even top-tier athletes like Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown turn to unique sources for mental fortitude. For Brown, that source is a well-thumbed copy of "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy, a book that he describes as his personal game-day staple.
A Secret Weapon on the Sidelines
During a playoffs matchup against the Green Bay Packers, fans and cameras caught a glimpse of Brown engaging in a rather atypical pre-game ritual: reading. To some, seeing an athlete absorbed in a book on the sidelines during a pivotal game might have seemed out of place. However, for Brown, it's been a routine part of his mental preparation.
"It gives me a sense of peace," Brown shared, when asked about his reading habit. "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."
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this routine is Brown's assertion that the book's influence extends beyond personal tranquility. Despite logging only one catch for 10 yards against the Packers in a game the Eagles won 22-10, Brown believes his contribution went beyond mere statistics. "It didn't show on the stats, but I did a lot today for my teammates, blocking and stuff. So it was good," he noted, emphasizing the importance of roles that are often overshadowed by numbers on the scoreboard.
The Mental Game
Brown's reliance on "Inner Excellence" as a mental guide during games points to a broader understanding of football's psychological challenges. "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. "It's something like how I refresh every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass."
For Brown, maintaining a clear and focused mind is paramount. He shares, "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."
Support from Teammates
Brown isn't alone in valuing this approach. Eagles captain Jordan Mailata has expressed support for Brown's reading habits, recognizing the book's role in his mental preparation. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata confirmed. Furthermore, Mailata believes there's no need to sensationalize something that has long been part of Brown's routine, remarking, "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 broader public seems to resonate with Brown's choice of literature. "Inner Excellence" has climbed to No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon, indicative of its growing influence not just in the sports world but beyond.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Currently battling a knee injury, Brown's commitment to his mental and physical health remains steadfast. While sidelined by injury can be frustrating for any athlete, the mental clarity and resilience fostered by his reading practice seem to equip him well for such challenges.
As the Eagles continue their pursuit of success, Brown's example underscores a critical facet of modern sports: the integration of mental and physical training. Drawing strength and focus from "Inner Excellence," Brown's ritual offers a glimpse into a player harnessing all available resources to excel in one of the most demanding arenas in sports.