Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown Finds Peace and Focus in "Inner Excellence"

A Surprising Sideline Routine

Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown has caught the attention of fans and teammates alike, but not just for his prowess on the field. During games, Brown can often be seen with his nose buried in a book, specifically "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy. It’s not merely a diversion; for Brown, it's a critical part of his game-day routine. "It gives me a sense of peace," he shares. "That's a book I bring every single game. My teammates call it a recipe."

This habit isn't new, though it made headlines when cameras caught him reading during a high-stakes playoff against the Green Bay Packers. Brown's contribution that day might not have reflected in the stats—just one catch for 10 yards—but the Eagles triumphed with a 22-10 win. For Brown, the influence of his reading paid off in other ways. "It didn't show on the stats, but I did a lot today for my teammates, blocking and stuff. So it was good," he remarked after the game.

The Power of a Mindset Book

Brown’s book of choice has clearly left its mark—physically and mentally. The paperback, described as tattered and highlighted, signifies its frequent use and the impact it’s had. The wide receiver emphasizes the book’s mental fortitude elements during intense games, saying, "It's a mental game, a lot of mental parts about it, and what's for me, the game is mental." Brown believes deeply in maintaining strong mental health, admitting, "I physically believe I can do anything and everything. But I gotta make sure my mental's good."

According to Brown, part of the book's wisdom lies in maintaining a clear mind. "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," he explained, suggesting that a humble approach shelters one from embarrassment.

Support from Teammates and the Impact on the Field

Brown's dedication hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. Jordan Mailata, an Eagles captain, is a firm supporter of Brown’s literary ritual. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," said Mailata, defending the legitimacy and quotidian nature of Brown’s habit amidst any potential external skepticism. "Let's not start drama!" he insists.

Brown’s commitment to both mental and physical preparation speaks volumes, especially as he currently grapples with a knee injury. For the Eagles, Brown's reading isn’t just a quirk—it's a cornerstone of his mental preparation that bleeds into his physical performance on the field. With "Inner Excellence" reaching bestseller status on Amazon, it's clear that this literary gem resonates far beyond the pages, inspiring those who pursue performance excellence on and off the field.