Philadelphia Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni Refutes Rumors Surrounding A.J. Brown

Standing Behind His Players

Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for his players, rising to the defense of star receiver A.J. Brown amid circulating rumors. It came to light during a recent game against the Green Bay Packers that Brown was purportedly seen reading the book "Inner Excellence" on the sidelines. This sparked speculation that the receiver was protesting his role in the game. Sirianni, however, was quick to dismiss these claims, highlighting an inherent tendency to leap to unfounded conclusions. He pointedly remarked, "We don't do any research, and we jump to a conclusion of, 'Oh, he must be disgruntled.' That, to me, is lazy."

Addressing Game Performance

The contest with the Packers was a challenging one for Brown. Targeted only three times, he ended the game with a solitary catch for 10 yards, marking season lows in several key metrics. Nonetheless, Brown was adamant that frustration wasn't the source of his actions. He candidly stated, "I was not frustrated at all. I figure that's what y'all probably thought." He emphasized his passion for reading, adding, "I wasn't frustrated. Why you always think I'd be frustrated? I like to read."

Focus on Mindfulness

Sirianni, known for respecting his players' unique pregame and in-game routines, was quick to reiterate this ethos. "Some guys pray in between, some guys meditate in between. A.J. reads in between," he explained, illustrating the diversity in techniques players use to maintain focus and composure. He fervently supports any practice that aids players in honing their concentration, asserting, "Whatever these guys need to do to put their mind in a place where they can play with great detail and great effort, I fully encourage them to do that."

Acknowledging Physical Challenges

Adding to the context of Brown's game performance was the knee injury that had kept him out of practice the preceding Thursday. While his stats against the Packers might have raised eyebrows, it was a reminder of the physical toll the game can take. Despite these challenges, Brown's character and talent remain undeniable assets for the Eagles. Sirianni didn't hesitate to offer high praise, "A.J. Brown is a great, great, great person. The man A.J. Brown is the best receiver -- and I'll say it without hesitation -- the best receiver that this city has ever seen."

Even as social media buzzed with speculation, players like Jahan Dotson lent support, highlighting Brown's reading habit as a testament to his unique way of staying game-ready. As the Eagles press on, they do so with a coach and a team united in their understanding and varied methods of staying mentally sharp, one book at a time.