A.J. Brown's Sideline Strategy: Reading "Inner Excellence" for Mental Edge
On the field, the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown is known for his athletic prowess, but it’s his off-field ritual that’s grabbing attention. During games, the wide receiver immerses himself in the book "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy, a practice that has become integral to his game-time routine. Brown’s copy of the book is well-worn, tattered, and filled with highlighted passages, signaling its importance to him.
Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos
Brown’s unusual sideline habit was spotlighted during a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. While Brown's performance on the stat sheet was modest—logging just a single catch for ten yards—his impact wasn’t just measured in numbers. The Eagles triumphed with a score of 22-10, and Brown credited his contribution more to his blocking and support roles, aspects he believes are critical to the team’s success. "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.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Brown has been seen reading during a game, although it was the first time he was captured on camera. To him, the book offers more than just words; it brings a "sense of peace." He shared, "That's a book I bring every single game. My teammates call it a recipe. It's got a lot of points in there."
The Mental Game
For Brown, the rituals of mental preparation are as vital as physical training. "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, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience after each play, whether he scores or misses a pass. The influence of "Inner Excellence" extends beyond tactical advice; it’s about maintaining clarity and balance. "It states that if you can have a clear mind ... nothing else matters negative or positive," Brown noted.
Jordan Mailata, a captain for the Eagles, stands by Brown’s reading habit. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata said. His support underscores the culture of understanding and mental fortitude within the team. He added, "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!"
Beyond the Game
Brown is currently managing a knee injury, yet his dedication to both his physical and mental game remains unwavering. His embrace of "Inner Excellence" has resonated beyond the field; the book has even hit No. 1 on Amazon’s bestseller list, a testament to the growing awareness of mental preparation in sports.
As Brown and his teammates continue their season, it’s clear that the importance of mental clarity and preparation is playing an increasingly crucial role in their strategy, alongside physical preparation. Whether it’s blocking, catching, or taking a moment's pause with a book, Brown's approach highlights the evolving dynamics of what it means to excel in the NFL.