A.J. Brown's Playoff Ritual: A Story of 'Inner Excellence'
For Philadelphia Eagles' star wide receiver A.J. Brown, football isn’t just a physical battle; it’s a mental one. While each game day brings the promise of electrifying performances and unforgettable moments, it also serves as a stage for Brown to engage in a quieter, yet equally vital, pursuit—reading. His chosen companion: "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy, a book that has seamlessly woven itself into Brown's game day routine.
The image of Brown on the sidelines, engrossed in a paperback copy of "Inner Excellence," has caught the attention of fans and cameras alike. However, this is far from a publicity stunt or an isolated incident. "It gives me a sense of peace," Brown explained. “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.”
The Power of Preparation
Brown’s relationship with the book is one of familiarity and practicality. The book is tattered and heavily highlighted—a testament to its frequent use and the role it has on his mental preparation. For Brown, the book provides a psychological toolkit, a guide to staying grounded and focused amidst the chaos of NFL playoff games. As he puts it, "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."
During a pivotal playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles emerged victorious with a 22-10 scoreline. While Brown’s contributions didn't make waves on the stat sheet—just one catch for 10 yards—his impact was felt in other areas. Despite his limited statistical output, Brown remained a vital cog in Philadelphia’s offensive machine, contributing what he could to help his team succeed. "It didn't show on the stats, but I did a lot today for my teammates, blocking and stuff. So it was good," Brown reflected post-game.
Supported by Teammates
Among those who appreciate Brown’s sideline reading habit is Eagles captain Jordan Mailata. He is one of Brown’s most vocal supporters when it comes to his unique preparation style. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata affirmed, dispelling any potential drama surrounding Brown’s pre-snap ritual. "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 ritual underscores the importance of the mental aspect in professional sports. Mailata’s comments highlight a broader understanding within the team that reading serves as Brown’s anchor, grounding him regardless of whether he scores a touchdown or drops a pass.
A Bestseller's Influence
"Inner Excellence" is not just a game day tool for Brown but a nationwide phenomenon, having reached the No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon. The book's teachings, which resonate deeply with Brown, focus on maintaining a clear mind under pressure. "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," Brown elaborated. “It also says if you're humble, you can't be embarrassed." For him, these lessons have been crucial, offering wisdom that extends beyond the gridiron.
Amid his preparations and performance, Brown is contending with a knee injury. Yet the wide receiver remains undeterred, reinforcing the idea that mental and emotional preparation is as crucial to success as physical readiness. As he turns pages on the sidelines, Brown is perhaps illustrating a lesson for many—victory begins with the mind.
Brown’s dedication to mental fortitude through reading underscores a growing recognition within the sports world: the significance of mental health and preparation in maximizing athletic performance. In a game as uncertain as football, having a "recipe" for peace and clarity might just be the ultimate playbook.