Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown Turns to "Inner Excellence" for Game Day Serenity
A.J. Brown, the standout wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, has quietly crafted a distinctive game day ritual that extends beyond the gridiron's physical demands. As one of the NFL's elite forces on the field, Brown has integrated a unique tool into his preparation: a copy of "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy. Tattered and highlighted, this well-used book accompanies him to every game, becoming a mainstay in his mental toolkit.
For Brown, his affinity for the book is deeply personal and invigorating. "It gives me a sense of peace. That's a book I bring every single game," he stated, underscoring the significance it holds in his routine. Brown has found that its teachings resonate with him, enhancing his performance by fortifying the mental aspects of his game. "It's a mental game, a lot of mental parts about it, and what's for me, the game is mental," Brown explained. "I physically believe I can do anything and everything. But I gotta make sure my mental's good."
During an essential playoff clash against the Green Bay Packers, Brown was captured on camera thumbing through the book's pages. Despite the Eagles securing a decisive victory with a 22-10 scoreline, Brown's statistical contribution was sparse. He recorded just a single catch for 10 yards. However, Brown emphasizes that his impact was felt in other ways, notably through his blocking efforts and contributions that don't show up in traditional box scores. "It didn't show on the stats, but I did a lot today for my teammates, blocking and stuff. So it was good," he reflected.
Brown's practices have not gone unnoticed by his teammates, some of whom are equally supportive of his unconventional approach. Eagles captain Jordan Mailata has been quick to dismiss any sensationalism about Brown's in-game reading habit. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata affirmed, emphasizing the normalcy of Brown's practice within the team context. "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 influence of "Inner Excellence" on Brown seems to articulate a broader truth about professional sports: the integration of mental strength with physical prowess can amplify an athlete's potential. It's about maintaining a clear mind and perspective, something Brown finds crucial whether celebrating a touchdown or moving past a dropped pass. In his words, "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."
Brown's commitment to this philosophy comes at a time when he is navigating a knee injury. While the physical rehabilitation process runs its course, his mental resilience remains indispensable. The book, which has soared to No. 1 on Amazon's bestseller list, could very well be a catalyst for his inner fortitude during this challenging period.
The juxtaposition of Brown's physical prowess on the field and his quiet contemplation during game days offers a nuanced look at the role mental discipline plays in high-stakes athletics. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how this marriage of physical and mental strategies continues to unfold for Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles.