Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown Finds Solace in "Inner Excellence"
On the gridiron, the spotlight often shines brightest on players' athletic feats, but for Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown, a quieter, more introspective method has become equally significant. Brown has incorporated the book Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy as an integral part of his game-day ritual.
Embracing a Different Kind of Playbook
During crucial matchups, such as the playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Brown has been spotted reading the well-worn pages of Inner Excellence on the sidelines. The paperback, heavily highlighted and tattered, has become a staple of his routine. Despite a modest statistical output in the Eagles' 22-10 victory over the Packers, with just one catch for 10 yards, Brown believes his contribution was broader and deeper, echoing the core tenets of the book.
"It gives me a sense of peace. That's a book I bring every single game," Brown explained. "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 Unseen Contributions
The playoff game was a testament to Brown's versatility and selflessness. While the scoreboard didn't reflect his usual electrifying performance, Brown's impact reverberated through his blocking and support of teammates. "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.
Jordan Mailata, an Eagles captain, has been a vocal supporter of Brown's reading habit, emphasizing its significance in the mental aspect of the game. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata stated. His comment downplayed any suggestion of drama surrounding Brown's sideline reading, "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!"
A Focus on Mental Fortitude
Brown's quest for mental clarity and focus is at the heart of his devotion to Inner Excellence. "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," Brown shared. His approach is akin to a mental reset each time he returns to the field. "It's something like how I refresh every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass." The book's principles of maintaining a clear mind and conscience, while being willing to take risks, resonate deeply with the athlete.
An Unexpected Bestseller
The rise of Inner Excellence to No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon parallels its growing influence among professional athletes like Brown. The wide receiver credits the book with guiding him to embrace humility, reducing the fear of embarrassment that often accompanies high-stakes professional sports. "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," he elaborated.
Overcoming Adversity
Currently dealing with a knee injury, Brown's reliance on Inner Excellence becomes even more critical as he navigates the challenges of physical recovery. His dedication to both physical and mental excellence positions him as a role model for athletes facing adversity. By maintaining his book-reading habit, Brown continues to sharpen his mental fortitude, ensuring he's prepared to contribute to the team in any capacity required.
In an era where sports narratives often focus on explosive performances and statistics, A.J. Brown's story offers a refreshing perspective. It underscores the importance of mental preparation and the often-unseen roles athletes play in the pursuit of victory. Through Inner Excellence, Brown is not just enriching his game; he's paving the way for a more mindful approach to sports that resonates far beyond the field.