Eagles receiver A.J. Brown reads inspirational book on sideline during playoff win

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was caught reading Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy during the NFC Wild-Card game on Sunday. Recommended by teammate Moro Ojomo, the book emphasizes mental reframing, inner peace, and performing at one’s best despite external pressures. Brown, who says he reads two books per month, highlighted how the text helps him refocus during games, calling it his personal “recipe” for mental clarity.

Key takeaways from Inner Excellence include living a life of purpose beyond short-term wins, embracing challenges as lessons, and understanding that failure is merely feedback. The book intertwines anecdotes, such as an 18th-century samurai’s search for meaning, with principles applicable to high-performing athletes. It encourages shedding limiting beliefs and prioritizing long-term growth over immediate results.

Brown’s use of the book underscores the mental toll professional athletes endure, especially in high-stakes scenarios. By finding peace in reading, he joins a growing trend of players incorporating mindfulness and mental exercises into their routines. For the Eagles, this ritual might serve as a grounding force as they advance through the NFC playoffs, reminding them—and us—of the importance of mental resilience in achieving excellence.

Source: Sports Illustrated