Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown: Finding Peace Amidst the Playoffs
During a high-stakes playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was spotted engaged in a rather unusual pre-game ritual: reading a book. The title? "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy. This paperback, worn and heavily highlighted, has become a consistent part of Brown's game day routine, providing an interesting glimpse into the mindset of one of the league's rising stars.
For Brown, the book acts as more than just a distraction from the chaos of the field. "It gives me a sense of peace. That's a book I bring every single game. My teammates call it a recipe," Brown explained after the game. His dedication to the book's teachings speaks volumes about the mental preparation he believes is crucial to his performance, both on and off the field. In a game where mental resilience is just as critical as physical prowess, Brown's approach could serve as an inspiration to many.
Despite the Eagles' 22-10 victory over the Packers, Brown's statistical contribution in the game was minimal, with just one catch for 10 yards. However, Brown was quick to emphasize the importance of his other contributions. "It didn't show on the stats, but I did a lot today for my teammates, blocking and stuff. So it was good," he noted, stressing the often overlooked but vital role of teamwork in securing a win.
Brown's approach to the mental aspect of the game is a key part of his overall strategy. "It's a mental game, a lot of mental parts about it, and what's for me, the game is mental," he reflected. His belief in the power of mental strength underscores his philosophy that being mentally prepared is just as important as physical readiness. He mentioned, "I physically believe I can do anything and everything. But I gotta make sure my mental's good."
The supportive environment within the Eagles' team also plays a vital role in fostering Brown's unique routines. Eagles captain Jordan Mailata is a vocal supporter of Brown's reading habit. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata affirmed, brushing aside potential criticism and urging a focus on the consistency and effectiveness of Brown's routine. Indeed, the book has reached a level of fame itself, hitting No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon, perhaps supported by Brown's public endorsement and practice.
For Brown, reading "Inner Excellence" before and during games helps keep his mind sharp and anchored. The book emphasizes clarity and humility, principles that Brown holds dear. "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 explained.
This mental fortitude is particularly important as Brown contends with a knee injury, an additional challenge that underscores the significance of his mental preparation. Despite the physical setback, Brown continues to approach each game with the same dedication and mindset, determined to support his team in any way possible.
Jordan Mailata also reminded the media that Brown's book-reading habit is nothing new, seeking to keep the focus on the team's achievements rather than personal quirks. "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!" Mailata's comment echoes Brown’s focus on the collective over the individual, attributing their success to shared efforts and mutual support.
In a sport where physical skills are often laid bare, A.J. Brown’s quiet moments with a book underscore a critical yet sometimes overlooked element of athletic excellence: the mind. As the Eagles continue their quest in the postseason, Brown’s blend of physical skill and mental sharpness might just be one part of the "recipe" not just for his personal balance, but also the Eagles' path to victory.