Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown: Finding Mental Focus on the Sidelines

A Unique Sideline Practice

Philadelphia Eagles' star wide receiver A.J. Brown is known for his on-field prowess, but it's his unique sideline behavior that's catching the eyes of fans and teammates alike. During a key playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, television cameras caught Brown engaging in a seemingly unusual activity for an NFL player—reading a book on the sidelines. That book, "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy, has become a staple for Brown, offering him solace amidst the chaos of the game.

"It gives me a sense of peace," Brown explains. "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." His paperback edition, tattered and highlighted, signifies its importance in his weekly routine.

The Mental Game

Brown's ritual goes beyond mere habit; it's a strategic move to maintain his mental acuity under pressure. Though the Eagles emerged victorious with a score of 22-10, Brown's contribution on the stat sheet was minimal, with just one catch for 10 yards. However, his impact goes beyond numbers. "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.

His approach emphasizes the mental aspect of football, which can often be overshadowed by physical achievements. Brown believes, "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. It's something like how I refresh every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass."

Team Support and Beyond

Eagles captain Jordan Mailata backs his teammate's habits, understanding the mindset it brings to the game. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata notes. Brown’s reading routine has been consistent throughout the season, proving integral to his game-time composure. Laughing off the newfound attention, Mailata adds, "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!"

Interestingly, "Inner Excellence" isn't just shaping Brown's mindset; it's also caught the attention of the public, climbing its way to No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon. Brown sums up the book’s philosophy succinctly, "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."

While Brown continues to battle a knee injury, his mental practice ensures he's ready for whatever challenges arise. Fans and aspiring athletes might take a page from his book—both literally and metaphorically—highlighting the importance of mental fortitude in sports and life.