Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown Finds Inner Peace on the Field
In the high-pressure environment of professional sports, athletes often seek unique methods to find clarity and focus. For Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown, that source of tranquility is Jim Murphy's "Inner Excellence." This book, a beacon of mental fortitude and personal development, accompanies Brown to every game, serving as his playbook for mental toughness.
Brown's commitment to "Inner Excellence" became a topic of discussion when he was captured on camera reading its tattered, heavily highlighted pages during a pivotal playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers. In a game where the Eagles soared to a 22-10 victory, Brown's presence was barely noted on the stat sheet with just one catch for 10 yards. Yet, his impact extended 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," Brown stated, underscoring his belief in contributing to the team effort through means other than scoring.
The Mental Game
The former Pro Bowler emphasizes the importance of mental strength in his game. "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 explained. His approach is clear: maintain mental clarity, especially during a game’s relentless tempo, regardless of performance highs or lows. "It's something like how I refresh every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass."
Brown believes that his inner peace allows him to be resilient under pressure and open to risks, quoting the book’s themes: "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."
Teammates' Support
Brown's unique pre-game routine has become a staple within the Eagles’ locker room, earning both support and admiration from teammates, including Eagles captain Jordan Mailata. "He does that every game. It's a mindset. It's a mindset book," Mailata confirmed, further dispelling any notion of controversy around Brown’s reading habit on the sidelines.
Mailata added, "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!" His remarks emphasize the normalcy and routine nature of Brown’s actions among his teammates.
A Bestseller's Influence
The influence of "Inner Excellence" extends beyond the boundaries of the football field, as the book has ascended to No. 1 bestseller status on Amazon. This achievement underscores the universal appeal of its message, resonating not just with athletes like Brown, but with anyone seeking a clearer path to personal success and peace of mind.
For Brown, currently managing a knee injury, the teachings of "Inner Excellence" extend into his recovery. Whether on the field or off, the principles of mental clarity, risk-taking, and humility serve as a guide to navigating the challenges and triumphs of life both within and outside the competitive arena.
As the Eagles continue their season, Brown's performance – both in stats and in spirit – exemplifies the profound impact that mental preparation can have on physical outcomes. His practice of seeking mental excellence is a reminder that in sports, as in life, the game is often won in the mind long before it is played on the field.