The Philadelphia Eagles are on the verge of securing a win against the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs, leading 19-10 as the game nears its conclusion. Despite the possibility of a Packers comeback, Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown seemed unfazed, even taking time to read a book on the sidelines following a field goal by Jake Elliott.
The book that captured Brown’s attention is titled “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, which focuses on mental training for peak performance and a fulfilling life. In a light-hearted commentary, Tom Brady referenced the unusual sight of Brown reading, recalling times when former NFL players have engaged in other sideline activities, like eating hot dogs.
After the Eagles secured their victory, A.J. Brown spoke to reporters in the locker room, clarifying his sideline reading habit. “Y’all just caught me at that time,” he remarked. “I’m doing it every drive regardless of if I score a touchdown or drop a pass, that’s how I refocus.” Brown emphasized that he often revisits key passages of the book to clear his mind and stay focused. When questioned about his limited involvement in the game, he dismissed any notion of frustration, stating, “I like to read.”
Brown’s approach reflects not just on his personal strategy for dealing with pressure, but also highlights a broader message about the importance of mental resilience in high-stakes situations. As the Eagles move forward in the playoffs, their performance and Brown’s mindset may serve as a testament to the power of maintaining focus and a positive outlook in competitive sports.