Over the years, we’ve witnessed NFL players making headlines for more than just their game-day performances. Who can forget Tom Brady’s infamous tablet toss or the time three Seattle Seahawks players were fined for munching on hot dogs during a 1995 preseason game? Yet, last Sunday in Philadelphia, as the Eagles faced off against the Green Bay Packers in a playoff battle, wide receiver A.J. Brown delivered a sideline moment that might just top them all – he was spotted diving into a book.
During the Eagles’ 22-10 playoff victory, the Fox Sports cameras caught Brown nestled on the sideline bench, absorbed in a paperback. This wasn’t just a casual skim through; it was “Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life” by Jim Murphy, a former professional baseball player turned “performance coach.”
Now, A.J. Brown isn’t just any player – he’s one of the Eagles’ standout stars. Despite a quieter game by his standards, with only one catch for 10 yards out of three targets, Brown was all smiles in the post-game chatter. For him, reading the book during a game is no novelty. “That’s a book that I bring every single game,” he explained, referring to it fondly as “The Recipe.” His teammates know the drill, and fans were intrigued enough to catapult the book to #1 on Amazon’s bestsellers list by Monday afternoon.
Jim Murphy’s book resonates deeply with many athletes, describing his own experience as an outfielder in the Chicago Cubs’ organization. He reveals the emotional volatility he felt, hinging his self-worth on his performance at bat. For Murphy, the pivotal change came as he transitioned into coaching, discovering how widespread this performance anxiety was among athletes. His book aims to guide readers toward a life filled with joy, confidence, and deep contentment.
Brown has embraced these teachings wholeheartedly. He noted the book helps him recalibrate after every drive, whether he’s celebrating a touchdown or shaking off a missed pass. With another playoff showdown on the horizon, Brown’s reading habits have not only become a quirky sideline story but also a new trend among fans, evidenced by a fresh five-star Amazon review titled “Go Birds,” praising Brown’s endorsement.
Jim Murphy himself is part of the buzz, expressing honor and gratitude when contacted by a reporter about Brown’s public nod to his work. With a playoff spotlight intensifying next Sunday, both Brown’s performance and his choice of sideline literature will be things to watch. Fly Eagles Fly, indeed!
