A.J. Brown reading a book on the sidelines during playoff victory provides a sense of peace

In the United States, during the NFC Wild Card playoff matchup on January 8, 2023, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was spotted reading a book titled 'Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life' by Jim Murphy on the sidelines while his team faced the Green Bay Packers. Despite the Eagles securing a 22-10 victory, Brown's performance was not significant in terms of statistics, as he recorded only one catch for 10 yards. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a mentally strong state during the game. Brown revealed he brings this particular book to every game because it provides him with a sense of peace and helps him refocus between drives. The act of reading during the game drew mixed reactions from fans and commentators alike, sparking discussions on social media about his choice. While some questioned the appropriateness of reading a book during a crucial playoff game, others applauded him for prioritizing his mental well-being. Despite the perception that Brown might be frustrated due to his minimal impact in the game, he clarified that he was actually at peace and fulfilled in helping his teammates, particularly through blocking. Brown's teammate, quarterback Jalen Hurts, noted that he had never previously seen Brown read on the sidelines but acknowledged the presence of the book in his hands. The moment Brown read the book during the game not only resonated with Eagles fans but also sparked interest in the literature itself, with some fans expressing intentions to purchase it after seeing Brown with it. As the Eagles prepared for the following rounds in playoffs, Brown aimed to make a more significant contribution on the field and continue leveraging mental strategies as described in the book.