The Book A.J. Brown Was Reading On Bench Has Been Identified
01/12/2025 07:43 PM
Stats-wise, it's been a quiet game for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown, but the game-breaking wideout has still managed to get noticed.
Despite Brown having only one reception for 10 yards, Philadelphia is on the verge of closing out a win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round. Following a field goal drive to take a 19-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter, FOX cameras caught Brown doing something on the sideline you rarely (ever?) see during an NFL game.
The three-time Pro Bowler was spotted reading a book as he sat next to fellow receivers DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson.
AJ Brown is reading a book on the sideline? 📚😂
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 13, 2025
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/jQGv8smD9N
Of course, it didn't take long for Brown's reading material to be identified. X/Twitter sleuthed out--and the FOX broadcast confirmed--that he was browsing "Inner Excellence," by Jim Murphy, a 2020 self-help and motivational book.
"Inner Excellence is an entire lifestyle and training system based on centuries-old principles of love, wisdom, and courage. These three powerful virtues are designed to help you, whether you're a professional athlete or everyday citizen, perform extraordinarily and live with absolute fullness of life," says the official website for Murphy's work.
Apparently, this isn't the first time Brown has read this book on the sideline during a game. Whatever is in it must be working for him.
The Eagles now lead 22-10 and are just minutes away from advancing to the NFC Divisional Round, where they will host a to-be-determined opponent based on the results of the final two games this weekend.
As for Brown, we're going to guess he'll be asked about his reading habits following today's game. In the past, we've seem the 27-year-old pass catcher become unhappy when his opportunities are limited during a game, but Brown has shown no signs of discontent today.
Perhaps the book is keeping him grounded as he helps the Eagles try to reach the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons.
Related: Tom Brady Turns Heads With Pregame Outfit In Philadelphia Sunday
