A.J. Brown, the star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is making headlines not just for his athletic skills but also for his newfound appreciation for reading. Recently, during a playoff game, he turned his focus from the action on the field to the pages of a book by Jim Murphy titled “Inner Excellence.” This decision has sparked interest in the book, which has suddenly soared to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list.
In a surprising twist, Murphy’s book went from being ranked at over 500,000 to the number one spot on the trending list following Brown’s sideline reading. As it stands, “Inner Excellence” has received excellent reviews, boasting a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 375 reviews on Amazon. Many eager fans and readers are now looking to discover the insights that inspired Brown and contributed to his performance this season, where he made 67 catches for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns.
In an interview, Murphy, who has a background as a minor league baseball player, shared his journey of creating this book. He expressed that he dedicated five years to understand how to instill confidence in athletes under pressure. This quest led him to write “Inner Excellence,” which emphasizes the mental aspects of sports—a theme that resonates deeply with Brown.
Brown himself has mentioned that football, for him, is “90% mental and 10% physical.” Reflecting on his experience with the book, he highlighted how it helps him refocus during games, especially after key moments like a touchdown or a dropped pass. He stressed the importance of having a clear mind, which allows risks to be taken without fear of failure or embarrassment.
The Eagles have certainly benefitted from Brown’s focus and mental strength, as they advanced in the NFL playoffs, beating the Green Bay Packers. With Brown’s casual yet impactful endorsement of “Inner Excellence,” it seems he may inspire others to tap into their own mental fortitudes, both on and off the field.
