AJ Brown found his “Inner Excellence” during Eagles playoff win over the Packers

On a night when the Eagles leaned on their defense and rushing attack to punch their ticket to the divisional round, wide receiver AJ Brown added a surprising subplot: a little sideline inspiration.

During Philadelphia’s 22-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers, Brown was spotted flipping through “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, an inspirational book that focuses on training the mind for peak performance and a fulfilling life.

AJ Brown is a Sideline Scholar:

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While most players stick to Gatorade and game plans on the bench, Brown took the unconventional route, diving into his book while the Eagles’ defense did its thing.

he moment caught fans and cameras off guard, with many wondering if the wideout was reading plays or poetry. Turns out, reading on the sideline isn’t a new habit for Brown.

AJ Brown on his sideline book reading:

The supposed book I’m told:

‘Inner Excellence’ – Jim Murphy

About to be sold out.

— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) January 13, 2025

“Y’all caught me that time,” Brown said with a smile after the game. “Football is 90% mental and 10% physical for me. It’s about how I refocus, whether I just scored a touchdown or dropped a pass. This book helps me clear my mind and stay centered.”

#eagles WR A.J. Brown handed me a beaten up paperback copy of Inner Excellence. Full of handwritten notes and highlighted sections. He has it with him every game and you can tell it’s been knocked off benches on sidelines week after week. Brown then showed me the passage he reads… pic.twitter.com/y2p8vODaps

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 13, 2025

The book, which promotes humility, resilience, and a clear mind, clearly resonates with Brown. He even shared highlighted passages on social media postgame, giving fans a glimpse into what apparently keeps him grounded during the chaos of an NFL game.

Honestly, I would have asked Brown why he highlights AND underlines excerpts in the book. That seems to be an overkill but what do I know?

A Quiet Night for AJ Brown, But Bigger Goals Ahead

AJ Brown’s contributions on the stat sheet were minimal—just one catch for 10 yards—but his presence and mindset remain critical to the Eagles’ championship aspirations.

Brown, who finished the regular season with 1,079 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, knows his moments will come.

“I’m just going to stay free, play free,” Brown said.

As Philadelphia focuses on the next chapter of the playoffs, AJ Brown’s preparation, both mental and physical, will almost certainly be a major factor in the Eagles’ success. In my opinion, Brown can read all the books he wants on the sidelines as long as this team is still playing in February.

Turning the Page to the Divisional Round

For the Eagles, Sunday’s win was about more than books and sidelines. Jalen Hurts made a successful return, Saquon Barkley powered the ground game, and the defense dominated Green Bay’s offense.

Jalen Hurts, Defense lead the Eagles over Packers 22-10

The NFC East champs will now host a division rival at Lincoln Financial Field next week, with their Super Bowl dreams still intact. If “Inner Excellence” is any indication, Brown and the Eagles are staying humble, focused, and ready to write their next chapter.

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