A.J. Brown’s sideline reading of “Inner Excellence” during a playoff game sparked a surge in its sales, elevating it from obscurity to bestseller status. This moment resonated within the NFL community, with teammates like Lane Johnson sharing its profound impact. Brown, who overcame personal struggles with mental health, emphasizes the importance of self-belief and support. With impressive stats this season, he looks forward to contributing significantly in the upcoming Super Bowl.
New Orleans Playoff Moment Sparks Book Sales
In an unexpected turn of events during a playoff game on January 12, A.J. Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles receiver, was spotted engrossed in a book on the sidelines, and the moment quickly went viral. This seemingly obscure book has since surged to the top of sales charts, captivating the NFL community. As Super Bowl week unfolds, Brown shares the personal journey behind his reading choice, shedding light on its significance.
A Book That Changed Everything
During a fourth-quarter stretch of a game against the Packers, with the Eagles leading by nine points and just over seven minutes left, Brown felt compelled to delve into his book, “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy. Little did he know, this choice would ignite a remarkable phenomenon highlighting the NFL’s tremendous influence. Prior to this moment, the book was listed at a staggering 523,497th on Amazon’s bestseller rankings. However, within just one day of the game, it skyrocketed to the top, achieving an astonishing 53 million percent increase in sales!
In a recent media session, teammate Lane Johnson revealed the impact of the book on the Eagles. “When I faced Myles Garrett earlier this season, I found myself revisiting passages from the book! A.J. gifted everyone a copy for our lockers, and I even brought mine along this week,” he shared.
Brown’s journey has not been without its hardships. In 2020, he faced a battle with depression, grappling with overwhelming suicidal thoughts. It’s important to clarify that while the book was instrumental, it wasn’t the sole factor in his recovery. Rather, it was the support from family and teammates that played a crucial role. The book, advocating for “mental training for extraordinary performance and the best possible life,” became a vital part of his transformational reading.
“People can change their way of thinking just like that,” Brown expressed, snapping his fingers emphatically. “I have evolved into a completely different player. My growth extends beyond the field, but on the field, I am a new person.”
Today, Brown is thriving, having recorded 67 receptions for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns this season. “I’m fortunate to have navigated through mental health challenges this season. I’m grateful to feel great today and leave those struggles behind. It’s crucial to recognize that a football season is full of highs and lows, and we lean on each other as teammates for support,” he noted.
The Eagles and their supporters have plenty to be excited about. Two years ago, during the Eagles’ last Super Bowl appearance, Brown showcased his skills against the Chiefs, catching six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. With a positive mindset and physical readiness, Brown is set to be a formidable asset at the Caesars Superdome this Sunday.
Understanding that mental health issues can affect anyone, Brown took the opportunity to share an empowering message: “You must believe in yourself, even when faced with skeptics, and when others doubt your abilities. Self-belief is a superpower you can harness at any moment.”