During the Philadelphia Eagles' wild-card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, wide receiver A.J. Brown found a unique way to pass the time on the bench. Instead of focusing on the action on the field, Brown turned to the pages of 'Inner Excellence' by Jim Murphy for inspiration.
Described as a book that helps train the mind for extraordinary performance and the best possible life, 'Inner Excellence' caught Brown's attention as he casually flipped through its pages. Despite only recording one catch for 10 yards in the game, Brown found solace in the book's teachings, emphasizing the importance of mental strength in football.
Brown, who had an impressive season with 67 catches for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns, highlighted the book's lessons on maintaining a clear mind and staying humble in the face of success or failure. He credited the book for helping him refocus during crucial moments on the field.
Author Jim Murphy, a former minor league outfielder and mental skills coach to professional athletes, was surprised to learn that his book made an appearance during an NFL playoff game. Murphy noted that Brown's choice to read 'Inner Excellence' on the sidelines was a first for him.
As the Eagles gear up for their next playoff game, Brown's unique approach to finding inspiration may have resonated with his teammates. Quarterback Jalen Hurts acknowledged that every player has their own methods for finding their flow and staying focused.
Looking ahead, the NFC East champion Eagles are set to host a divisional round game at home, awaiting the winner of the matchup between Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams. With the team's sights set on a Super Bowl victory, Brown's commitment to mental preparation through 'Inner Excellence' could prove to be a valuable asset in their playoff journey.
Sources: AP NFL
