A.J. Brown's Sideline Reading Sparks Mental Health Talk

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown made headlines during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs by reading 'Inner Excellence' by Jim Murphy on the sidelines after scoring a touchdown, which helped the Eagles lead 24-0 at halftime. This act of reading on the field was first noticed during the Eagles' Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers, where it went viral and significantly boosted the book's sales, making it a bestseller. Brown credits the book with helping him maintain mental focus and composure during games, a practice he adopted after his teammate Moro Ojomo recommended it. His sideline reading has not only become a personal ritual but also a source of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates. The unique habit has fostered a relationship between Brown and the author, Jim Murphy, who has attended Eagles games and seen the book's popularity soar. Brown's actions have sparked a broader conversation about mental health and the importance of mental preparation in sports.