N.F.L. star A.J. Brown was spotted reading on the sidelines during Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, but he wasn’t just looking at a playbook. He was engrossed in Jim Murphy’s self-help book “Inner Excellence.” The Eagles won the game 22-10, with Brown catching 67 passes for seven touchdowns and over 1,000 yards.
Murphy, a 57-year-old from Washington State, wrote the book to address the fear and anxiety that many people face today. He believes that focusing on self-centeredness is a major challenge that can lead to fear. Instead, he advocates for training one’s heart, which is essential for performance and personal growth.
Brown echoed Murphy’s message, saying that being humble and present in the moment allows him to stay focused and play freely. The book “Inner Excellence” offers four daily goals that Brown found helpful: giving his best effort, being present without concern for outcome, being grateful for small moments, and focusing on routines and what he can control.
Brown’s reading habits are not unique among athletes. Jim Courier and Robin Lopez have also been spotted reading during games. However, Murphy’s book is gaining popularity due to Brown’s endorsement. As a football fan, Murphy has switched his allegiance from the Seahawks to the Eagles.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/sports/football/aj-brown-reading-inner-excellence-book-murphy.html