Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown Sparks Book Craze with Sideline Reading
PHILADELPHIA — Move over, Oprah, because there’s a new book influencer in town, and he’s not who you’d expect. Philadelphia Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown has inadvertently turned a little-known self-help book into an overnight sensation, all thanks to some sideline reading during a high-stakes playoff game.
During the Eagles’ NFC wild-card round victory over the Green Bay Packers, Brown was spotted flipping through the pages of Jim Murphy’s “Inner Excellence” instead of the team’s playbook. This unexpected choice of literature has catapulted Murphy’s book to the top of Amazon’s bestsellers list, a remarkable leap from its previous rank of 523,497th.
Brown, who had a relatively quiet game with just one catch for 10 yards on three targets, insists that his reading was not a sign of frustration. “I wasn’t frustrated at all. I figured that’s what y’all probably thought,” Brown explained after the Eagles’ 22-10 win. “Why do you always think I be frustrated? Dang. I like to read.”
Despite the book’s newfound fame, it has yet to break into the top 100 for sales in 2025, where authors like Mel Robbins, Rebecca Yarros, and Kristin Hannah continue to dominate. However, “Inner Excellence” has been reviewed 375 times and boasts a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon. For comparison, Freida McFadden’s “The Housemaid,” with 431,491 reviews and a 4.5 rating, trails behind it on the bestsellers list.
One enthusiastic reviewer wrote, “AJ Brown recommended this book, so I’m looking forward to reading this. Fly Eagles Fly.”
Jim Murphy, a former minor league outfielder with the Chicago Cubs organization, was taken by surprise when his phone started buzzing with notifications about his book’s sudden popularity. After his baseball career ended, Murphy dedicated five years to writing and researching how to instill confidence under pressure, which culminated in “Inner Excellence.”
Brown, who recorded 67 catches for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns this season, finds the book’s lessons particularly valuable. “Football is 90% mental and 10% physical for me,” he said. He even shared a photo of the book on social media, highlighting several passages in yellow.
Reflecting on the viral moment, Brown expressed surprise, noting that he often reads on the sideline. “Y’all caught me that time,” he admitted. “If I score a touchdown or drop a pass, it’s something how I refocus. I always revert back to the beginning of the book. It states if you can just have a clear mind and remember that nothing else matters, clear conscience, nothing matters negative or positive. You’re willing to take risks. It also says if you’re humble, you can’t be embarrassed.”
- Brown’s sideline reading has sparked a trend among Eagles fans and beyond.
- “Inner Excellence” has become a must-read for those seeking mental clarity and focus.
- The book’s rise to fame highlights the unexpected influence athletes can have off the field.
As the Eagles continue their playoff journey, fans and readers alike will be watching to see if Brown’s literary choice continues to inspire both on and off the field.
ESPN’s Tim McManus and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
