Eagles’ AJ Brown caught reading motivational book on sideline during quiet playoff outing

If you’ve ever wondered what an NFL player does on the sideline while they’re not in the game, AJ Brown gave a bit of a look at that when he was spotted reading a book during Sunday’s playoff game against the Packers. 

The Fox broadcast captured the Eagles wide receiver on the bench reading “INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life” by Jim Murphy. 

Brown was not involved in the Eagles’ passing plan for most of a 22-10 wild-card round at Lincoln Financial Field and it appeared that the receiver was turning to the book to help guide him through what could be perceived as a frustrating day. 

Eagles receiver AJ Brown was seen reading a book during the Eagles playoff in win Sunday. Fox

“He’s a little frustrated. Obviously hasn’t seen too many today,” Fox broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt said on air. “He’s gonna read a little passage here.”

Color commentator and former NFL great Tom Brady chimed in, joking it was rare to see someone reading a book on the sideline. 

“I haven’t seen too many people read books, but I’ve seen a quarterback eat a hot dog,” Brady quipped. 

The hot dog remark was a reference to when Mark Sanchez was spotted eating one on the bench during a game while he was still with the Jets in 2009.

Brown was asked about his literary choice after the game and explained that it’s a book he brings to every single game. 

A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts in the fourth quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers during the a wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 Getty Images

“It gives me a sense of peace,” Brown said. “That’s a book I bring every single game. My teammates call it a recipe. It’s the first time I heard ya’ll got it on camera. It’s not the first game. It got a lot of points in there, it’s a lot of mental parts about it.” 

Brown made one catch on three targets for 10 yards in the Eagles’ win. 

The Eagles advanced and will face the winner of the Commanders and Buccaneers in the divisional Round.