Philadelphia has seen an unexpected twist in the NFL this season, and it all started with A.J. Brown, the star receiver for the Eagles. During the NFC wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers in January, cameras caught Brown reading Jim Murphy’s book, Inner Excellence, while sitting on the bench. Although some viewed it as a sign of frustration due to his lackluster performance, Brown explained that he was focused on enhancing his football skills.
He mentioned, “I’m just using it for football, to have my peak performance, trying to have my best self out there on the field,” and the impact of his reading habits went far beyond the game. Following this moment, book sales for Inner Excellence skyrocketed across the country. In addition, Brown shared his own reading list on social media, inspiring fans to explore books that can help them become better versions of themselves.
What’s even more interesting is that Brown isn’t alone in this newfound love for reading among NFL players. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons have formed their own book clubs, while players from various teams are diving into everything from classic literature to self-help books. Players like San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy are emphasizing the importance of reading over social media, stating that it helps him focus on bigger life issues and improves his recovery.
With players such as Travis Etienne Jr. from the Jaguars saying that almost every NFL player taps into books, it’s clear that literature has become a useful tool for self-improvement among these athletes. The most talked-about book this season seems to be Atomic Habits by James Clear, with many players citing it as essential reading.
In this atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, different players have shared their personal picks for summer reads, which include titles from high-impact self-help essentials to recreational novels. For example, Demario Davis from the Saints is reading The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni, while Josh Hines-Allen from the Jaguars has picked up Don’t Give The Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio.
As the NFL season unfolds, it’s fascinating to see how the unexpected choices of a single player have led to a broader trend of appreciation for reading throughout the league. Going from workouts to bookshelves, NFL players are finding that reading opens up not just new stories but also new ways to improve their performance on and off the field.
