Eagles Coach defends AJ Brown’s Unique Game-Day Ritual
Philadelphia Eagles head coach nick Sirianni staunchly defended wide receiver AJ Brown’s unconventional pre-play routine on Tuesday, emphasizing that brown’s choice too read between series is perfectly acceptable. Sirianni aimed to quell any speculation surrounding Brown’s actions during the Eagles’ recent triumph over the Green Bay Packers.
Speaking on 94.1 WIP radio, sirianni drew a parallel between Brown’s reading habit and other players’ pre-game rituals. “Some players find solace in prayer, others in meditation,” he explained. “AJ finds his focus through reading. As long as they remain prepared to give their all when called upon, I encourage these individual practices.”
Brown’s limited receptions in the game, catching only one of three passes thrown his way, fueled speculation that his reading might stem from frustration. Sirianni dismissed these assumptions, urging people to understand Brown’s motivations before passing judgment.
“It’s easy to jump to conclusions,” Sirianni stated. “People assume he’s unhappy or lazy. But AJ Brown is an extraordinary individual, a phenomenal receiver, arguably the best this city has ever seen. It’s disheartening to witness him being criticized without a proper understanding of who he is and his dedication to the game.”
Brown himself clarified his actions, revealing that he brings the book, “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, to every game. He explained that certain passages provide him with a sense of tranquility and focus, regardless of the game’s flow.
“I wasn’t frustrated at all,” Brown asserted, addressing the widespread assumption. ”I genuinely enjoy reading. It helps me refocus, whether things are going well or not.”
Taking to social media platform X, Brown further elaborated on the benefits of his reading habit. “It allows me to regain my focus amidst the ups and downs of the game,” he wrote. “Often, controversies arise from a lack of understanding.”
Interestingly, the attention surrounding Brown’s reading choice has significantly boosted the book’s sales.”Inner Excellence,” which previously held a ranking of 523,497th on Amazon’s bestseller list, soared to the top spot following the game.
Finding Focus on the Field: An interview with former NFL Wide Receiver, James Jones
Welcome back to “Inside the Huddle,” where we dive deep into the world of sports with some of its most influential figures. Today, we’re honored to have former NFL wide receiver James Jones joining us to discuss a topic that’s been generating buzz in the sporting world: unique pre-game rituals.
Recently, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick sirianni defended wide receiver A.J. Brown’s unconventional habit of reading between series during games. This sparked a debate about the importance of pre-game routines and whether they truly impact performance. James, known for his own intensity and focus on the field, we’ve got to know your thoughts on this. Do you think a player reading during a game affects their ability to stay locked in?
James Jones: You know, what works for one player might not work for another. In my experience, every athlete has their own unique way of getting in the zone. Some guys need that quiet time,maybe a specific playlist,or even a little bit of visualization. For A.J.,reading seems to be his way to shut out the noise and find that mental space he needs. Provided that he’s prepared when the ball snaps, who am I to judge?
MH: Many have questioned whether Brown’s limited receptions in the Packers game could be linked to his reading habit. Some even interpreted it as a sign of frustration. But Sirianni, as well as Brown himself, have been very vocal about dismissing these assumptions.
James Jones: It’s easy to draw conclusions without understanding the full picture. Look, athletes are human. We have good days and bad days. Maybe that particular game wasn’t A.J.’s best,but to say it’s because he was reading between plays? I don’t buy it. This scrutiny from the outside can be distracting, and it’s commendable that A.J. came out and addressed it directly and that Coach Sirianni backed him up so strongly.
MH: Indeed, transparency and support from the coaching staff play a crucial role. Coach Sirianni likened Brown’s reading habit to other pre-game rituals like prayer or meditation. Do you agree with that comparison?
James Jones: Absolutely. There’s definitely a parallel there. Find what works for you, what helps you stay calm and focused before and during the game. if deep breathing exercises, listening to music, or even reading a few pages is that thing for a player, then go for it!
MH: Now, A.J. Brown started a trend! His book, “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, has seen a huge jump in sales as his pre-game ritual became public knowledge. What does this tell us about the power of athlete influence and choosing to be open about your personal processes?
James Jones: It’s a testament to A.J.’s character and authenticity. He’s not afraid to be himself, even if it means going against the grain. It also shows that fans crave a connection with their stars beyond the on-field action. They want to understand what motivates these athletes, what makes them tick. And sometimes, it’s the little details, like a pre-game book, that reveal so much about them.
MH: Let’s open this up to our viewers.What are your thoughts on A.J. Brown’s unique pre-game ritual? Do you think it helps or hinders his performance? Do you have any pre-game rituals you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments section below!
James Jones: I think it’s great that this discussion is happening. It highlights the multifaceted nature of athletes and the importance of respecting individual approaches. As long as a player is prepared and giving their all on the field, then who are we to question their methods?
