When Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown took a moment to read Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy during a playoff game, it wasn’t just a quirky sideline distraction. His choice of reading material sparked a viral sensation and catapulted the self-help book to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list.
But what’s inside the pages that made it so impactful for one of the NFL’s top athletes? After all, A.J. Brown made our list of the best wide receivers in the NFL today, so he must know some of the secret sauce. Here are three reasons why you should give Inner Excellence a read, even if you’re not an Eagles fan. And if you are a fan, here are 10 reasons the Eagles will win the 2025 Super Bowl!
1. It’s All About Mental Mastery
Football might seem like a purely physical game, but Brown himself describes it as “90% mental and 10% physical.” That’s where Inner Excellence comes in. Written by former minor league baseball player and mental skills coach Jim Murphy, the book focuses on building confidence and clarity under pressure.
For athletes, executives, and everyday readers alike, it offers practical tools to stay focused and take risks without fear of failure. Brown says the lessons help him refocus whether he’s celebrating a touchdown or shaking off a dropped pass. That kind of mental edge is useful in any high-stakes situation, whether it’s on the field, in the office, or at home.
Related: 25 Life Lessons that Men Learn the Hard Way
2. It’s Packed with Inspirational Insights
Brown shared photos of his copy of the book on social media, and it’s clear he’s not just skimming. Passages are highlighted and underlined, showing how deeply the message resonates with him. One key takeaway? The importance of humility. As Brown put it, “If you’re humble, you can’t be embarrassed.”
The book emphasizes the value of maintaining a clear mind and focusing on what really matters, both in moments of success and failure. These insights aren’t just helpful for football players—they’re lessons anyone can use to approach challenges with a positive and open mindset.
3. It’s a Proven Success Story
If A.J. Brown’s glowing endorsement isn’t enough to convince you, consider this: Inner Excellence skyrocketed from 523,497th to No. 1 on Amazon’s best-sellers list overnight after Brown was seen reading it.
Fans flocked to buy the book, leaving it with an impressive 4.7-star rating. The buzz around the book shows how much people connect with its message of achieving greatness through mental strength and resilience. It’s not just another self-help book—it’s a blueprint for success, endorsed by one of the NFL’s brightest stars.
Whether you’re chasing personal goals, navigating tough times, or just looking for an inspiring read, Inner Excellence offers tools to help you thrive. If it works for A.J. Brown on the NFL’s biggest stage, imagine what it could do for you.