When the game isn’t going your way, sometimes you need a little extra support during the NFL playoffs.

During the Philadelphia Eagles’ 22-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, wide receiver AJ Brown had a quiet game with just one catch for 10 yards on three attempts. However, he turned to a book for comfort while sitting on the sidelines in the fourth quarter.

The book he chose wasn’t the Eagles’ playbook, but rather “Inner Excellence.”

Brown stated that he always reads on the sideline during games, and it’s not related to his limited opportunities or the fact that quarterback Jalen Hurts missed him on a deep pass during a crucial play.

“That isn’t the case,” Brown commented post-game. “You guys just caught me at that moment. I do this every drive, whether I score or drop a pass. It’s my way of re-centering myself.”

He mentioned that reading the book brings him “a sense of peace.”

“I bring that book to every game,” Brown explained. “My teammates call it a recipe. It contains many valuable insights. It’s very much a mental game, and for me, mental clarity is essential. I physically believe I can do anything, but I need to ensure my mind is in the right place. It helps me reset on every drive.”

When asked if he noticed Brown reading on the sidelines before, Hurts replied, “I’ve never actually seen him read. I’ve noticed the book in his hands. Everyone finds their own way to get into their flow. That’s just how he prefers to do it.”

What is “Inner Excellence”?

“Inner Excellence,” authored by Jim Murphy, is a self-help book.

As stated on its website, the book aims to help individuals train their minds for exceptional performance and to lead their best lives. It teaches how to perform freely under pressure, a skill Brown has demonstrated this season.

You can find the book available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.