NFL fans might be readers after all.
That could explain why author Jim Murphy’s self-help book, Inner Excellence, hit the top spot on Amazon’s best-seller list after Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown was spotted reading it during Sunday’s Wild Card win over the visiting Green Bay Packers.
‘I was just amazed at what God does and is doing,’ Murphy, a former college football player and minor league baseball player, told DailyMail.com on Monday. ‘The message that AJ is sharing with the world is the pursuit of inner excellent. It’s the pursuit of a fearless life.’
The book has certainly gained exposure since Brown was seen thumbing through the pages on the sideline at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Eagles cruised to a 22-10 win. In the hours since, the book has gone viral online and even Philadelphia’s Fox 29 had a pair of anchors reading it on Monday’s broadcast.
Although Murphy believes strongly in the book and its message about selflessness, he did admit that the sudden flurry of sales caught him by surprise.
He was actually watching a replay of Notre Dame’s Orange Bowl win over Penn State when his phone began chirping with news that his book was going viral.
AJ Brown was seen reading a book on the sidelines of the Eagles’ Wild Card game on Sunday
The book was ‘Inner Excellence’ by Jim Murphy. Many fans have since bought copies
A former college football and minor league baseball player, Murphy (pictured) is no an author
It’s not the first time Brown has brought the book to an NFL sideline for some in-game reading. In fact, as he explained to reporters afterwards, he brings it to every game.
‘It gives me a sense of peace,’ Brown said of reading the book during games. ‘That’s a book I bring every single game. My teammates call it ‘’the recipe.’’ That’s the first time I’ve heard that y’all got me on camera. It’s not the first game.
‘It got a lot of points in there. Lot of mental parts about it. For me, this game is mental. Physically, I feel like I can do anything and everything.
‘I always go back to that book after every drive and refocus.’
While Sunday’s flurry of interest in Inner Excellence came as a shock, Murphy was aware that the book was being embraced by Brown.
As Murphy explained, someone he knows that works with the Christian sports organization Athletes in Action informed him that defensive lineman Moro Ojomo had given it to Brown.
‘I knew that a few weeks ago,’ Murphy said. ‘I didn’t know he was reading it after every drive.’
Brown shared the image of his well-worn copy of the book online. Not only was it underlined, but also had yellow streaks of highlighter and several dog ears marking various pages.
Inner Excellence supplanted Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm on Amazon’s best-seller list
Philadelphia’s Fox 29 had a pair of anchors reading Murphy’s book on Monday’s broadcast
Many fans were curious why Brown decided to both underline and highlight some passages
A mental skills coach who also works as a strength-and-conditioning specialist, Murphy explained the book focuses on love and the pitfalls of self-centered behavior.
‘With love, there is no fear,’ Murphy said. ‘It’s the most powerful force in the universe.’
The book also helps readers to focus on their long-term goals rather than their immediate concerns.
‘Being able to focus on far beyond temporary transactions can help you perform better in the moment,’ Murphy added.
Brown was unusually quiet on Sunday, recording just one pass for 10 yards on 10 targets.
Of course, teammate Saquon Barkley was powering the Eagles offense with 119 yards on 25 carries, which is a major reason why Philadelphia won so easily.
Next the Eagles will host the winner of Monday’s Vikings-Rams game in next weekend’s Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
So, no matter what, Inner Excellence will be making its return to the sidelines of Lincoln Financial Field.
