AJ Brown says book wasn’t sign of frustration: ‘I like to read’

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown was spotted reading a book on the sideline during the second half of Philadelphia’s 22-10 wild-card round win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, and it raised some questions.

What was the book? Why did he read it during the game? Was it a sign of frustration because he had just one catch for 10 yards on three targets?

Brown answered them one by one after the win.

The book is “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy, written to “train your mind for extraordinary performance and the best possible life.” Brown said he takes the book to every game; it’s just the first time cameras caught him reading it, he said. He has highlighted passages that he said help give him a sense of peace. And no, he didn’t read it because he was unhappy.

“I wasn’t frustrated at all. I thought that’s what you guys probably thought,” Brown said. “Why do you always think I’m frustrated? Dang. I like to read.”

Brown moved on to social media to further explain why reading while playing works for him.

“I use it to refocus and lock myself in despite what may happen good or bad in the game,” he wrote. “People tend to create controversy when they don’t know the truth.”

The work week was not without challenges. Brown was limited Wednesday and missed Thursday’s practice as he dealt with a knee problem. He admitted coming into the game against the Packers, but spoke optimistically about the injury afterward, saying, “I definitely feel like I’m turning the corner. I came out of the game healthy.”

With Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts missing the past two games with a concussion and both Brown and DeVonta Smith (back tightness) sidelined for parts of the week, the passing game struggled to get into rhythm against the Pack. At one point, Hurts went 90 minutes between completed passes. He managed just 39 yards on just 6-of-13 passing heading into the final stages of the third quarter before going 3-of-3 for 61 yards on a scoring drive that was capped by a stiff-arm-driven 24- yard. catch and run for a touchdown by tight end Dallas Goedert.

“I’m pretty sure he wishes he could get some plays back. I’m sure we can all say that,” Brown said of Hurts. “But for the most part he handled the game. He had no turnovers. We got the win, most importantly.”

The Eagles host the divisional round of the playoffs next weekend. It’s safe to say Brown will have a copy of the book ready.

“I’ve never seen him read (on the sideline); I’ve seen the book in his hands,” Hurts said. “Everyone has different things and finds their flow in different ways. That’s how he chooses to do it.”