The Philadelphia Eagles became Super Bowl Champions once again in one of the most lopsided victories in recent memory. On both sides of the ball, the Eagles dominated. However, it wasn’t the usual explosiveness from Saquon Barkley that got the job done on offense.
Instead, a strong passing game, led by excellent play from the likes of A.J. Brown paved the way for Philadelphia’s victory. That particular connection, between Brown and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, had been the subject of scrutiny throughout the year. Once the game was over, it was inevitable that questions about that relationship — and his sideline book reading — would pop up.
A.J. Brown Comments on ‘Inner Excellence’ at Super Bowl
During the season, Brown criticized Philly’s passing offense. Many thought that issue came to the forefront during the postseason once again when Brown was seen on the sideline, reading a book titled “Inner Excellence.” However, Brown’s reading wasn’t a protest of his lack of targets. As he explained, the book helped keep him focused during the emotional rollercoaster of an NFL game.
Once again, the book reared its head, this time in the Super Bowl. This time, Brown had little to protest — he had just scored a touchdown. Brown finished the game with 43 receiving yards on three receptions and that score.
After the game, he made it clear that he had achieved the “excellence” he set out for. “Today? I did not read today. I didn’t need it – it’s the Super Bowl. I had all the ‘inner excellence’ deep down already.”
AJ Brown is reading a book on the sideline? 📚😂
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/jQGv8smD9N
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 13, 2025
When the book’s existence first came to the forefront, it became a hot topic. Yet, Brown stood by his decision, claiming, “I read the book, I like to read.” Some felt he was acting out due to Philadelphia’s talent underperforming — the unit finished 14th by PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
His stunt caused the book sales to explode and its author, Jim Murphy, to benefit greatly. According to multiple sources, it went from No. 523,497 in sales on Amazon’s best-seller list to No. 1.
AJ Brown started reading Inner Excellence after his TD in the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/5VitmsryFj
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 10, 2025
Eventually, the two met and Murphy was even in attendance when the Eagles took on the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. They’re now partnering together to launch a campaign for Brown’s foundation.
On Facebook, the A.J. Brown Foundation announced a new “reading initiative,” highlighted by a quote from Murphy himself. “The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the more you grow.”
Whatever Murphy was preaching in the book seemed to work like a charm for Philadelphia. Two years after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, they made it back to the Super Bowl and dominated the back-to-back champions 40-22 for the right to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.