A.J. Brown’s impact in the Philadelphia Eagles’ wild-card win extended beyond the field, as he gained attention for reading a book on the sidelines during the game. This moment delighted educators and reading enthusiasts nationwide, as cameras captured Brown engrossed in “Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life” late in the second half on Sunday. The image of Brown reading has sparked discussions even days after the game, with clips circulating on social media and generating buzz.
The Eagles’ coach, Nick Sirianni, mentioned the incident on Tuesday, and local Fox anchors in Philadelphia incorporated reading into their show on Monday. This unexpected display of reading has propelled “Inner Excellence” to the top spot on Amazon’s best-selling books list, with fans expressing excitement to delve into the book based on Brown’s recommendation.
In a time when reading rates among children are at concerning levels, Brown’s act of reading could serve as a catalyst for change. Sasha Quinton, from Scholastic, emphasized the importance of Brown’s actions in inspiring children and parents alike to prioritize reading. This demonstration of the power of reading is seen as a positive influence that could address the reading crisis currently faced by many.
The decline in reading among Americans is evident, with increased screen time and a shift in educational focus contributing to the decrease in reading for pleasure. Data shows a drop in the frequency of children reading for enjoyment, with implications for academic and cognitive development. Reading not only enhances comprehension and writing skills but also aids in cognitive development by engaging readers in critical thinking and knowledge integration.
The consequences of the decline in reading extend beyond academics, impacting daily tasks such as understanding medical instructions and contracts. The message is clear: the benefits of reading are vast, and by encouraging children to read, we are fostering a culture of lifelong learners. Instilling a love for reading is essential for personal growth and success in various aspects of life.
A gentle nudge that one piece of a route to success for an athlete is knowing how to read and reading well and enjoying reading is a great message.” Particularly for younger kids, Quinton said. Studies have shown that interest in reading for fun begins declining around age 9. At that age, parents are no longer reading to their kids and kids are getting more involved in extracurricular activities, like sports. They’re also starting to figure out who they are and what interests them, such as sports. If those kids see Brown reading, or hear him say he likes reading, it might encourage them to pick up a book, too.
“Reading improves our students’ performances in the classroom. It also gives our scholars exposure to different cultures, people and places,” Tony B. Watlington Sr., superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “Seeing Eagles receiver A.J. Brown read lets our children know that they can perform at an exceptional level in sports and in the classroom,” Watlington added. “They don’t have to choose.”
In fact, reading makes Brown an even better player. Brown is a big reader — two books a month, mostly non-fiction — and said he finds that re-reading passages that made an impression on him between drives helps him stay focused and centered. He’s had a book with him on the bench each week; the wild-card game was just the first time anyone spotted it.
“When they see somebody reading on the sidelines, and choosing to do it, and it’s joyful for them and they’re using it to better themselves, it really does carry significant weight because kids want to emulate their heroes,” Quinton said. “It’s powerful.”
Athletes are often role models because of what they do on the field. Brown is setting a terrific example by what he does off the field, too.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A.J. Brown’s love of reading could make much-needed impact on kids.
