NFL players are ditching their phones for something completely unexpected – actual books! What started as A.J. Brown’s viral sideline reading moment has exploded into a league-wide literary revolution that’s transforming how America’s toughest athletes approach mental training and personal development.
From “War and Peace” to “Harry Potter,” these gladiators are proving that the strongest muscles might actually be between their ears. The best part? Their book choices reveal fascinating insights into what drives elite athletes beyond the football field.
The A.J. Brown moment that changed everything
Remember when cameras caught A.J. Brown reading “Inner Excellence” on the sideline during that Eagles playoff game? Everyone assumed he was frustrated after a quiet performance, but the truth was far more interesting. Brown was actually using the book to dial in his focus, not tune out from the game.
That moment sparked a nationwide surge in sales for the book and revealed something most fans never knew – NFL players are serious about reading for performance enhancement. Brown didn’t hide from the attention either; he embraced it by publishing his own reading list and encouraging followers to find books that could help them become better versions of themselves.
The viral moment proved that modern players are looking beyond traditional training methods to gain competitive advantages. When you’re competing at the highest level, every edge matters, including what you’re feeding your mind during downtime.
Why elite athletes are choosing books over screens
Brock Purdy perfectly captures the motivation behind this reading trend. The 49ers quarterback deliberately deletes Instagram and other social media apps from his phone, choosing books over endless scrolling. His reasoning makes perfect sense – reading before bed cuts out blue light exposure and improves recovery while stimulating mental growth.
The screen time battle is real for professional athletes who are constantly bombarded with social media pressure and digital distractions. Books provide a peaceful escape that actually enhances performance rather than draining mental energy like social media often does.
Players are discovering that reading serves multiple purposes: mental stimulation, stress relief, improved sleep quality, and genuine personal development. When your livelihood depends on peak physical and mental performance, these benefits become incredibly valuable.
Team book clubs are becoming the new normal
Some NFL organizations have embraced reading culture at the team level. The Atlanta Falcons run their own book club that meets every offseason, creating shared learning experiences among players. The Washington Commanders have developed an impressive reading community with players like Jayden Daniels, Bobby Wagner, and Mike Sainristil recently finishing a biography about Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.
Even coaching staffs are getting involved in meaningful ways. Commanders coach Dan Quinn introduced tight end Zach Ertz to thriller novelist Harlan Coben, while Rams coaches Sean McVay and Aubrey Pleasant regularly reference book quotes during team meetings.
This team-based approach to reading creates deeper bonds and shared vocabulary among players. When everyone’s drawing from similar knowledge sources, communication and understanding improve both on and off the field.
The self-improvement obsession driving performance
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear emerged as the most popular choice among NFL players, which makes perfect sense when you consider how much elite athletes focus on marginal gains and routine optimization. The book’s emphasis on small, consistent improvements aligns perfectly with professional football’s attention to detail.
Bobby Wagner takes an interesting approach by specifically reading what successful people read. His logic is brilliant – if Warren Buffett became the world’s best investor through certain knowledge, why not study the same material? Wagner applies this philosophy to everyone from Jay-Z to Kendrick Lamar, believing that reading what successful people read can help him reach similar heights.
This mindset reveals how seriously these players take personal development. They’re not just reading for entertainment; they’re strategically consuming information that could give them advantages in football and life.
Surprising literary choices that reveal hidden depths
Leonard Williams tackling “War and Peace” might be the most impressive feat of the entire list. The Pro Bowl defensive lineman is working through all 350-plus chapters of Tolstoy’s epic masterpiece, approaching it as a long-term project rather than rushing through for completion.
Bijan Robinson’s love for the “Harry Potter” series shows that even elite athletes appreciate quality storytelling and escapist fiction. His background in acting and role in Netflix’s “Outer Banks” makes his interest in Hollywood books completely logical.
These choices prove that NFL players have diverse intellectual interests beyond football and typical self-help materials. When someone voluntarily chooses to read Russian literature or fantasy novels, it signals genuine curiosity and mental engagement.
Reading as recovery and mental training
Damar Hamlin’s choice of “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins reveals how players use reading for mental conditioning. The book focuses on training your brain to handle adversity, which obviously has direct applications for football and life challenges.
Hamlin also mentioned using reading time more productively instead of wasting it on meaningless activities. That efficiency mindset is classic athlete thinking – maximize every moment and turn downtime into development time.
The mental training aspect of reading can’t be underestimated. When players consistently expose themselves to concepts about resilience, focus, and peak performance, those ideas become part of their mental toolkit during high-pressure situations.
Books that enhance specific football skills
Patrick Mekari’s fascination with “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” shows how players seek knowledge that directly impacts performance. Learning about proper breathing techniques can improve recovery, reduce stress, and enhance physical performance – all crucial elements for professional football success.
Quentin Lake’s interest in “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell makes sense for someone trying to understand how environment shapes exceptional performance. The book’s exploration of what creates elite performers obviously resonates with someone competing at the highest level.
These targeted reading choices demonstrate that players aren’t just reading randomly; they’re seeking specific knowledge that can translate into competitive advantages.
The future of NFL intellectual culture
Josh Woods being inspired by A.J. Brown’s sideline reading moment shows how this trend is spreading organically throughout the league. Players are influencing each other to prioritize intellectual development alongside physical training.
As Woods mentioned, approaching age 30 motivated him to change things up and focus more on personal growth. That maturity and self-awareness represents exactly the kind of mindset that creates long-term success both during and after football careers.
The reading revolution in the NFL represents more than just a trend – it’s a fundamental shift toward viewing mental development as equally important as physical preparation. These players are proving that true champions train their minds just as hard as their bodies.
