Reading: The Best Kept Secret of NFL Players
In the world of the NFL, where intensity and strategy reign, a new training ground has emerged: reading. What began as an unexpected moment captured on camera during a game has revealed a growing trend among the league’s players.
It all started with A.J. Brown, star receiver, who was seen reading “Inner Excellence” on the bench. Although it was initially thought to be a sign of frustration, Brown revealed that he was using the book to improve his performance. This moment boosted the book’s sales and opened the doors to a world of knowledge that many players were already exploring.
Brown, now a reading advocate, shared his own list of books, inviting his followers to find works that help them grow. What seemed like an exception turned out to be the norm on many NFL teams.
Teams like the Atlanta Falcons even have their own book club, and the Washington Commanders share readings among their players. Jayden Daniels, Bobby Wagner, and Mike Sainristil, for example, finished a biography about Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.
Reading is not only a tool for self-improvement, but also a way to reduce screen time.
Brock Purdy, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, is another example of this. Purdy has chosen to read instead of using social media applications, seeking “more important things than himself”.
Although not everyone in the NFL has embraced this trend, like Tyrann Mathieu, reading has become a common practice. Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars, highlights that many players turn to books for affirmations and to stay calm.
Alofoke Deportes reporters delved into the reading habits of the players, revealing a varied list of titles.
- Zach Ertz (Washington Commanders): “The Art of Winning” by Bill Belichick.
- Damar Hamlin (Buffalo Bills): “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins and “Fear Is a Choice” by James Conner and Tiffany Yecke Brooks.
- Quentin Lake (Los Angeles Rams): “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell and “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene.
- Patrick Mekari (Jacksonville Jaguars): “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor.
- Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): “Gospel Patrons” by John Rinehart.
- Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): “Harry Potter” series, the Bible, and books about Hollywood.
- Bobby Wagner (Washington Commanders): “The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America” by Warren Buffett.
- Leonard Williams (Seattle Seahawks): “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy.
- Josh Woods (Atlanta Falcons): “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
In addition to those mentioned, other players such as Jessie Bates III, Demario Davis, Ted Karras, Ronnie Hickman, Josh Hines-Allen, Foster Moreau, Taylor Rapp, Trent Sieg, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Ahkello Witherspoon also share their passion for reading, each with selections that reflect their personal interests and goals.
