Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has come to the defense of star wide receiver A.J. Brown, addressing misconceptions surrounding Brown's sideline reading during games. Many have speculated that Brown's choice of reading material, specifically 'Inner Excellence', was a sign of frustration with the team's performance, especially after a lackluster game against the Green Bay Packers where he recorded just one catch for 10 yards. Sirianni dismissed these claims as lazy judgments, stressing the need for a deeper understanding of Brown's character.
Sirianni emphasized that A.J. Brown is an exceptional person and the finest receiver in the history of Philadelphia. He expressed frustration over critics who fail to recognize Brown's dedication and the reasons behind his sideline activities. Brown himself clarified that he was not frustrated during the game and enjoys reading, countering the narrative that his sideline behavior signaled discontent.
Despite playing through a knee injury, Brown has shown resilience and is committed to the Eagles’ postseason run. His teammate Jahan Dotson backed him up on social media, highlighting that Brown has read during other games without any frustration, including a productive outing against the Washington Commanders. Sirianni supported this viewpoint, suggesting that each player has their unique methods for maintaining focus and mental preparation during games.
