A.J. Brown, the dynamic wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, has embarked on a personal journey that blends his dedication to mentorship with a commitment to reading advocacy. On a late Friday in May, Brown stepped inside what he now refers to as the “most dangerous gym in America.” He was resolved to make peace with his history and spark the same spirit in others on the journey. Solo in his Honda Accord, he readied himself for a day that would push him to his physical and emotional limits.
Brown completed #15 pushup and then held on to a piece of firewood on the ground. Here’s his pictorial and thoughtful reflections on his year thus far. His journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. He knows that being willing to be vulnerable and transparent is what helped him earn the trust of those he aspires to mentor. Brown’s desire to serve as a direct role model stems from his own experiences, including overcoming adversity during his childhood.
Beyond his mentoring dreams, Brown has become a national spokesperson for reading. He’s circulated his own book list publicly online and challenged others to use the power of literature to embrace change. This project is his personal legacy. He wants to encourage the next generation of youth who are going through similar hardships that he had to go through growing up.
Brown’s relationship with sports started in a nontraditional way. Originally refusing to play football in ninth grade — he changed his mind after not making the varsity basketball team — Koepka first strapped on pads and a helmet. His second year was especially formative, ending as a state champion and learning that he thrived in the more contact-heavy world of football after switching to safety. Under this position, he led his team in interceptions during his sophomore year.
Willie Gillespie, Brown’s former position coach at Tennessee, still vividly recalls the hard times Brown faced. One particular moment that stood out was when an eighth-grade Bull-in-the-Ring drill. “I don’t know what he’s thinking. I know I ain’t never read a book on no sideline,” Gillespie said, reflecting on his player’s determination and unique approach to the game. Yet, as Brown matured both in physicality and mentality, he developed into a player you couldn’t look past.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Major League Baseball began to recognize the genius of Brown’s performances. The San Diego Padres eventually drafted him in the 19th round of the MLB draft. Ultimately football had his heart. Showcasing a lot of inner strength, in one game against West Point he caught a pass on a slant route and took it 40 yards to the house.
Brown’s success hasn’t come without its growing pains. He can still picture himself as a kid throwing tantrums just to get his parents’ attention. Failing the seventh grade left the deepest mark and proved to be his greatest lifelong obstacle. There’s no denying that these experiences formed him into the tireless advocate he is today.
“I had to go to a place, I had to go to my childhood, had to think about some s
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