Today, we live under the omnipresent influence of social media and digital entertainment. Consequently, increasing numbers of NFL players are reading books to strengthen their minds and develop as people. These athletes are not only picking up books but sharing their reading habits with teammates, inspiring others to explore the world of literature. Whether connected to a daily Bible reading, an inspirational autobiography, or something else entirely, the players’ selections speak to a focus on bettering themselves and getting back up.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is making reading cool with this inspiring example. He reads the bible daily and ensures to read one novel a night. Today, his dedication has inspired a ripple effect. Most importantly, it has inspired Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin to be more intentional about his reading practice. In fact, “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins just got him. This book could not be a more perfect compliment to his inspiring journey of rising above the odds.
A Culture of Reading
The renaissance of reading among NFL players goes beyond personal interests. The best teams fostered reading by establishing book clubs that gather every offseason. This provides players an incredible chance to engage in conversations over their beloved games. The Atlanta Falcons are one of the teams leading the way on this front, creating a culture of learning and development.
Jessie Bates III, the new Atlanta Falcons’ safety, prefers to read – a wide-ranging list. Among his most recent picks are “The Twin Thieves” by Steve Jones and Lucas Jadin and “Family Fortunes” by James. He enjoys fantasy novels like “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and practical guides such as “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Percival Everett. It has shaped him not just on the field, but off, as Bates thinks that engaging with other genres deepens his perspective.
For Brock Purdy, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, the answer has been to retreat into novels over X.… he suggests that folks read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, to understand how much you’re shaped by your environment when it comes to being successful. Purdy encourages people to always seek the content that lifts your spirit.
“I’ll just try to make an emphasis on reading and getting my mind on things that are bigger than myself, and that helps me just with my life in general,” – Brock Purdy
Personal Growth Through Literature
More and more NFL players are speaking up about the importance of literature in their lives. James Conner, running back for the Arizona Cardinals, reads “Fear Is a Choice: Tackling Life’s Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination,” co-authored by himself and Tiffany Yecke Brooks. This last-minute flip speaks to his ongoing effort to teach grit and perseverance to others and himself beyond his own life.
He’s not the only one — Tennessee Titans wide receiver Robert Woods feels the same way when it comes to self-help books. He focuses on books you’d recognize like “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. He takes a deep dive into James Clear’s “Atomic Habits.” Woods claims that these books have played a major role in shaping him into the player he’s become on the field.
“I like to read what the smart people read. So if people say that Buffett is the best investor in the world, I want to read what he read to try to be that.” – Bobby Wagner
Woods’s faith in the transformative power of literature as a tool for social and emotional growth is a sentiment shared by many of his like-minded peers. They recognize that reading isn’t just an enjoyable pastime. They think that it enables them to cultivate highly important and transferable skills that will carry them into a better professional future.
The Influence of Shared Experiences
Some players even approach reading as a group activity, reading biographies of poets and authors in tandem. Jayden Daniels, Bobby Wagner and Mike Sainristil are joining all of you to read a biography about Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Their team-up showcases the ways fiction can create community with fellow players.
Tyrann Mathieu expresses how much he enjoys reading, but discusses how his kids tend to interrupt and deter him from his reading time. On the one hand, Zach Ertz likes thrillers from authors like Harlan Coben a lot. Here’s Ertz on what he loves about these sort of books.
“I like [Outliers] because it kind of shows you that if you grow up or if you’re in a certain type of environment, it can really allow you to thrive.” – Zach Ertz
He loves its practical applications to everyday life and use them to engage with personal/professional struggles.
“Now, ’48 Laws of Power,’ I like that book a lot because it gives you rules. Now you don’t take it literally, but there are certain things you can look at and it’s like, ‘Hey, how can I use my position that I’m in right now as an advantage to either elevate myself or get myself out of trouble?’” – Zach Ertz
Looking Forward
Damar Hamlin isn’t just diving deep into literature for his own sake. He’s currently writing his own book about rising above the odds. His experiences will likely resonate with many, adding another layer to the conversation about the importance of mental resilience among athletes.
Through deep engagement with the literature, players are intellectually and artistically transformed. The arc of their journey is what inspires teammates and fans to support them and rally behind them. The lasting effect of these transformative literary adventures is reflected in their success on the field and off.
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