What If Teachers Went Viral for Reading?

Recently, Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown was caught doing something unexpected during a football game: reading a book on the sidelines. The moment went viral, and so did the book he was reading, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy. The book, which focuses on clearing your mind to perform under pressure, quickly shot to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list.

Brown’s ritual of reading—nicknamed “The Recipe” by his teammates—offers a window into his commitment to emotional intelligence and peak performance. It also begs a fascinating question: What if teachers went viral every time they were caught reading?

The AJ Brown Effect

AJ Brown’s sideline reading habit isn’t just quirky; it’s purposeful. He uses it to reset and refocus, no matter what happens on the field. Whether he scores a touchdown or drops a pass, his book helps him clear his mind and maintain his focus. This mental reset is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence, and it’s a practice we could all benefit from adopting.

Brown’s viral moment turned Inner Excellence into an overnight sensation, with fans and curious viewers rushing to buy the book. It’s a powerful example of how visibility and influence can shine a spotlight on something meaningful and inspiring.

What If Teachers Shared Their Reads?

Now imagine this: a teacher is caught reading during a lunch break, before class, or even in the carpool line. What book are they holding? Would it spark curiosity and conversation? Could it inspire students, parents, or even colleagues to pick up that same book? Teachers, much like athletes, are role models. When they share their love of reading, they model lifelong learning and the joy of discovering new ideas.

While I share my current read with a few teachers in my building, the only time I intentionally share book titles with students is when it’s a book that influenced my teaching of a particular unit. Why We Sleep, Superbetter, and Strange Bedfellows all get a regular shout out in my health classroom.

If every teacher publicly shared what they were reading, the ripple effects could be transformative. Students might see reading as more than just a school assignment; they might view it as a tool for growth, inspiration, and connection. Colleagues might swap recommendations, enriching professional communities. And parents might join in, creating a culture of shared curiosity and exploration.

A Simple Call to Action

AJ Brown’s viral reading moment shows us that small, authentic actions can have a big impact. TI’m challenging readers of this blog post to create our own version of the AJ Brown effect. The next time you pick up a book, snap a photo and share it with your students, colleagues, or on social media. Use it as an opportunity to spark curiosity and start conversations.

What are you reading right now? A professional development book? A novel? A memoir? Whatever it is, let it be a window into your world and an invitation for others to join you in the joy of reading.

The Big Picture

Reading isn’t just a private act; it’s a way to connect, inspire, and lead by example. AJ Brown’s sideline book moment reminds us of the power of visibility. YOU already have a profound influence on those around you. By sharing your reading habits, you can encourage a love of learning and curiosity that extends far beyond the classroom.

So, what’s on your bookshelf? Let the world know. Who knows—your favorite book might just become the next bestseller.