A.J. Brown urges students to chase their purpose during Miami University visit
The Super Bowl-winning wide receiver spoke to more than 750 students
A.J. Brown urges students to chase their purpose during Miami University visit
When A.J. Brown starts doubting himself, he snaps a band on his wrist as a reminder to snap out of it.
The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver demonstrated that small but impactful action Monday night during a well-attended question-and-answer session at Miami University.
About 750 people packed the Donald W. Fritz Pavilion in the Armstrong Student Center and heard Brown talk about mental health, his faith, and how he structures his life to be a top performer on and off the field.
Brown’s visit was part of Stress Less Week, co-sponsored by Miami’s suicide prevention team, Student Counseling Service (SCS), and the office of Student Wellness.
Several who turned out for the event wore Brown’s No. 11 jersey, including Leo Donato, a senior majoring in Sport Leadership and Management who waited in line for the doors to open.
“I just like what he’s about and things he’s talked about off the field like mental health,” said Donato, who has an internship lined up with the Dayton Dragons this summer.
'Chase your purpose'
Brown’s Q-and-A conversation with Steve Large, assistant vice president for health and wellness for Student Life, was filled with special moments ranging from powerful to humorous.
Brown said he used to think his purpose was to play football, but now he wants to use his success to inspire others. “Chase your purpose,” he said.
The athlete who grew up in Starkville, Mississippi, is part of the Eagles team that defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX this past February.
He met behind closed doors with Miami’s football team earlier in the day and then fielded questions from other student-athletes who gathered at the Gross Center.
He told the student-athletes the greatest gift he can give is to inspire someone.
“It’s been a hell of a journey. There have been a lot of lows, too,” said Brown, who has been open about his mental health struggles.
Brown said it’s OK to be human and have uncomfortable emotions at times, even being nervous like he was before the event. “This is a leap of faith,” he said.
Brown urged the student-athletes and other students to find a system that works for them. His routine is very structured: He reads at least 20 pages every day, has no snacks after 8 p.m., and goes to bed at 10 p.m.
He also catches 500 tennis balls a day, which resulted in having no dropped balls during the regular season and only one in the playoffs.
“I’m trying to perfect my craft every day,” he said.
'We all go through things'
Brown told the student-athletes he wants to be a mental health advocate.
“We all go through things,” he said, adding that strength — not weakness — is shown when someone who is struggling seeks professional help or talks to someone about it.
Before introducing Brown, John Ward, director of Student Counseling Service, told the audience that SCS is available to help students through a variety of services, ranging from counseling to its 24/7 text line.
“We have your back,” Ward said.
Brown said he didn’t seek mental health counseling when he was a football player at Ole Miss because he was like a river, just going with the flow.
But he has grown more comfortable sharing his story in hope of helping someone.
“Maybe I can change someone’s life,” Brown said.
Many have seen a viral image of Brown reading Jim Murphy's book, “Inner Excellence,” on the sidelines. Adam Smith, a senior Marketing major who throws the discus on Miami’s track team, wanted to know what the wide receiver’s all-time favorite book is.
Brown said it’s Tim S. Grover’s “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable.” Smith typed the title into his phone and said afterward that he’s a big reader himself and is always looking for ways to gain a competitive edge.
Darrell Hallberg, an associate athletic director, said it was nice hearing Brown tell the student-athletes that it’s OK to not be OK. “He talked about opening up and not trying to go it alone.”
'I got a lot from what he said'
During the Q-and-A in Armstrong, Brown urged the students to set reachable goals. He likened it to keep getting 10 yards and first downs. Eventually, that will result in a touchdown.
“I’m not letting the day tell me what to do,” he said, adding that having a structured plan promotes discipline and consistency.
Large reiterated the important lesson that not every day is “touchdown worthy,” to which Brown responded, “Keep showing up every day regardless of your mood.”
McKenzie Carter, a first-year student with a double major in Organizational Leadership and Spanish and a minor in Business, told Brown that he lifted her spirits with his message. He said, “You don’t need motivation, you need discipline” when you don’t feel like getting out of bed on some mornings.
“I got a lot from what he said,” she said afterward as she joined others in line seeking autographs and selfies with the NFL standout. “He just really spoke to me.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about Student Counseling Service? Visit the website for more information.
