As we grow up, it gets tough to handle everything at once. Sometimes, additional responsibilities and alternative life choices overwhelm us. That’s what happened with the NFL star AJ Brown when he first came to the NFL. Imagine 50,000 people screaming at you every time you touch the ball. It’s overwhelming. The adrenaline is through the roof—and the anxiety doesn’t just fade. Do well, and you’ve got thousands, maybe millions, cheering you on across social media. But slip up? They’ll roast you.
Brown kept all of that in mind when he spoke at a program for Miami University, sharing what it’s really like to handle that kind of pressure.
On Sunday, April 13, he was available to talk with college athletes who might get a chance in the NFL this year. The Eagles WR gave an honest advice: “I will tell them, don’t hesitate. First, I will help them to find the higher power, to find God. I am not against talking to a therapist, but first, I would tell you to talk to him (God) cause he has all the answers. We talk about anxiety, things that worry, just give it to him. Whatever you do is gonna be okay, whatever is gonna happen, gonna happen,” while discussing the tough life choices.
An avid reader, he turns to the Bible whenever he finds time. And A.J. Brown doesn’t hesitate to show his faith on the field—whether it’s through prayer or drawing a cross under his eye black. That’s just who he is. To stay mentally sharp, he’s even been known to read books during games. It actually happened during the Wild Card game against the Packers in the 2024 season.
“I read the Bible a lot because that’s how I fight my problems,” he once said, reflecting on the importance of faith in his life. It’s a heartfelt sentiment. He also leans on family and close friends to keep his mindset strong and positive. And honestly, that’s what life’s all about—faith, love, and the people who stand by you. With God and your loved ones by your side, you’ve got the perfect recipe for a grounded, meaningful life.
The neglect can prove dangerous. We saw how things panned out for LSU WR Kyren Lacy. It’s tragic.
AJ Brown’s mantra could have saved Kyren Lacy
On Saturday night, April 12, the college athlete argued with his family and fired a gun in haste. Officers from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office claimed that a chase began, which ended when he crashed his car. The officers approached him but found a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lacy later passed away.
Image Credits: Social media, taken from Facebook @Kenny Lacy
Just like A.J. Brown encouraged regular prayer, Lacy’s parents also took to social media to share a message. Kenny Lacy wrote on Facebook, “This will never get easier, but we’ll learn to live with it. Check on your kids’ mental!!!!!!!!!!!” And he’s right—it’s important. The LSU wide receiver had been going through a lot since last December.
Lacy was named as a defendant in a lawsuit following a tragic car crash in Lafourche Parish that claimed the life of a 78-year-old man. He surrendered in January but was later released on bond. A jury trial was set for him on Monday, April 14. But after his sudden passing, everything came to a heartbreaking standstill.
The college player was eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft—a moment he had likely dreamed about for years. His unexpected death left his lawyers, friends, and family devastated. Amid their grief, they urged everyone to stay strong and support one another through the pain.
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