While NFL players are often celebrated for their athleticism, Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake is proving that mental preparation can be just as critical to success on the field. During a league-wide conversation about reading sparked by superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown’s famous sideline book session, reading Jim Murphy’s “Inner Excellence” during the second half of the NFC wild-card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, Lake’s own reading list has come to light, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into how it shapes his mindset and sharpens his competitive edge.
Los Angeles Rams’ Quentin Lake Finds Power in Books
GettyLos Angeles Rams’ safety Quentin Lake’s two book recommendations are “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell and “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene.
Lake, the son of former NFL Pro Bowler Carnell Lake, has always approached football with a thoughtful, analytical lens. This off-field curiosity naturally extends to the books he chooses to read. When ESPN asked players to share their summer reading picks, Lake named two books that have left a lasting impression on him: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
“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,” he said. “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?’”
That last insight captures why so many athletes gravitate toward books that blend psychology, history, and practical guidance: they are looking for any edge they can find, whether it’s in preparation, strategy, or personal development.
A Culture of Readers in Today’s NFL
Lake isn’t alone in valuing books as a tool for growth. The Rams coaching staff, he says, is full of avid readers who set an example. Head coach Sean McVay and defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant frequently reference lessons and quotes from books when they address the team.
“They always reference a quote from a book. And I think that’s amazing,” Lake said. “That’s what I want to do when I grow up too, is just gaining all that information, but giving great, great lessons and quotes from books. I think that’s like a super skill to me.”
This culture of reading has become increasingly evident in today’s NFL. In an era where social media and constant digital stimulation can easily distract players, many have found that turning off screens and picking up a book creates a mental space where learning thrives.
One example is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who said he makes the effort to delete social media apps and read instead. “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,” Purdy said. “And then obviously I think reading before bed and cutting out the blue light, all those kinds of things have helped me with my recovery and stuff too.”
Whether it’s understanding the factors that create excellence or learning how to navigate complex power dynamics, reading has helped various players across the NFL. And for Lake, those pages are shaping the way he approaches every snap, every meeting, and every challenge that comes his way.
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