The Pittsburgh Steelers made a strategic move this offseason by signing star kick returner, wide receiver, and running back, Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year, $6 million deal. This decision was influenced by the new kickoff rules and the arrival of the new Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith.
Associated Press
Cordarrelle Patterson shakes hands with Steelers' Mike Tomlin after a game.
Patterson and Smith have a history together, having spent three seasons with Smith as Patterson's head coach. During their time together, Smith revitalized Patterson's career as a running back. Before their collaboration, Patterson was primarily utilized as a kick returner and wide receiver. Though he was listed as a wide receiver throughout his career, Patterson's productivity significantly increased under Smith's guidance. Smith's effective use of Patterson's talents played a crucial role in bringing him to Pittsburgh.
The signing caused a stir when the organization assigned Patterson the former number 84 of ex-Steelers star wide receiver, Antonio Brown. This decision did not sit well with some of Brown's former teammates and Brown himself. Brown took to social media on Sunday to express the trauma he feels was caused by his time in Pittsburgh.
“They ain't really got the respect for me that I think, or the respect that you think you earned. That could be trauma in itself to know just like, da*n. I gave my life to the Steelers and these guys don’t even give a sh*t about my body of work. They will just give a random guy who scored kick returns, who never even got 1,000 yards as a receiver ever in his career [my number over] a guy that was number one in history.”
During Brown's career with the Steelers, he was unquestionably one of the greatest talents the organization has ever had. Had he remained with the Steelers for his entire career, he was on track to possibly become the greatest wide receiver ever to play. Brown's exit from Pittsburgh was tumultuous and controversial. Despite his incredible talent, many fans were ready for him to leave due to his behavior.
Brown played 12 seasons with the Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots. He recorded 928 catches for 12,291 yards and scored 88 touchdowns, along with 187 punt returns for 1,761 yards. He participated in seven Pro Bowls and was named to four All-Pro teams. Brown also won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady. However, his career infamously ended when he removed his uniform mid-game and waved to the crowd.
Andrew Mills / NJ Advanced Media via AP
Former Steelers WR Antonio Brown leaves the field mid-game after taking off his uniform.
While Brown has a right to feel somewhat upset about the Steelers giving out his number, his argument lacks validity. If Brown had exited Pittsburgh on better terms or stayed with the Steelers for life, it's likely his jersey number would not have been given out. However, Brown left a sour taste in the mouths of the organization and Steelers fans, so few sympathize with him.
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson Wrongfully Blasted By Antonio Brown
Patterson is far from a random player. He was a highly touted prospect coming into the NFL, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He made a name for himself as a kick returner, but also found ways to impact the offense as a receiver and running back. There is debate on whether the Steelers will integrate Patterson into their offense in 2024 or if he will primarily be a kick returner.
Brynn Anderson / AP Photo
Former Falcons return man and running back Cordarrelle Patterson (#84) celebrates on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after a big play in Atlanta, GA.
Patterson has been named to four All-Pro teams and four Pro Bowls. He also won a Super Bowl. While his resume doesn't match Brown's, it is still impressive. This likely won't be the last time Brown expresses his frustration with Patterson and the Steelers.
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