The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a ton of top-tier wide receivers throughout the history of the organization. In the 1970s, it was Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, while other greats include Hines Ward and Antonio Brown. Brown was traded by the organization ahead of the 2019 season after there were reports of him and Ben Roethlisberger having a falling out. His time with Pittsburgh certainly didn't end on the right foot, but there is no doubting the legacy he left behind with the Steelers.
Don Wright / ap
Former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown points to the sideline during a regular season game at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Brown last played in the NFL during the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay, and also spent time with the New England Patriots and the then-Oakland Raiders. Brown didn't turn into a liability on the field later in his career, he remained productive. He even scored during Tampa Bay's Super Bowl victory. He can still be semi-serviceable in the league, even at his current age of 36, and he teased that possibility on X on Wednesday.
If I was you I would stash me on your fantasy roster this year 👀 #CTESPN
— AB (@AB84) September 4, 2024
Brown had a message for fans letting them know he may be worth picking up in fantasy football, insinuating he may attempt a comeback later in the year. This is an obvious long shot, especially after the way his last moment on an NFL field unfolded. The wide receiver took his jersey and pads off in the middle of a game with Tampa Bay and ran out of the stadium. It was his last game in the league.
Don Wright / ap
Steelers legends Hines Ward (left) and Antonio Brown (right) at then-Heinz Field ahead of a prime time game.
Brown's off-the-field activities since announcing his retirement from the NFL ahead of the 2023 season have been concerning, and it probably makes him untouchable by all 32 organizations. Despite the extremely slim chances of Brown making a return to the NFL, the thought of him pairing up with some of the young receivers around the league is exciting. George Pickens and Brown on the same field would be a sight to see for Pittsburgh fans, especially with the wide receiver room in the current state it is in.
If Brown does try to make it back on an NFL roster, it won't be Pittsburgh's. The two parties split on bad terms, and it seems like there is a lot of work to do to repair that relationship. Brown has already shown some regrets for the way he acted with Roethlisberger towards the end of his time with the Steelers, which could be a good sign for him repairing things with the organization.
Steelers Great's Hall Of Fame Resume Could Be In Question
There is no question that Brown's accomplishments throughout his NFL career should land him in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was arguably the best receiver in the league throughout the 2010s. Brown led the NFL in receptions twice, receiving yards twice, and touchdowns once. He was voted to the Pro Bowl seven times and was named an All-Pro five times.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers receiver Antonio Brown used to be the top story for his highlight reel play, but now he's in the news for all the wrong reasons.
These numbers should be honored throughout the rest of history, but Brown's off-the-field issues may cause the NFL to be a little hesitant when honoring his legacy. Pittsburgh may even need to think before inducting Brown into the Steelers' Hall Of Honor. This is unfortunate since fans want to be able to celebrate Brown's career and accomplishments, but it may be some time before he gets to put on a gold jacket.
Brown is one of the best to ever play the position, but he may have tarnished his legacy since stepping off of the field.
Do you think Brown would come back? What team would you like to see him play for? Let us know in the comments below!
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