Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game.

— Jim Mora

What Happened to Antonio Brown?

Antonio Brown has dominated sports news throughout the last few months. He started this discussion at the end of his 2018 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 2018 was a dissapointing season for the Steelers with their star running back, Le’veon Bell, sitting out due to a contract dispute. The Steelers ended up missing the playoffs, and rumors of altercations between Antonio and long-time quarterback Ben Roethlisberger began.

Due to this and other team related issues surrounding Brown, The Steelers choose to release him for the 2019 season. However, due to the contact Brown had with the Steelers, they were forced to pay nearly $20 million for moving Antonio. Soon After, Brown was signed to the Oakland Raiders. Brown Seemed excited to start his new saga in Oakland, but was sidelined for the beginning of training camp due to frostbite on his feet. Brown claimed the frostbite occured during a cryotherapy session in which Brown did not wear proper footwear. This very unusual injury started to raise more questions about Antonio’s commitment to team.

Brown was universally recognized as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in recent years. So the signing of Brown brought hope to a Struggling Raiders team. Unfortunately, shortly after the frostbite injury Brown had already started a new dilemma with the NFL.

In order to reduce the number and severity of head injuries, the NFL started to regulate the helmets that their players could use. Brown’s long-time helmet did not make the list of approved helmets for the 2019 season. Brown dealt with this by filing a grievance against the NFL. He also threatened to sit 2019 season if he could not use his preferred helmet.

While Oakland claimed to support Antonio in his battle for his preferred helmet, Brown was eventually fined for missing out on mandatory team practices. Brown then took to social media to express his displeasure with the fine. After that, Brown confronted Oakland GM Mike Mayock about his displeasure with the fine. During this confrontation Brown was Livid and was reportedly held back by several of his teammates. Brown later publicly apologized and claimed that he was ready to start his career with the Raiders.

Prior to the Oakland season opener, Brown requested his release via Instagram. Brown never played a game as an Oakland Raider. However, He was soon picked up by the New England Patriots. He was released the next week due to recent allegations of sexual misconduct, and he is currently trying to make his way back into the NFL. Will any NFL team take a risk on the once great receiver or are Antonio Brown’s days in the NFL over?