Antonio Brown's One Game Comeback - What We Know So Far

  Antonio Brown may have faded from public attention, but his name remains on everyone's lips. Recently he released a rap song and tweeted out an ambiguous cryptic message which hinted at an NFL comeback. Brown last made headlines when he stormed off of the field during a game against the New York Jets in January 2022 and has shown no interest in signing him since. What We Know So Far Antonio Brown abruptly exited an NFL game during January 2022, abruptly leaving without an explanation or being signed by any team for 2022, potentially ending his time with Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his NFL career as well. Instead, he missed out on receiving $1 Million bonus money that season. Though Brown may have experienced off-field issues, many still believe he has what it takes to return to the NFL. Recently he took to social media in order to pressure league for being slow with reinstating him; his free agent receiver status now requires answers from league, while it appears likely that his return may occur soon in 2020. Brown amassed an illustrious career on the field before his off-field issues eclipsed it. The star wide receiver went to seven Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams during his 11 years with the Steelers. Beyond football, he found success in the rap industry as well as owning part of an arena football team. Brown has experienced a turbulent off-season. After turning in a fraudulent COVID vaccine card to the NFL, he was suspended for eight games of the upcoming season and later arrested on felony charges following an altercation with a moving truck driver. Brown was fortunate enough to avoid jail time but the incident left many questioning his future in the NFL. On Sunday's win against the New York Jets, Brown left his pads and the field during the fourth quarter, refusing Bruce Arians' attempts at getting him back onto it; Arians ultimately told Brown he was too injured for further participation, ultimately running his finger across his throat in a sign that signifies being cut from an NFL roster. Brown remains uncertain what his future holds in the NFL; however, he has posted on social media a thank-you message for giving him the opportunity to play for Tampa Bay - his final tweet being simply wearing his Bucs jersey as an expression of thanks. What We Don’t Know Antonio Brown is one of the world's most beloved athletes. As a wide receiver for Pittsburgh Steelers for nine years he was an essential component. However, off-field issues such as fighting with delivery drivers and being sued by his ex-girlfriend damaged his image significantly - therefore many were surprised when he announced his intention to return in 2023. Brown made his move unexpectedly. Posting an image of himself wearing a Baltimore Ravens jersey on social media, some speculated that Brown may make an official return to the league - though it seems unlikely given that his performance this season earned him performance bonuses and earned performance bonuses from Pittsburgh Steelers. After leaving the Steelers amid controversy, Brown signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2019. Unfortunately, his tenure with them was short-lived due to injuries, off-field drama, and disagreements with general manager Mike Mayock; ultimately leading to him being released without playing even one game for them before signing with New England Patriots, where it also only lasted one game before moving onto another team altogether. Brown became well-known during his time in the NFL for his outspoken comments on social media, particularly his criticism of Colin Kaepernick for protesting during the national anthem and drawing controversy with those following him on social media. This has caused some to question if Brown is truly serious about returning or simply engaging in another publicity stunt. Brown has been working on both his rap career and serving as president of Donda Sports under Kanye West; additionally, he co-owns arena football team Albany Empire. Although his relationship with Steelers may have deteriorated somewhat over time, former Pro Bowl wide receiver looks set to make a return with Ravens; whether this move proves fruitful remains unknown but it sure to generate discussion in the NFL community. What We Do Know Antonio Brown may have ended his NFL career in an unconventional manner on Sunday afternoon when he unexpectedly left his Buccaneer contract hanging and left midway through their game against the Jets without providing the team with its top wide receiver, thus leaving his contract up in the air and his former Steeler teammates without an experienced wideout on their roster. Cause of Brown's exit remains unknown. FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported that head coach Bruce Arians asked Brown multiple times to return, but he declined each time and later informed reporters of an ankle injury that made returning unsafe for him. What we know for certain is that his decision to walk off has cost him plenty. According to Spotrac, he was just eight catches and 55 yards short of earning three separate performance bonuses worth $333,333 each - combined with his $3.1 million base salary this season, this All-Pro was projected to make over a total of about $1 Million more this season! Brown may never see those bonuses, however. Under the NFL's stringent personal conduct policy, any team that signs him could face discipline for his future actions and off-field issues remain an ongoing worry; these include multiple sexual assault/rape accusations as well as an alleged incident with a moving company from late 2021 which have yet to be cleared up. That is why it appears unlikely that Brown will return to the league any time soon. Even if given another chance by the NFL, there's no guarantee he will put together consistent performances that make his participation worth risking. Perhaps it is time for Brown to move onto another chapter in life outside of NFL politics after recent actions have left him with some seriously poor PR - it would be difficult for Hall-of-Famer resumes to survive such behavior. What We Can’t Know After his controversial exit from the NFL, Antonio Brown has attempted to return. Though his fortunes have fluctuated greatly since leaving, he still harbors strong ambitions of returning to play the sport that once meant so much to him. Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders has provided full support for Antonio's comeback; believing he will return as an All-Pro wide receiver and be successful once more. Brown last tried his luck in the league but failed when he stormed off during a game against the New York Jets and stormed off without returning, which deterred any team interested in hiring him as his unpredictable off-field behavior deterred them further. Though Brown may have off-field issues, no one could argue his talent as a wide receiver is undeniable. Having spent his first seven seasons in Pittsburgh where he earned seven Pro Bowl bids and four straight first-team All-Pro selections; later traded to Oakland Raiders where he became one of their highest-paid wideouts; however his time there proved short lived after an alleged confrontation with General Manager Mike Mayock led him to leave without playing one regular season game and several off-field incidents occurred. He's currently seeking a way back into the NFL while working on his music career while waiting for one of its teams to give him another shot. While it is evident that he longs to return, no team appears willing to take that risk yet. If a team does decide to sign him, he's likely only for a limited role. No longer the dynamic deep threat he once was, he might fare better in a slot role alongside Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Julio Jones. If he can find the ideal team and demonstrate his worth on the field quickly enough, it is likely he will return sooner rather than later.