Former wide receiver Antonio Brown has announced his retirement from the NFL in what might be some remarkable trolling.
Brown, who had one of the most impressive WR stints in the league, has revealed he is retiring as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders through his CTESPN Network platform on Twitter/X.
“BREAKING NEWS #CTESPN, I am officially retiring today a Raider,” he wrote. “6th Rd Pick, Super Bowl Champ, 2x NFL Receptions Leader, 2x NFL Receiving Yards Leader, 1x, NFL Receiving TDs Leader, 12,291 Receiving Yards, 83 Receiving TDs, 2,934 Return Yards – 5 TDs.
“Next Chapter #CTESPN.”
Retiring a raider is peculiar, given that he never played for the team and left as one of the most unfortunate signings in team history.
“I’m here to elevate everything around me. I’m here to just be a surge of energy, of positivity, and good force,” he said during his introductory press conference, “A great teammate and to bring out the best of everyone around me cause we all know it’s not just about me.“
He went on to do the exact opposite…
Brown missed most of the team’s training camp practices due to a foot issue, then went to war over his helmet and threatened to retire if he was forced to wear a new helmet despite his old one being banned.
He had an infamous bust-up with then-GM Mike Mayock, threatening to hit him and allegedly calling him a “cracker” in what was an ugly scene that required teammates to hold him back.
Brown ultimately demanded a release from the team and was granted his wish hours before his contract became guaranteed.
Antonio Brown Could Have Made Three Better Choices
Brown enjoyed the best spell of his career with the Steelers and won his only Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had a spell with the New England Patriots before his move to the Bucs.
Although he burned bridges everywhere, it would have made more sense if he retired with any of the other three teams he played for. Then again, he wouldn’t be Antonio Brown if he did that, would he?