The Pittsburgh Steelers enjoyed the benefits of Antonio Brown's ridiculously productive time with the team. However, things had soured by the time Brown's time in Pittsburgh came to an abrupt end in March of 2019. As tumultuous as Brown's NFL career was, it certainly escalated once he was no longer in the league. Brown's latest situation involves an accusation and a future NFL Hall of Fame defender, JJ Watt, who few would mess with.
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Pittsburgh Steelers former receiver Antonio Brown celebrates a touchdown at then-Heinz Field
Steelers' Former Receiver Takes On JJ Watt
Even before Brown became more known for his antics than his football abilities, the receiver had a tendency to skirt the edges of tradition and stand out from the bunch. Mike Tomlin had the difficult task of being Brown's head coach in the NFL, and the two didn't always see eye to eye. However, simply acting out is a far cry from where Brown is at the moment.
On Friday morning, Brown decided to go in a very strange direction. On X, Brown used his sizable platform to put a message into the social media world regarding the former Houston Texans' generational pass rusher in Watt. Using a picture from when Brown and Watt played college football together for the Central Michigan Chippewas, Brown made a comment about how the photo was before Watt allegedly began using steroids.
Before bro went Steroid Crazy @CtespnN #CTESPN https://t.co/SqMB8GqV34
— AB (@AB84) February 16, 2024
While the NFL made sure that Watt wasn't playing with any kind of advantage during his time in the NFL, it is still a serious accusation to throw out without offering proof. Watt has yet to respond to Brown's post, but considering the antics that have occurred over the last few years for Brown, it might be better for the former Defensive Player of the Year to let it sit. After all, Watt has kept busy with soccer ownership and his segment on the Pat McAfee Show, while Brown has relied on his self-diagnosed CTE to stay in the news.
Brown has been attempting to launch a form of sports talk platform using a hashtag for "CTESPN" on most of his recent posts, which could explain the sudden accusation against Watt. Whether there is truth or not in Brown's speculation on Watt, this won't be the last time Brown posts something off-the-cuff that no one expected.
Associated Press / Don Wright
Pittsburgh Steelers former receiver Antonio Brown was never shy about telling the world about the talent he brought to the field
Steelers Never Reached The Top With Brown
As impressive as Brown's numbers are during his time with the Steelers, Pittsburgh never reached the peak of the NFL mountain during his time with the team. While Brown did eventually get a Super Bowl ring after the 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers championship, it was something he never accomplished with the Steelers.
The closest that Brown got in Pittsburgh to winning a championship was when the Steelers lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. Despite fielding one of the league's best passers (Ben Roethlisberger), running back (Le'Veon Bell), and receivers, in Brown, the Steelers couldn't put it all together. The trio reached one AFC Championship game together, but other than that, a handful of playoff losses and standout statistics are all they have to show.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers former running back Le'Veon Bell was one of the best players in the NFL at securing yards after the catch
With all the off-the-field issues that went on behind the scenes, it's amazing that Tomlin was able to keep things together as long as he did. Bell and Brown both eventually fell out with the Steelers, and Roethlisberger never regained his younger form to get a third ring. Despite all the possible regret, Brown has expressed his desire to officially retire as a Steelers' player. That could still be a possibility as long as Brown avoids throwing around any more steroid accusations.
Brown was never one to march to any tune besides his own, and it has resulted in a rollercoaster of a career and beyond. He has gotten on the wrong side of the law, gone on X rants, and become an even more polarizing figure than when he played football. While there is no doubt in what Brown brought to the game during his playing days, it is slowly feeling like those years were further and further away. Whether it is his CTESPN project or accusing former athletes, it seems like Brown is doing what he does best; whatever he wants.
What is your take on Antonio Brown's accusation against Watt?
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