Antonio Brown

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Lore & Background

Antonio Brown's rise with the Pittsburgh Steelers began when they selected him in the sixth round with the 195th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. He chose jersey number 84, explaining: 'Eight times four is 32. Thirty-two teams looked past me, even the Steelers. So every time I go out there it's a little added motivation.' He entered training camp competing for a backup role and was named the Steelers' fifth wide receiver behind veterans Hines Ward. Brown quickly developed into a dominant force, leading the league twice in receiving yards, twice in receptions, and once in receiving touchdowns. His seven Pro Bowl selections and four consecutive first-team All-Pro honors cemented his status, though his career was also marked by various controversies. Amid conflict with the Steelers, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2019.

In Their Own Story

On June 15, 2010, the Steelers signed Brown to a three-year, $1.28 million contract with a signing bonus of $73,075. He entered training camp competing with Sanders, Tyler Grisham, Stefan Logan, Isaiah Williams, and Brandon Logan to be the Steelers' backup wide receivers. Brown was named the Steelers' fifth wide receiver on their depth chart, behind veterans Hines Ward. From that humble start, he would go on to earn seven Pro Bowl selections, including six consecutive, and four consecutive first-team All-Pro selections. He led the league twice in receiving yards, twice in receptions, and once in receiving touchdowns during his time with Pittsburgh.

Reader's Guide

Antonio Brown played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2010 through 2018, spanning his first nine NFL seasons. During this period, he established himself as one of the greatest receivers of his era. His accomplishments include leading the league twice in receiving yards, twice in receptions, and once in receiving touchdowns. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections, including six consecutive, and four consecutive first-team All-Pro selections. His tenure ended amid conflict with the Steelers, leading to a trade to the Oakland Raiders in 2019.

Did You Know?

• Antonio Brown was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round with the 195th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the 22nd of 27 wide receivers selected.
• He chose jersey number 84 because 'Eight times four is 32. Thirty-two teams looked past me, even the Steelers.'
• Brown led the NFL twice in receiving yards, twice in receptions, and once in receiving touchdowns during his Steelers tenure.
• He earned seven Pro Bowl selections, including six consecutive, and four consecutive first-team All-Pro selections.
• Brown played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas, earning first-team All-American honors as a punt returner.