Navigating the world of politics can be as challenging as any high-stakes game on the field, and for Antonio Brown, it’s been anything but smooth.
The former NFL star’s recent attempts to carve out a niche in the political arena mirror the struggles he faced during his controversial football career and a rocky tenure as an arena football team owner.
A Controversial Stunt
Recently, Brown took to the campaign trail, backing Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump in Western Pennsylvania.
However, his political debut quickly soured when he unleashed a homophobic attack on Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’s running mate.
In a post on X, he shared an image of New Orleans Saints players Willie Gay Jr. and Anfernee Orji, positioning their jerseys for a crass joke that suggested a “gay orgy.”
His caption read, “Tim Walz (sic) favorite NFL players,” presumably aiming to provoke shock and laughter among his followers.
Reaction from Fans
Interestingly, rather than facing backlash for his remarks, Brown’s followers seemed to rally around him.
Comments ranged from supportive to outright approving, with one fan exclaiming, “AB IS UNSTOPPABLE,” and another admitting, “I hate it! But damn this is funny!”
Out of the hundreds of responses, most echoed a similar sentiment, celebrating his provocative post.
One enthusiastic supporter even suggested Trump should consider Brown for a press secretary role if he wins, saying, “AB for Press Secretary.”
The Downfall from the NFL
Brown’s turbulent journey began back in 2018 when his behavior spiraled during his final days with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After skipping practices and clashing with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, he forced a trade to the Oakland Raiders.
They signed him to a lucrative three-year, $54 million deal, only to have it largely voided amid internal conflicts with head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock.
Brown was released before he even stepped onto the field in Oakland.
His subsequent stint with the New England Patriots was equally short-lived.
Following sexual assault allegations from a former personal trainer, he was released after just a few weeks.
Brown settled with the trainer and even faced legal trouble for throwing furniture from his apartment balcony, injuring a child in the process.
Brief Resurgence and Ultimate Exit
Tom Brady, however, offered Brown a lifeline, helping him join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Together, they clinched a Super Bowl victory, but the partnership faltered after Brown had a sideline outburst.
He famously quit mid-game against the New York Jets by stripping off his uniform, marking an abrupt end to his NFL career.
Since then, Brown’s life has been riddled with legal troubles, including accusations of exposing himself in a Dubai hotel and various domestic violence allegations.
He briefly owned the Albany Empire of the National Arena League, only for the league to terminate his franchise agreement due to unpaid fines.
Financial Troubles
In May, Brown filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing $2.93 million owed to eight creditors, including a staggering $1.2 million stemming from his sexual assault settlement.
Despite a reported earning of over $80 million throughout his NFL career, Brown claims to now have less than $50,000 in assets.
Trump’s Stance
Now, as a vocal supporter of Trump, Brown appears to have found a new outlet.
However, Trump seems to distance himself from the controversy surrounding Brown, stating, “I don’t know anything about the allegations. I know he’s a hell of a football player.”
With a history as tumultuous as Brown’s, the question remains: what comes next for the former star?