Antonio Brown's fall from grace: From a sure-fire Hall of Famer to one of the NFL's biggest flameouts

Tyler LaulettaJan 4, 2022, 02:08 IST

Antonio Brown stretches before a game against the New Orleans Saints.AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio

Antonio Brown was cut by the Bucs after walking off the field in the middle of a game.
Just a few years ago, Brown was one of the most dominant receivers in the NFL.

Antonio Brown's NFL career might be over for good this time.

Brown walked off the field in the middle of a game against the New York Jets. After the game, head coach Bruce Arians bluntly said that Brown was no longer a part of the team.

Not so long ago, Brown was one of the most dominant receivers in the NFL and on track for a Hall of Fame career. Since then, Brown has jumped teams three times, leaving each new destination with a mess of controversy to clean up in his wake.

Take a look below at the extreme rise and fall of Brown's past four years in the league.

At the end of the 2018 season, Antonio Brown was one of the most dominant offensive weapons in football, having just finished the year with 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Antonio Brown celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.AP Photo/Keith Srakocic

At the end of the 2018 season, Antonio Brown was one of the most dominant offensive weapons in football, having just finished the year with 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns.

It was his fifth straight year with at least 1,200 receiving yards, capping off a stretch that saw him become the second-fastest receiver ever to reach 10,000 career yards.

Antonio Brown celebrates a touchdown against the New England Patriots in 2018.AP Photo/Don Wright

It was his fifth straight year with at least 1,200 receiving yards, capping off a stretch that saw him become the second-fastest receiver ever to reach 10,000 career yards.

The NFL world knew that Brown was the best in the game, as evidenced by his appearance on the cover of "Madden 19."

But trouble for Brown was already brewing. Just a few games into the 2018 season, tensions between Brown and the Steelers were already high, with Brown going as far as to tease a trade demand on Twitter.

Antonio Brown reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018.AP Photo/Don Wright

But trouble for Brown was already brewing. Just a few games into the 2018 season, tensions between Brown and the Steelers were already high, with Brown going as far as to tease a trade demand on Twitter.

After skipping practice ahead of the Steelers' final game of 2018, the team benched Brown in their do-or-die season finale. He never played another snap for Pittsburgh.

Antonio Brown stands on the sidelines during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018.AP Photo/Don Wright

Brown demanded a trade and eventually got his wish, moving to the Raiders in March of 2019 for a third and a fifth-round draft pick. After arriving to much fanfare, the situation devolved quickly.

Antonio Brown is announced as a member of the Oakland Raiders alongside head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock.AP Photo/Ben Margot

Brown demanded a trade and eventually got his wish, moving to the Raiders in March of 2019 for a third and a fifth-round draft pick. After arriving to much fanfare, the situation devolved quickly.

In early August, Brown posted a photo on Instagram showing his blistered feet. Later, we learned that the injury stemmed from frostbite due to not wearing the proper footwear while in a cryotherapy machine. He missed the start of training camp due to the injury.

After the NFL changed its rules regarding which helmets were safe enough to use, Brown took issue that he could no longer wear his helmet of choice. He reportedly went as far as to repaint his old helmet to skirt the new rules.

Antonio Brown puts on his helmet ahead of a game against the Arizona Cardinals.AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

After the NFL changed its rules regarding which helmets were safe enough to use, Brown took issue that he could no longer wear his helmet of choice. He reportedly went as far as to repaint his old helmet to skirt the new rules.

Just a few weeks after showing up to work for the Raiders, things were already reaching a breaking point, with the team offering him an ultimatum: be "all-in, or all-out." As it would turn out, Brown was all-out.

Antonio Brown attends practice with the Oakland Raiders.AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Just a few weeks after showing up to work for the Raiders, things were already reaching a breaking point, with the team offering him an ultimatum: be "all-in, or all-out." As it would turn out, Brown was all-out.

Brown released a bizarre video that included a recording between him and then-Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.

On September 7, the Raiders cut Brown. Brown, in turn, produced another video of himself celebrating his release from the team.

Brown wouldn't be without a team for long, though, as the New England Patriots made a move to sign him almost immediately. Tom Brady went as far as to invite Brown into his home as he worked to get up to speed with his new team.

Tom Brady and Antonio Brown celebrate together.AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Brown wouldn't be without a team for long, though, as the New England Patriots made a move to sign him almost immediately. Tom Brady went as far as to invite Brown into his home as he worked to get up to speed with his new team.

Just days after signing with the Patriots, Brown was accused of raping his former personal trainer Britney Taylor in a lawsuit filed in Florida.

Antonio Brown reacts on the sidelines during a game against the Miami Dolphins.AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Despite the still open allegation, Brown played his first game with the Patriots, scoring a touchdown.

Antonio Brown scores his first and only touchdown for the New England Patriots.AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Two weeks later, another woman accused Brown of sexual misconduct, telling Sports Illustrated that she received threatening texts from the star receiver after making unwanted advances on her.

Antonio Brown warms up ahead of a game against the Miami Dolphins.Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Two weeks later, another woman accused Brown of sexual misconduct, telling Sports Illustrated that she received threatening texts from the star receiver after making unwanted advances on her.

After two weeks and one game played with the Patriots, Brown was cut amidst the accusations.

Antonio Brown practices with the New England Patriots.AP Photo/Steven Senne

Brown remained out of the NFL for the rest of the 2019 season. In January 2020, Brown again made headlines after a profanity-laced rant against the police and his ex-wife. He threw penis-shaped gummies at the police and posted it all on his Instagram account.

After the incident, Brown's agent Drew Rosenhaus dropped the receiver as a client, urging that he "get help" amidst his apparent downward spiral.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus speaks with Antonio Brown before a game against the Miami Dolphins.Michael Reaves/Getty Images

A week later, an arrest warrant was issued for Brown after an incident with a moving company outside his Florida home. Brown pleaded no contest and was ultimately not convicted of a crime but faced two years of probation.

NFL free agent Antonio Brown appears at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP

A week later, an arrest warrant was issued for Brown after an incident with a moving company outside his Florida home. Brown pleaded no contest and was ultimately not convicted of a crime but faced two years of probation.

In March of 2020, rumors began to swirl about Brown's return to the NFL with a potential reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians shot down the idea. "I just know him, and it's not a fit in our locker room," Arians said.

Antonio Brown warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins.Michael Reaves/Getty Images

In March of 2020, rumors began to swirl about Brown's return to the NFL with a potential reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians shot down the idea. "I just know him, and it's not a fit in our locker room," Arians said.

But in August, after Brady reportedly pushed for Brown to be given a chance, Arians relented, and the Buccaneers signed the beleaguered wide receiver.

Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before a game.AP Photo/Corey Sipkin

Brown, Brady, and the Buccaneers went on to win Super Bowl LV over the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown finished the game with five catches for 22 yards and a touchdown.

Antonio Brown celebrates his touchdown in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Heading into 2021, Brown was one of Brady's most important targets in the Buccaneers offense.

Tom Brady speaks with Antonio Brown during a game against the New York Jets.AP Photo/John Munson

But in the middle of the season, Brown found himself embroiled in controversy yet again. A former live-in chef accused him of obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.

Antonio Brown walks on the field before a game.AP Photo/Corey Sipkin

But in the middle of the season, Brown found himself embroiled in controversy yet again. A former live-in chef accused him of obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.

Brown was later suspended for three games for "misrepresenting" his vaccination status to the NFL.

Tom Brady and Antonio Brown celebrate a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys.AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio

Two games after he returned from his suspension, Brown left the Buccaneers for good, ripping off his pads in the middle of a game against the New York Jets.

Brown threw up a peace sign to the fans at MetLife Stadium and walked off the field.

After the game, Arians made clear that Brown's time in Tampa Bay was over. "He is no longer a Buc," Arians said.

Meanwhile, Brady asked those judging Brown to have some empathy for his former teammate. "I think everybody should ... hopefully do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs it," Brady said.

The next day, it was reported by Ian Rapaport that Brown left the Buccaneers sideline after refusing to enter the game due to an ankle injury. The Buccaneers disagreed that Brown's injury was so severe he couldn't play and cut him on the sidelines.

Brown's walk-off cost him a good amount of money, including a potential $1 million in bonus money that he was on the cusp of claiming.

Antonio Brown stretches before a game against the New Orleans Saints.AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio

Just three years removed from being one of the most dynamic players in the NFL and a lock to reach the Hall of Fame eventually, Brown's NFL career has taken too many wrong turns to count. This time, he might finally be out of second chances.

Antonio Brown warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers.AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Just three years removed from being one of the most dynamic players in the NFL and a lock to reach the Hall of Fame eventually, Brown's NFL career has taken too many wrong turns to count. This time, he might finally be out of second chances.

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Antonio Brown's fall from grace: From a sure-fire Hall of Famer to one of the NFL's biggest flameouts

At the end of the 2018 season, Antonio Brown was one of the most dominant offensive weapons in football, having just finished the year with 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns.

It was his fifth straight year with at least 1,200 receiving yards, capping off a stretch that saw him become the second-fastest receiver ever to reach 10,000 career yards.

The NFL world knew that Brown was the best in the game, as evidenced by his appearance on the cover of "Madden 19."

But trouble for Brown was already brewing. Just a few games into the 2018 season, tensions between Brown and the Steelers were already high, with Brown going as far as to tease a trade demand on Twitter.

After skipping practice ahead of the Steelers' final game of 2018, the team benched Brown in their do-or-die season finale. He never played another snap for Pittsburgh.

Brown demanded a trade and eventually got his wish, moving to the Raiders in March of 2019 for a third and a fifth-round draft pick. After arriving to much fanfare, the situation devolved quickly.

In early August, Brown posted a photo on Instagram showing his blistered feet. Later, we learned that the injury stemmed from frostbite due to not wearing the proper footwear while in a cryotherapy machine. He missed the start of training camp due to the injury.

After the NFL changed its rules regarding which helmets were safe enough to use, Brown took issue that he could no longer wear his helmet of choice. He reportedly went as far as to repaint his old helmet to skirt the new rules.

Just a few weeks after showing up to work for the Raiders, things were already reaching a breaking point, with the team offering him an ultimatum: be "all-in, or all-out." As it would turn out, Brown was all-out.

Brown released a bizarre video that included a recording between him and then-Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.

On September 7, the Raiders cut Brown. Brown, in turn, produced another video of himself celebrating his release from the team.

Brown wouldn't be without a team for long, though, as the New England Patriots made a move to sign him almost immediately. Tom Brady went as far as to invite Brown into his home as he worked to get up to speed with his new team.

Just days after signing with the Patriots, Brown was accused of raping his former personal trainer Britney Taylor in a lawsuit filed in Florida.

Despite the still open allegation, Brown played his first game with the Patriots, scoring a touchdown.

Two weeks later, another woman accused Brown of sexual misconduct, telling Sports Illustrated that she received threatening texts from the star receiver after making unwanted advances on her.

After two weeks and one game played with the Patriots, Brown was cut amidst the accusations.

Brown remained out of the NFL for the rest of the 2019 season. In January 2020, Brown again made headlines after a profanity-laced rant against the police and his ex-wife. He threw penis-shaped gummies at the police and posted it all on his Instagram account.

After the incident, Brown's agent Drew Rosenhaus dropped the receiver as a client, urging that he "get help" amidst his apparent downward spiral.

A week later, an arrest warrant was issued for Brown after an incident with a moving company outside his Florida home. Brown pleaded no contest and was ultimately not convicted of a crime but faced two years of probation.

In March of 2020, rumors began to swirl about Brown's return to the NFL with a potential reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians shot down the idea. "I just know him, and it's not a fit in our locker room," Arians said.

But in August, after Brady reportedly pushed for Brown to be given a chance, Arians relented, and the Buccaneers signed the beleaguered wide receiver.

Brown, Brady, and the Buccaneers went on to win Super Bowl LV over the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown finished the game with five catches for 22 yards and a touchdown.

Heading into 2021, Brown was one of Brady's most important targets in the Buccaneers offense.

But in the middle of the season, Brown found himself embroiled in controversy yet again. A former live-in chef accused him of obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.

Brown was later suspended for three games for "misrepresenting" his vaccination status to the NFL.

Two games after he returned from his suspension, Brown left the Buccaneers for good, ripping off his pads in the middle of a game against the New York Jets.

Brown threw up a peace sign to the fans at MetLife Stadium and walked off the field.

After the game, Arians made clear that Brown's time in Tampa Bay was over. "He is no longer a Buc," Arians said.

Meanwhile, Brady asked those judging Brown to have some empathy for his former teammate. "I think everybody should ... hopefully do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs it," Brady said.

The next day, it was reported by Ian Rapaport that Brown left the Buccaneers sideline after refusing to enter the game due to an ankle injury. The Buccaneers disagreed that Brown's injury was so severe he couldn't play and cut him on the sidelines.

Brown's walk-off cost him a good amount of money, including a potential $1 million in bonus money that he was on the cusp of claiming.

Just three years removed from being one of the most dynamic players in the NFL and a lock to reach the Hall of Fame eventually, Brown's NFL career has taken too many wrong turns to count. This time, he might finally be out of second chances.