For the majority of his career, Antonio Brown has been a very productive wide receiver. While a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brown amassed seven seasons with at least 1,000 yards and recorded six straight seasons with 100 or more catches. He also made seven Pro Bowls and was named first team All-Pro four times.
But Brown's production on the field didn't come without some drama off of it. And it's ultimately cost him millions of dollars.
Financial Overview of Antonio Brown's Career
Let's take a look at the money Brown has made throughout his career. As a sixth-round pick, his initial NFL salary was $320,000, plus a $73,075 signing bonus. Brown's strong play quickly earned him a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension from the Steelers in 2012.
During the years 2013 to 2018, he produced some of the most successful seasons of his career. His averages during this time were an impressive 114 catches, 1,524 yards, and 11 touchdowns per season. This consistent level of performance helped the Steelers reach the playoffs year after year.
A Series of Contracts and Extensions
In 2017, the Steelers acknowledged Brown’s talent by granting him a four-year, $68 million extension. However, due to some off-field issues, he only played two more seasons with the team, resulting in him earning only about half of that money.
In 2019, Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a third- and fifth-round draft pick. Unfortunately, he would only play one game out of a possible 24 regular-season contests over the next year and a half. This drastic change in career momentum raised questions about his future in the league.
Signing with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a tumultuous period, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Brown for the second half of the 2020 season, offering him a contract worth $2.5 million, largely dependent on performance incentives. His base salary was a mere $750,000. Remarkably, he managed to contribute to the team's Super Bowl victory that season, scoring two touchdowns.
Following that successful campaign, Brown returned to the Buccaneers for the 2021 season on a one-year deal worth up to $6.25 million. However, this would mark the beginning of further complications in his career.
The Cost of Off-Field Drama
The 2019 season turned out to be particularly brutal for Brown. After a heated incident with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, he was benched and subsequently traded to the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders signed him to a three-year, $50 million deal, but his time there was short-lived.
Controversies and Consequences
During that summer, Brown suffered foot injuries from a cryotherapy session gone wrong and made headlines for threatening retirement and filing grievances over his helmet choice. Eventually, his actions led to a confrontation with the Raiders' GM, resulting in his release and a voided contract that cost him $30 million in guaranteed money.
Brown then briefly joined the New England Patriots, signing a one-year, $15 million contract with a $9 million signing bonus. However, he was released shortly after due to two sexual assault allegations. Despite the rocky start, he managed to secure $5 million in a settlement.
Suspensions and Further Issues
In July 2020, the NFL suspended Brown for eight games following a January arrest. Despite this, the Buccaneers decided to take a chance on him. Coach Bruce Arians made it clear that any further missteps would result in his dismissal.
On December 2, 2021, Brown faced another setback when he was accused of providing a fake vaccination card, resulting in a three-game suspension. His departure from the Buccaneers came abruptly when he left a game against the New York Jets, ultimately diminishing his chances for further contracts.
Financial Losses and Career Reflection
Brown's journey in the NFL has led to significant financial losses, estimated at over $55.7 million over 12 years. This includes potential earnings from the Raiders, Patriots, and Buccaneers that slipped through his fingers due to various controversies. The staggering total reflects the consequences of his off-field behavior.
As he moves forward, questions arise about whether another NFL team will give him a chance in the 2022 season. With his upcoming 34th birthday and a decline in production, the future remains uncertain.
Final Thoughts
Antonio Brown's career has been a rollercoaster of successes and failures, largely shaped by his decisions outside the field. While he will always be remembered for his incredible talent and achievements, the lessons learned from his journey serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining professionalism and discipline in the spotlight.
As fans and analysts alike ponder what might have been, one thing is clear: the NFL landscape is forever changed by the saga of Antonio Brown.
