Antonio Brown

At 35 years old, Antonio Brown has this physical status:

Antonio Tavaris Brown Sr. (born July 10, 1988) is an American football wide receiver who is a free agent.

Raised in Liberty City, Miami, Brown attended Miami Norland High School, where he competed in both football and track.

He played college football at Central Michigan University, where he earned All-American honors in 2008 and 2009 as a punt returner.

A sixth round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010, Brown has amassed more receptions than any other player since he entered the league.During his first season with the Steelers, the team advanced to Super Bowl XLV but lost to the Green Bay Packers.

He finished his rookie season with 16 receptions for 167 yards in ten games.

During his second season, Brown became the first player in NFL history to have more than 1,000 yards receiving and returning in the same year.

For his efforts, Brown was selected as a punt returner for the 2012 Pro Bowl.

In 2013, Brown became the only receiver in NFL history to record five receptions and at least 50 yards in every single game of an NFL season.

Although his on-the-field productivity continued over the next several seasons, including leading the league in receiving yards in 2014 and 2017, Brown's relationship with the Steelers worsened, especially with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In 2019, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders, who then made him the highest-paid receiver in the league.

However, his time in Oakland was short-lived, and following several off-the-field incidents, including a confrontation with general manager Mike Mayock, the team released Brown without him ever playing a regular season game.

Brown signed with the New England Patriots shortly thereafter, but was cut after appearing in only one game.

At the time, the NFL was investigating sexual assault allegations made against Brown.

Early life

Brown is the son of retired Arena Football League star "Touchdown" Eddie Brown, who was named the best player in the league's history in 2006, and Adrianne Moss. Eddie Brown played wide receiver for the Albany Firebirds and collegiate football for Louisiana Tech.

Personal life

Brown is the father of four sons and two daughters. He has three sons and a daughter with Chelsie Kyriss, and two other children by two other women. In September 2019, Brown re-enrolled for online classes at his alma mater, Central Michigan University.

Brown is the cousin of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown, who was drafted in 2019 as well as former wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins.

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High school career

Brown attended Miami Norland High School in Miami, Florida, where he played football. Brown was a running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and punt returner for the Vikings in football. He was also named North Athlete of the Year at the 2005 Miami-Dade Gridiron Classic, a two-time Class 6A all-state selection.

Brown came out of high school and attended Florida State University. He was refused admission due to academic difficulties.

Since attempting to attend Alcorn State, he enrolled at North Carolina Tech Prep. Brown passed for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns in just five games as quarterback, while rushing for 451 yards and 13 touchdowns. After finishing his lone season at North Carolina Tech Prep, he was offered a scholarship to attend Florida International University, but he was suspended before the season for a security change. Since he had been heavily recruited by Brown, Brown began reaching out to West Virginia wide receivers coach Butch Jones. Brown, who had left West Virginia to become the head coach at Central Michigan, rejoined the university and began his college football career as a walk-on freshman.

College career

From 2007 to 2009, Brown played college football for Central Michigan.

After wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni told him he could fly to Michigan and try out for the team as a walk-on wide receiver, Browns started attending Central Michigan in 2007. He went from high school quarterback to wide receiver in college, and Central Michigan coaches gave him a scholarship after a few weeks. Brown had a difficult time adjusting to the college lifestyle, as well as being on time for meetings and training. Azzanni and his wife aided him in getting to a routine, and he soon became a part of their extended family. On September 1, he made his collegiate debut against Kansas. In the 52–7 loss, he had four receptions for 23 yards. In the 52-31 victory over Toledo, he had nine receptions for 105 receiving yards and his first collegiate touchdown. In the 58–38 victory over Ball State, he had six receptions for 43 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown to go along with a nine-yard rushing touchdown. In the 35–32 victory over Akron, he had 15 receptions for 174 yards on November 23, which was defeating the 35–32 victory. The Chippewas finished 8-5, won the MAC, and qualified for a bowl game. In the 47–48 loss to Purdue, he had four receptions for 94 receiving yards and a touchdown. Brown played in 14 games during his first season at Central Michigan. He won the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year, as a returner, and he was All-Conference as a returning competitor. He had 102 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season. In 2007, his 102 receptions led the Mid-American Conference.

Brown appeared in every game during his sophomore season in 2008. He had 10 receptions for 78 receiving yards in the 31–28 victory over Ohio in his third game of the season, as well as a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown. On October 11, he had three receptions for 33 yards and a season-high two touchdown receptions against Temple. In the third quarter of the 38–28 victory, he had 10 receptions for 113 yards and threw a two-yard touchdown pass. In the 37–34 victory over Indiana, he had seven receptions for 138 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He had seven receptions for a season-high 172 yards and a touchdown on November 28, while playing at Eastern Michigan. The Chippewas finished 8–4 for the 2008 Motor City Bowl, qualifying for the 2008 Motor City Bowl. In the 24-21 loss, he had 11 receptions for 92 receiving yards. Brown had 93 receptions for 998 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. The conference was led by Robert 410 punt return yards and 791 kick return yards.

Brown had ten receptions for 71 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown against Michigan State in a 19–6 loss to Arizona. In addition, he had a 24-yard pass and 150 net kickoff return yards in the 29-27 win over the Spartans. In the first quarter of the 48-0 victory, he had a 55-yard punt return for a touchdown. Brown had nine receptions for 89 receiving yards and a season-high two receiving touchdowns against Akron on September 26, 2009, a 48-21 victory. In the 20-13 victory over Buffalo, he had six receptions for 112 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. In the 56–8 victory over Eastern Michigan, he had four receptions for 110 yards and one receiving touchdown. He scored his fourth and fifth straight games with a receiving touchdown over the next two games, both victories over Western Michigan and Bowling Green. In the 56-28 victory over Toledo, he had 13 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown. In the 35–3 victory over Ball State, he had 11 receptions for 170 receiving yards and a touchdown. In the 20–10 victory over Ohio, he had eight receptions for 66 receiving yards.

Brown had a season-high 13 receptions for 178 yards in his last collegiate game against Troy in the GMAC Bowl on January 6, 2010. He finished 2009 with single-season bests of 110 receptions (also a school record), 1,198 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. Brown was instrumental in Central Michigan's historic season. With 12 points, the team tied for the most victories in the university. He had a school record 305 receptions (including the top three seasons with the most receptions in school history), 3,199 receiving yards (fourth all-time), and 22 touchdowns (third all-time). On January 7, 2010, he announced that he would forego his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

Professional career

The majority of analysts and scouts expected him to be a fifth or sixth round draft pick after Brown made the 2010 NFL Draft. He was ranked 37th best wide receiver by NFLDraftScout.com and was invited to the NFL combine, where he spent the entire workout and all the positional drills. Since being dissatisfied with the number he clocked at the combine, Brown attended Central Michigan's Pro Day and decided to try to improve on his 10, 20, 40-yard dash times. In both three categories, he was able to improve his time.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the sixth round with the 195th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, using a pick he received in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. He was the second of the Pittsburgh Steelers' second wide receiver draft pick, and second among 27 wide receivers selected in the draft behind Emmanuel Sanders. "Eight times four is 32," he said of the jersey number 84. And the Steelers, thirty-two squads all looked past me, even the Steelers. So every time I go out there, it's a little bit of motivation."

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Brown to a three-year, $1.28 million deal on June 15, 2010, with a signing bonus of $73,075.

Brown, Tyler Grisham, Stefan Logan, Isaiah Williams, and Brandon Logan were among the Steelers' backup wide receivers in training camp. Brown was named the Steelers' fifth wide receiver on their depth chart, behind veterans Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Antwaan Randle El, and Arnaz Battle.

Brown's NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans on September 19, 2010, with two kickoffs and a punt for 128 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. In his first career game, he became the first player since Steve Smith Sr. for the Carolina Panthers to record a kickoff return touchdown. During a 17-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on October 3, Brown caught his first NFL touchdown with a six-yard gain. Brown defeated the Cleveland Browns 41–9 in a season-high four catches for 52 yards. In ten games, he had 16 receptions for 167 yards in his rookie season.

With a 12–4 record, the Steelers finished the 2010 season at the top of the AFC North and secured the #2 seed. Brown played in his first postseason game on January 15, 2011 and scored a 58-yard touchdown from Ben Roethlisberger to set up the game-winning touchdown. The Steelers beat the Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round by a score of 31–24 points in his first playoff game with a season-high 75 yards on three receptions. Brown caught a 14-yard pass on 3rd & 6, advancing the Steelers 24-19 victory and sending them to Super Bowl XLV the following week in the AFC Championship against the New York Jets at the two-minute warning. Brown had four kickoff returns, four punt returns, and finished with one catch for one yard in his first Super Bowl appearance for the Green Bay Packers in 31–25 loss.

Since the release of Antwaan Randle El, Brown's third wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders, Arnaz Battle, Limas Sweed, and Jerricho Cotchery, has joined training camp. He won the game and was voted the third wide receiver on the depth chart behind Hines Ward and Mike Wallace. Brown was also named the starting kick returner and punt returner.

Brown had two receptions for 14 yards and three kickoff returns for 34 yards in a 35–7 loss in his first appearance of the season against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 7, against the Arizona Cardinals, he had seven receptions for 102 yards, marking his first game with more than 100 receiving yards in his career. Brown had a season-high nine receptions for 67 yards and caught his first touchdown reception in Week 8, defeating the New England Patriots 25-17. In a 23–20 loss to the Ravens in the next game, he passed five passes for 109 yards. In a 24-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he made his first appearance in his career and had five receptions for 86 yards. When the Steelers defeated the Bengals 35–7 on December 4, he returned a punt for a 60-yard touchdown and made two catches for 67 yards. Brown's punt return for a touchdown was the first in his career, and he was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his effort. He made his second start of the season by defeating the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 and ended the game with five catches for a season-high 151 yards and scored a season-long 79-yard touchdown. Brown finished the season with 69 receptions for 1,108 yards and two touchdown receptions in 16 games and three starts.

The Steelers won a playoff spot after finishing 12–4 and earning a playoff spot. Brown lost in a 29–23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Wild Card Round on January 8, 2012.

Brown was the first quarterback in NFL history to have more than 1,000 yards receiving and returning in the same year. Brown was selected as a punt returner for the 2012 Pro Bowl because of his efforts. Brown intercepted two passes for 15 yards in his first Pro Bowl, helping the AFC beat the NFC 59-41.

The Steelers signed Brown to a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension, which included a $8.5 million signing bonus on July 28, 2012.

Brown began training camp with Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders as the starting wide receivers following Hines Ward's departure during the offseason. Brown and Wallace were then voted the starters at the start of the regular season. Brown started screaming at defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau during a 2012 game and began yelling at players on the defense, saying, "Don't touch me." "I'm the franchise."

Brown also lost by four receptions for 74 yards in the Steelers' season opener against the Denver Broncos. In Week 33, he had seven receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Brown was fined $10,000 by the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct when he ran backwards for the final 20 yards of a punt return touchdown against the Washington Redskins last week. Brown sustained a high ankle sprain and had to leave early in the game against the New York Giants. He was unable to participate in the next three games due to his ankle injury. Brown had a season-high eight catches for 76 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 loss during Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys. Brown had five passes for a season-high 97 yards and scored a 60-yard touchdown in a 13-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals this week. In 13 games and five starts, he had 66 receptions for 787 yards and five touchdowns in 2012 season.

Brown was one of the Steelers' starting wide receivers with Emmanuel Sanders in the 2013 regular season.

Brown started with five receptions for 71 yards in a 16–9 loss. In a 40–23 loss to the Chicago Bears on September 22, he caught nine yards for a season-high and then career-high 196 yards and two touchdowns. Brown failed by 88 yards in a 34-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the following game. In Week 11, against the Detroit Lions, he had seven receptions for 142 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In Week 14, against the Miami Dolphins, he had five receptions for 138 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Brown set a new single-season team record of 1,398 receiving yards set in 1997 on December 22, 1996. Brown was the second franchise player to reach at least 100 receptions in a season, joining former teammate Hines Ward. Jimmy Smith and Pierre Garçon of the Washington Redskins tied Jimmy Smith as the only players to receive at least five receptions in every game of an NFL season on December 29. In addition, Brown became the only quarterback in NFL history to score five receptions and at least 50 yards in every game of an NFL season.

Brown finished the 2013 season with 110 receptions for 1,499 yards and eight touchdowns. Brown was selected as a receiver and a punt returner for the Pro Bowl on December 27, 2013. Brown was admitted to the AP All-Pro team for the first time in his career on January 3, 2014. He was ranked 23nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.

Brown tried to stop Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning and kick him in the facemask in the season-opener against the Cleveland Browns, while recovering a punt. He won by a narrow 30–27 margin with five receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. He later apologised for the kick, calling it an accident. Brown was fined $8,200 for the kick. Brown threw his first NFL touchdown pass, a three-yard pass to wide receiver Lance Moore, in a 30–23 victory on Monday Night Football, on October 20 against the Houston Texans. Brown defeated the Indianapolis Colts 51–34 in a 51–34 victory. Brown passed for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the following game. Brown had a season-high 11 catches for a season-high 144 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown reception against the Baltimore Ravens on Week 9. In Week 13, he had eight receptions for 97 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. In Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had nine receptions for 117 receiving yards. In the 27-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, he had ten receptions for 123 yards. He had seven receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown in the second divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, as well as a 71-yard punt return touchdown. His success earned him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

Brown led the NFL in receptions (129), receiving yards (1,698), and second in touchdowns (13); all three were new team records. Since Roy Jefferson's 1968 debut in receiving yards, he was the first Steeler to lead the league in receiving yards. In the Wild Card Round, the Steelers made the playoffs and met the Ravens. He had nine receptions for 117 yards in the 30–17 loss. He was named third Pro Bowl pick for his third year in a row after a fruitful season. He was ranked eighth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.

Brown was beaten 28-21 by the New England Patriots in the season's opener, and he's had nine passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. In the 43–18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, he had nine receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown. This brought his total yards to 5,587 yards, ranking 200th on the NFL's all-time receiving yards list. Lynn Swann, the Steelers' legend, made the all-time list. Brown defeated the Oakland Raiders 35-35 on November 8, throwing a career-high 17 passes for a career-high 284 yards in a narrow 38–35 victory. In 1996, Keenan McCardell's record of 232 for the most receiving yards in a game without a receiving touchdown was defeated by his 284 yards. In a 45–10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, he caught eight passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns on December 6, he caught eight passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. This game is particularly notable for a play in which Brown punted for a touchdown and then soared onto the goalpost. He was booed on the game for overindulging in celebration. Brown was fined $11,576 by the NFL on December 9, the incident. He received his third AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Award for his efforts against the Colts. In Week 15, he caught 16 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, defeating the Denver Broncos 34-27. He was named as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his work against the Broncos. Browns won by 28–12 over the Cleveland Browns in the regular season finale on January 3, with 13 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown.

He finished the regular season with 136 receptions for 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns, the first two interceptions surpassing his own team's records of 129 catches and 1,698 yards. He set the most receptions in a two-year span from 2014 to 2015, and the largest receptions in a three-year span with 375 from 2013 to 2015. Brown became the first quarterback to play at least 16 catches in a single season, and his four games of at least 175 yards in a season set a new NFL record.

The Steelers opened their offseason with a Wild Card match against the Cincinnati Bengals, and after suffering a blow from Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, Browne left the game with a concussion. The Steelers went on to win the game by a margin of 18–16. Brown was ruled out of the Steelers' next game in the Divisional Round after losing 23–16 to the eventual Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos because of the injury.

Brown was named as the top wide receiver and fourth best player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016. He was named to his third straight and fourth Pro Bowl in his career, his second first-team All-Pro team, and his fourth best wide receiver.

Brown opened the season against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football, winning 38–16 with eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns. After scoring his second touchdown, the NFL suspended him a total of $15,191 for wearing baby blue cleats, which was in violation of the league's uniform code, and for twerking after scoring his second touchdown. Brown was fined $24,309 after staging a similar dance in the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. Sportswriters largely dismissed the second fine, who believed it was much too steep a fine for a commemoration. The dances were "sexually suggestive," according to the league.

Brown made the NFL top 100 for career receptions after a 34-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, and he was ranked ninth in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens. In a 35–30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Brown caught a season-high 14 yards and a touchdown on Week 10. The Steelers defeated the Indianapolis Colts on Thanksgiving by a score of 28–7. He finished with five receptions for 91 yards and a career-high three touchdown receptions.

Brown finished the regular season with 106 receptions (second in the NFL to Larry Fitzgerald) for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns in 15 games. Since the Steelers had already secured a playoff spot against the Cleveland Browns, they decided to keep him for the season finale. Brown finished second in career receptions and third in career receiving yards for the Steelers franchise, and 57th all-time among NFL players in those categories at the end of the 2016 regular season.

Brown earned his fourth straight and fifth Pro Bowl pick on December 20, 2016. For the third time in a row, he was named First-Team All-Pro.

Brown defeated the Miami Dolphins 30–12 in the AFC Wild Card Round game on January 8, receiving five passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. His two touchdowns, 50 and 62 yards, was the first time a player had two 50+ yard touchdowns in a single post-season game since Randy Moss in 2001, the first time a player has scored two touchdowns in a single post-season game since Randy Moss in 2001, and the first time a Steeler has two touchdowns in a Wild Card game. Brown won by six points for 108 yards in an 18–16 road victory over the Chiefs, becoming the third Steeler to play more than 100 yards in Divisional Round games. Brown also posted a video of the team's locker room celebration on Facebook Live, in violation of NFL policies, despite teammates Ben Roethlisberger and Ramon Foster's pleas to "keep a low profile on social media." On the show, head coach Mike Tomlin spoke a little bit about New England's championship round opponent, which Tomlin later regretted and disciplined Brown. Before the season, Brown was paid $244,000 by Facebook to "create content" for live channels. Brown had seven receptions for 77 yards against the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, despite the 36-17 road loss. He was ranked fourth on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

Brown signed a new five-year deal with the Steelers through the 2021 season on February 27, 2017. Brown was the NFL's highest paid wide receiver with a $68 million ($19 million at signing) for four years (with a $17 million annual salary).

Browns had 182 receiving yards on 11 attempts in the Steelers' season-opener against the Cleveland Browns, defeating the Browns by a score of 21–18. For the season's first week, All NFL receivers led with 182 yards. In addition, he completed all 11 of his targets, which marked a career-best in terms of receptions with a 100 percent completion rate. Brown became aggravated over not being thrown the ball by Roethlisberger on an incomplete play, and was caught on a Winnebago cooler and screaming at coaches during a Week 4 defeat over the Baltimore Ravens. Brown made a one-handed catch next to his helmet in the end zone for a touchdown during Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans. As the Steelers defeated 40-17, he had 10 receptions for 144 yards and three touchdowns. Brown played for John Stallworth as the only Steelers player to play in two consecutive games with at least three touchdowns. Brown was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his appearance in Week 11. He had 169 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the next game against the Green Bay Packers, with two sideline receptions for 37 yards in the final 17 seconds to set up the game-winning field goal. Brown was the first player since the 1970 merger with four games with at least 150 receiving yards in the first 12 weeks of a season. Brown finished with a season-high 213 receiving yards on 11 receptions in Week 14 against the Baltimore Browners, barely winning 39–38 and clinch the AFC North championship. His 213-yard game was his second game in his career with at least 200 receiving yards in a single game. Brown left the game with a left calf injury and was admitted to the hospital after Week 15 against the New England Patriots. Shortly after the Browns' 27–24 loss to the AFC East-clinching Patriots, it was announced that Brown's left calf was partially torn, which means he will not play for the remainder of the season but will return in the playoffs. The Steelers lost by a score of 45–42 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, with seven catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

Brown led the league in receiving yards in 2017 with a record-tying 1,533 yards. He was the first player in the Steelers to lead the league in receiving yards twice. He finished fifth in the league with 101 receptions and tied for fourth with nine touchdown receptions. He was named to his sixth Pro Bowl and was named as the first-team All-Pro as a unanimous pick. He was named the second best player and also the best wide receiver by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

Brown was announced as the Madden NFL 19's cover athlete on July 18, 2018.

Browns had 10,000 career receiving yards in their season opener against the Cleveland Browns. He reached his record in 116 games; only two NFL players have made the mark in fewer games (Calvin Johnson in 115 games and Julio Jones in 104 games). Brown finished the 21-21-21 tie with nine catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. He had six catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5. Brown had five catches for 105 yards and caught the game-winning touchdown with ten seconds remaining in the fourth quarter in the next game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the game, he was also a victim of a foul hit from Vontaze Burfict. Brown had five receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown in a narrow 20-16 road victory over Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a 33-34 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, he had 10 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. Brown finished with 14 receptions, 185 receiving yards, and two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints on Week 16. With 6 touchdowns and 100 receptions in NFL history, he would then tie for most seasons with 1,000 yards and 100 receptions. Brown also had 104 receptions for 1,297 and a career-high 15 touchdowns on the 2018 season. He was ranked seventh by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

Brown was suspended for the game after reportedly getting into an altercation with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and then skipping practices leading up to his Week 17 match against the Bengals. Following Brown's dissatisfaction with his association with the Steelers, he eventually requested a trade.

In exchange for a third and a fifth round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Brownbacks decided to trade Brown to the Oakland Browns on March 9, 2019. On March 13, 2019, the contract was signed. According to reports, the Steelers were "close to a deal" with the Buffalo Bills prior to the trade to Oakland, but that the contract was terminated after Brown protested on social media.

"I'm here to elevate everything around me," Brown said in Brown's first press conference with the Raiders. I'm here to unleash a surge of vitality, of hope, and a strong arm. Because we all know it's not about me, I have a great teammate and to bring out the best of everyone around me. Brown shared a photo of his heavily burned feet on Instagram on August 3, which was later discovered to be frostbits to his feet due to not wearing appropriate footwear during a cryotherapy session. Brown was forced to miss 10 out of 11 training camp workouts with the Raiders due to his injury.

Even though it was banned, he filed a complaint on August 9 to continue wearing his old helmet, threatening to withdraw from football if he were forced to wear a new helmet. Despite Brown's efforts to wear his old helmet, an arbitrator denied his request. Brown eventually found a replacement for his old helmet, but it did not meet the NFL's requirements. He continued to not train with the Raiders afterward. Brown had a second lawsuit about his helmet on August 19, which he also lost. Brown opted to wear the Xenith Shadow helmet for the 2019 season on September 4, 2019.

Brown was fined a total $54,000 by general manager Mike Mayock on September 4, owing to unexplained absences and two team practice sessions. Brown posted a letter from his fines on Instagram, a move that was scrutinized around the league. Brown confronted Mayock and had a verbal altercation, with reports claiming that Brown called Mayock a "cracker" who Brown later denied. Brown was also announced that they threatened to attack Mayock and were forced to be held back by several teammates, including linebacker Vontaze Burfict. He punched a football and told Mayock, "fine me for that."

Brown arrived at a Raiders' team meeting on September 6 and expressed an emotional apology for his behavior. When Brown was asked if Brown would play against the Denver Broncos in Week 1, he replied, "That's the way." Yes," the narrator says. Brown's 20-second tweet said, "I'm excited to be out here today." I apologised to my colleagues and the company. Enough talk, gentlemen. I'm excited to be out here with my colleagues. I'm grateful for all the followers. I'm excited to be a part of the Raiders and hope to see you guys soon."

Brown, on the other hand, demanded his freedom from the Raiders after they voided the promised funds in his deal just less than a day later. Brown was released by the Browns later that day, just hours before his 2019 paycheck was guaranteed. The Browns fined Brown $215,000 for his altercation with Mayock prior to his release.

Brown decided on a one-year deal with the New England Patriots worth up to $160 million, with a $9 million signing bonus on September 7, 2019. In addition, the Patriots introduced a second-year contract in Brown's deal, in which he would receive $20 million if picked up.

Despite allegations of sexual and personal misconduct against him, Brown trained with the Patriots in preparation for his season debut against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. In a 43-0 road victory, he made his Patriots debut in Week 2, with four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown as a result, as well as a 5-yard rush. The Patriots cut Brown on September 20 after further charges, in comparison to reportedly offensive text messages sent to one of his accusers after heading to New England.

Brown announced on Twitter that he was leaving the NFL on September 22, 2019, but then changed his mind four days later. He seemed to be resigning on July 20, 2020, but he expressed an interest in playing a few days later.

Brown was suspended for the first eight weeks of the 2020 NFL season for multiple breaches of the league's personal conduct policy, which was announced on July 31, 2020.

On October 24, 2020, Brown visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On October 27, the team's base salary and active game rewards were reported, as well as $1.5 million in performance compensation. Brown was reunited with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, who was previously his offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brown was reinstated from suspension and the team activated him on November 3, 2020. He was shot five times in his first game back on Sunday Night Football in Week 9, catching three passes for 31 yards. The Buccaneers were defeated by the New Orleans Saints 3–38, however. Brown defeated the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 for 69 yards in a 46-23 victory. Brown also threw a bicycle at a security guard at his house on October 15, 2020, the next day.

Brown was credited with five catches for 93 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, defeating them 31–27. This was Brown's first touchdown of the season and as a Buccaneer. In Week 17, he had 11 receptions for 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons, defeating the 44–27 victory. He had 45 receptions for 483 passing yards and four touchdowns during the 2020 season.

During the 31–23 victory, Brown rushed once for a 22-yard gain and two passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. Brown was injured and did not participate in the NFC Championship in which the Buccaneers defeated the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Brown scored his third touchdown of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a one-yard pass from Tom Brady with six seconds remaining in the first half. Brown was awarded his first Super Bowl championship by the Buccaneers, who defeated him 31–9.

Brown agreed to a one-year contract in order to return to the Buccaneers on April 28, 2021. Brown survived the physical, and the agreement was signed on May 25, 2021, despite off-season knee surgery. The contract was worth $6.25 million, a $2 million signing bonus, and $3.1 million was guaranteed. Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Buccaneers on September 22, 2021. He missed the Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams because he was still on the roster. Brown was suspended for three games by the NFL for breaching the league's COVID-19 rules by misrepresenting his vaccination status on December 2, 2021.

Brown took his jersey, shoulder pads, glove, and shirt off and ran across the locker room in Week 17, during the Buccaneers' 28–24 victory over the New York Jets. Brown is no longer a Buccaneer," Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said in a post-game press conference. Arians later spoke to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer after the game, arguing that he tried to convince Brown to play but Brown refused, which is when he told Brown to leave. When asked whether Brown took his jersey off, Arians said yes and he'd never seen anything like it in all my years." "We all love him, we care about him deeply, we want to see him be at his best, but we can't have him with our team," Tom Brady said in the same press conference.

Four days after the shooting, Brown released a statement claiming that Arians and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had been complicit in a cover-up. Brown said an MRI on his ankle revealed "broken bone fragments embedded in my ankle, the ligaments torn from the bone, and cartilage loss, which are beyond painful." Brown confirmed that he would have surgery to fix these injuries. Brown was officially released on January 6, 2022, and went through veteran waivers two days later without a team claiming him. Brown had 42 catches, 545 yards, and four touchdowns in seven games played this season.

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