A ‘real’ NFL interest for Antonio Brown when he plays for the Arena team

NFL

as if Andrew Crane

May 26, 2023 | 5:36 p.m

Ahead of this weekend’s inaugural Arena Football League game, Antonio Brown’s agent told CBS Sports they had “real” interest from NFL teams who might consider signing the controversial star receiver.

Brown’s agent, JR Rickert, told CBS Sports that he’s “looking at the exact situation,” whose father, Eddie Brown, was killed in 2015.

A shirtless appearance at MetLife Stadium marks a return to the NFL for Brown, who hasn’t played in a game — or signed with a team — since walking off the field against the Jets. January 2022

Then-Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said following the game that Brown didn’t belong on the team, and that would be the same for Tampa Bay — and every other NFL franchise — 17 months later.

More recently, Brown has focused his attention on the AFL’s Albany Empire, although there is some confusion as to whether he actually owns the organization.

But Houston’s NBC affiliate KPRC 2 reported Thursday Brown’s contract was being offered on the Empire’s roster, and after practice, the 34-year-old is expected to make his debut Saturday when Albany hosts the Fayetteville Mustangs.

According to Albany’s News10 ABC, Brown ran one way in practice.

“I think he’s a multi-talented guy who does everything at a high level, and everything he does goes in,” Rickert told CBS Sports.

During the 2021 season, Brown played in seven games, caught 42 passes for 545 yards and four touchdowns for the Buccaneers, with Tom Brady as their quarterback.

He also helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl last season, along with Brady and Arians following tumultuous seasons — filled with off-field issues — with the Steelers, Raiders and Patriots.

Brown has missed three games in 2021 due to his suspension for obtaining a fake Covid-19 vaccination card.

Rickerts appeared on CBS Sports about the off-field issues, allegations, lawsuits and whether that would lead to any discipline from the NFL, should Brown accept a contract, and his agent waived the question. I had an extremely positive experience working with AB and hope to continue to be a strong advocate and mentor.

But during his time with the Steelers, Brown made six Pro Bowls and four first-team AP All-Pro lists, and led the NFL in total receptions (twice) and yards (twice) at various points in his career.