03 March 2023 , 13:55
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Antonio Brown has officially confirmed that he has retired from the NFL after an incredible career, which came to a close in highly-controversial fashion.
Brown spent 12 seasons in the NFL, nine of which were with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he will be remembered as the storied franchises' greatest wide receiver of all-time, scoring 84 touchdowns.
But now at the age of 34 and having not played in the 2022 season, Brown has confirmed that he has no intentions to sign with a team this off-season - and is instead looking forward to retirement, after becoming owner of a National Arena League team.
Brown has become co-owner of the Albany Empire, the New York-based team in which his father had previously played for. Brown grew up in Albany and has told TMZ Sports that he will be a hands-on owner, bringing an end to his playing career.
Just less than five years ago, the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was seen as one of the more likeable faces in the NFL, and arguably the greatest talent in the league.
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As well as being an incredible player, with some believing he remains as a top five receiver in NFL history, Brown had been a charming, happy-go-lucky character who quietly went about his business, dominating for eight consecutive years.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and two time receiving yards leader, the only thing missing from his incredible resume was a Super Bowl ring - something he would achieve later in his career.
Antonio Brown was truly unstoppable with the Steelers (Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)Brown left the Steelers in controversial fashion after a series of incidents including falling out with head coach Mike Tomlin and teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster, demanding a trade the day before the final game of the 2018 season.
He would join the Oakland Raiders in what turned out to be a nightmare stint, as he was unable to practice after giving himself frostbite on his feet. He also refused to play when the NFL prevented him from wearing the same helmet that he did with the Steelers.
Brown joined the New England Patriots and did score a touchdown on his only game, before being released after just a few days for allegedly sending intimidating text messages.
Antonio Brown won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in his final full seasonBrown reunited with Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he became a valuable player in their Super Bowl winning season, catching a touchdown in the big game.
But his career came to an end the following season after he took his kit off during a game and stormed off the field, refusing to continue.
Brown's playing days are now officially over, with him being an interesting topic of conversation for the Hall of Fame in a few years time, when he becomes eligible.