AB running with another chance
Brown makes his way back from NFL purgatory with an assist from Brady
Antonio Brown lasted all of 11 days in New England because he couldn’t behave like a lawabiding citizen and exist within the rules laid out by Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft.
A year later, with most teams uninterested in getting involved with the troubled wide receiver and the baggage he carries, the Buccaneers reached out and reeled him in.
They took a chance, because, as the narrative goes, Tom Brady believed in him, and wanted him.
Listening to Brady on a video conference call Wednesday, he said he’s always felt an urge to help players, whether they’re outcasts or otherwise. Then listening to Brown, Brady’s friendship and advice sounded like the kick in the pants he needed.
“He’s helped me get to the point where I am right now,” said Brown. “He’s helped me grow as a person, physically, mentally, emotionally, and he kind of put some things in perspective … making sure I got a plan, and I’m not letting any outside noise diffuse that plan.”
So yes, Brown has been drinking the Brady Kool-Aid, so to speak, and, unlike his brief stint with the Patriots, Brown has managed to walk the straight and narrow in Tampa Bay.
After serving a league-imposed eight-game suspension for multiple violations of the league’s personal-conduct policy, Brown hasn’t stepped out of line, or done anything off the field to warrant the Bucs cutting ties.
The Patriots sent Brown packing after the receiver reportedly sent intimidating texts to a woman who accused him of making past unwanted advances toward her. While it’s hard to reconcile some of the horrible incidents he’s been linked to in the past — or the tumultuous ride he’s had bouncing from team to team — it seems evident Brown’s seen some sort of light.
In his words, he’s trying to be more “humble” and is grateful for the opportunity he’s been given by the Bucs.
He knew going into Tampa, it was likely his last chance.
“I just think it was my only chance to be able to prove to not only the doubters, but to prove to myself I’m still a high-end football player; still love the game, still love to compete,” said Brown, who is 32. “I had to prove it to myself I never gave up, or gave in. I stayed consistent and persistent to my goals and vision. And I’m here right now, and I’m grateful.”
Brady said he couldn’t be happier or prouder of Brown’s recent transformation. He wanted the Bucs to add the receiver to his already-stocked arsenal because in the short time Brown was with New England, they clicked immediately. And, there’s also a side of Brady that wants to help others succeed.
He’s certainly been with teammates with a myriad of personalities, be it Randy Moss, Rob Gronkowski, or Julian Edelman. Brown just might be the most complex of the lot.
“I think my relationship with every player, whether it was Randy and AB, it just starts with … I don’t have any predisposed notions of how things will go, or how things should go,” said Brady. “I just get to know everybody, I try to, in my own way, be a positive influence in their life, and they’re a positive influence in my life.
“Randy and I connected right away. Antonio and I connected right away,” he went on. “He has a great love for the game, is a real perfectionist about how he plays, how he takes care of himself. Incredible football IQ , and has a great skill set just as a player.
“I think he’s made incredible strides over the last 12 months to get from where he was at, to where he’s at now.”
Brown dodged questions about his future — he signed a one-year deal in late October — and whether he wants to continue with the Buccaneers.
He said it would be a “disservice” to his teammates to discuss that. All of his focus and energy was on the game.
At this point, he even sounds like Brady.
Asked how he’s changed, and what he’s learned, Brown talked about having better control when things don’t go right. It’s a good lesson for any player who’s had difficulties.
“It’s all about controlling your emotions, physically, mentally, when you don’t feel good,” he said. “Not being a slingshot when others come at me, learning how to control my attitude, not letting my emotions get the best of me, even if I feel someone was wrong for doing what they did, just being forgiving, just staying positive.”
At times, Brown made it sound like he was a victim, having to channel out all the haters, even though most of his troubles have been selfinflicted. That certainly doesn’t sit well.
Still, he’s gained supporters.
Moss, on a conference call with ESPN, gave Brown props for making the effort to turn his life around. The
Pro Football Hall of Famer also credited Brady for Brown’s turnaround.
“I’m not going to speak on his off-field issues, because I’ve definitely had my own,” said Moss. “But when you look at what he’s been through, the roller coasters, and him being able to get back on the field … all the naysayers and all the question marks about why Bruce Arians and the Tampa Bay Bucs would bring a guy like Antonio Brown to their team, when they already had all the weapons in place … you can’t say enough about a guy that’s really kept his mouth shut. He’s been a model citizen.
“He’s been the guy that Tom Brady lobbied for, and he’s been that guy Tom Brady wanted on the field. So you can do nothing but tip your cap.”
In eight games played this season, Brown recorded 45 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns. Brown’s added three catches for 59 yards and a score during Tampa’s current playoff run.
He missed the NFC Championship Game against the Packers with a knee injury and was limited in practice Wednesday, but is hoping to be ready for Super Bowl Sunday.
Given all the talent at receiver, Brown’s had a smaller role with the Bucs, as opposed to being the No. 1 star receiver who never misses a down. He’s made that adjustment, too.
“I was excited and grateful for any opportunity I could have, if there was two plays, or 20 plays,” he said. “For me, it’s just staying ready. I don’t know how many plays I’m going to get. I don’t know when the moment is going to be the moment, I just prepare my mind to be positive and poised and be ready for all the outcomes.”
In the end, Brown said he’s learned to have “the right company” around him. He said “there’s nothing better” than being with Brady.