In a stunning reversal, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has issued a public apology for his acrimonious departure from the team in 2019.
Brown, who played for the Steelers from 2010 to 2018, was traded to the Oakland Raiders in March 2019 after a tumultuous offseason that saw him publicly feud with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and skip several team meetings.
But in a surprise statement released on social media, Brown expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged that he made a mistake by leaving the Steelers.
“I was wrong to leave the Steelers,” Brown wrote. “I was wrong to speak out against my teammates and coaches. I was wrong to not appreciate the opportunities that I had in Pittsburgh.”
Brown’s apology was met with shock and surprise from Steelers fans and NFL observers, many of whom had written off the talented but troubled wide receiver after his messy departure from the team.
But Brown’s statement suggests that he has had a change of heart and is seeking to make amends with his former team and teammates.
“I’m not asking for forgiveness, I’m just asking for a chance to make things right,” Brown wrote. “I’m proud of my time in Pittsburgh and I’m grateful for the opportunities that I had. I hope that one day I can return to the Steelers and contribute to another championship season.”
The Steelers have yet to respond to Brown’s apology, but it’s clear that the door is open for a potential reunion.
