If we’re to take Antonio Brown at his word about whether he will play next season, the answer is an emphatic No.
As with many things in life, what is said and what ends up happening often can be two separate and completely different things. So, AB’s words should be taken with a pinch of salt. So, too those of various head coaches and team’s that protest to the idea most vehemently,
With that in mind, don’t be surprised to see NFL betting boards continue to cough up Antonio Brown odds in variety of NFL markets, including NFL specials.
Antonio Brown Odds
To Play? Or To Retire?
The controversial wide receiver apparently isn’t looking to play in 2022. He said as much in his own special cryptic way during an interview that took place at a Fan Controlled Football game.
When asked if he would play in 2022, Brown answered, ““Nah, don’t play yourself looking at me to play.”
In plain english, that isn’t a no. But, it’s not a yes, either.
During the same interview, Brown got a bit philosophical about his career and that he’d accomplished all he could already. Raising questions about a possible retirement on the horizon.
“Obviously, we live the game, but you can’t play forever, “ said Brown. “I think I’m a great player that’s done everything in the game.”
Despite AB’s musings, bookmakers have gone ahead and rolled out NFL odds for Antonio Brown in various online betting NFL specials.
BetUS has one such market on tap right now.Will Antonio Brown be on the Los Angeles Rams’ active roster when Week 1 of the NFL season kicks off?
The “yes” bet is valued at a whopping +1500, which is telling. Or is it?
Where Could AB Land?
Let’s face it, all it means is that AB’s chances of joining the Rams before Week 1 are slim at best.
There are 31 other teams … or 30, if we dismisses a return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneer outright.
Who can forget Brown’s acrimonious exit, which was televised to a national audience, during Tampa Bay’s game against the New York Jets?
Tampa Bay #Bucs WR Antonio Brown leaves field in middle of Buccaneers’ game vs. Jets, strips down and gives peace sign to the crowd
Leaving $1 million on the table in missed bonus money
SOURCE: @marktaterstrec1 aka TATO Tom Brady #AntonioBrown #TampaBayBuccaneers pic.twitter.com/pCmelJs4zO
— The Gary & Dino Show (@garyanddino) January 2, 2022
It caused a huge rift between the mercurial wide receiver and the Buccaneers organization, prompting the then-head coach Bruce Arians to permanently shut the door on AB ever returning to Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers released AB in January and since then he’s sent out mixed signals. In the same month, he indicated he would love to play with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, posting a photo of himself in a Ravens jersey. Since then, he’s teased other options, including a return to the AFC North via Steel City.
Is a Pittsburgh Steelers Comeback in the Cards?
In recent weeks, there’s been some suggestion AB might go full circle and return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent nine glorious years honing his craft to become one of the most prolific players in the NFL.
AB stoked the fire himself with a timely tweet last month, saying: “Just wanna Retire A Steeler.” The tweet has 60.2 K likes and counting.
Less than a half-hour later, AB followed that up with a second tweet that said, “Not Play Jus Retire so we Clear.”
Mike Tomlin, however, quashed the idea in an armchair chat. “You all know that ain’t happenin,” said the longtime Steelers head coach..
“He’s moved on and we’ve moved on,” added Tomlin. “We can sit around and chop that up and pretend that it’s a realistic conversation, but we all know that it’s not realistic, man.”
Mike Tomlin on Antonio Brown: #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/J5FMB0Xmr9
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) June 22, 2022
Brown was drafted by the Steelers in 2010 where he spent his first nine seasons. In 2018, he requested a trade, which was granted soon thereafter.
The Steelers palmed him off to the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the 2019 NFL season. But AB’s sojourn in Sin City was short-lived as a rift with the organization saw them cut ties with the seven-time Pro Bowler before Week 1.
Later that same season, Brown joined the New England Patriots. However, his stint lasted less than a fortnight. Allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced and, after playing one game, the Patriots released the wide receiver.
One year later, Brown reunited with his BFF, Tom Brady, officially joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in late October. He started in Week 9 against the New Orleans and played an instrumental role in the Buccaneers’ road to Super Bowl glory.
Will He? Or Won’t He?
If his last two seasons in the NFL were any indication, the 33-year-old wideout showed he’s still a game-changer and a viable competitor. Any team that gets AB will know he can “put a ring on it.” At the same time, they also know he comes with a lot of baggage.
Is there a team that is willing to take the chance on AB? Will AB play in the NFL? Or will he retire? Heady questions, indeed.
