Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown seemingly doesn't have a choice where plays in 2019. It almost certainly won't be for the Steelers, who have agreed to shop the All-Pro receiver after his trade request. Brown and his representatives, however, are not being permitted to facilitate a trade, which means all negotiations must go through Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert.
Brown wants to play for the San Francisco 49ers or perhaps a select few other teams. While Brown may not have a vote on where he goes, he controls one thing: whether he plays football or not.
Brown sat down with Jeff Darlington of ESPN and shared that he does not necessarily need the game. The Steelers have already warned the receiver to stop hurting his trade value. His most recent comments may not sit well with Steelers executives trying to shop the receiver. Or maybe it's a strategy to limit the Steelers' control and try to land with a team of his choosing.
"Listen, I don't even have to play football if I don't want to, bro," Brown told Darlington. "I don't even need the game, you know what I'm saying? I don't need to prove anything to anyone. If they want to play, they're going to play by my rules. If not, I don't need to play."
There is some concern over what might happen with a new team. If a team gives up draft capital to acquire Brown, it will want to make sure a rift like the one in Pittsburgh this past season doesn't repeat itself.
"If I retire now, I'm great (financially)," Brown added.
Darlington asked Brown if he still wants the game.
"Obviously, I want the game, but I don't need the game," he responded. "I don't need to play for no one. You see this (home)? This is paid off cash. I don't owe no one. I'm a millionaire. I'm an entrepreneur. I don't have to prove no one anything."
Brown went on to say that he never quits or misses a game. His issues with the Steelers originated because of a lack of respect from the organization, says Brown. The receiver didn't feel the coaching staff and ownership were being respectful.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch said this week that the 49ers are not among the teams that have reached out to the Steelers to inquire about Brown.
What message does Brown have for general managers who might be hesitant on making a move to acquire him?
"I'm not trying to prove (anything) to general managers," he responded. "If you think I'm not a good player, if you think I won't do you right, I don't want to be around you ... I am not auditioning for nothing. I am the answer.
"If you want to bring my uniqueness to your situation for the answer, perfect. I'll show you. I'll show you the commitment. I'll show you who I am. But if you've got any doubt, don't even call me."
Brown also voiced his frustration with the Steelers organization and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the interview. The receiver believes he has a lot of football left in him.
"I have lightyears ahead of me," Brown said. "I've got a lot left. I'm still having fun. I'm still driven. I'm still hungry. I just love the comradery the game presents, always working to be my best self."
What is Brown's ideal NFL fit? His answer may sound like a certain team that resides in the Bay Area.
"To be able to play with a team that's motivated, young, hungry, exciting, that would be the ultimate," Brown said. "I just want to be in the right situation and the right environment to do something special. That's the ultimate."
The full 44-minute interview with Brown is below.
H/t to Bleacher Report for the find.
