Though Brown and Tomlin’s relationship took a large hit after the WR left the Steelers, Brown by no means misplaced his respect for his former head coach.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and former extensive receiver Antonio Brown (Picture through IMAGO)
It’s uncommon for Antonio Brown to open up his private life to the world. The previous NFL extensive receiver can typically be discovered taunting and trolling well-known names on social media, however for a change, he went for a visit down reminiscence lane and rekindled heartwarming moments with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Brown fell down the draft order after the scouts cited his slender construct, lack of competitiveness, and a 4.57 40-yard Mix time. The Pittsburgh Steelers took an opportunity and took him within the sixth spherical.
Whereas showing on Jason Whitlock‘s ‘Fearless podcast,’ the 35-year-old recalled his time with coach Tomlin in Pittsburgh. Brown highlighted that Tomlin was like a father determine to him.
Mike Tomlin… That dude was like my pops. Ever since I met Mike Tomlin, I at all times knew I would have success... Mike Tomlin was that father determine for me. Outdoors of coach.Antonio Brown informed Whitlock
Throughout the dialog, Brown obtained emotional about how Tomlin gave him his huge break. With Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback, he managed to adapt to the Steelers method too early. 2013 was his breakout 12 months when he recorded 110 receptions for 1499 yards and eight touchdowns.
Solely a 12 months later, he led the league with 129 receptions for 1698 yards. Brown had 100 completions and greater than 1200 yards for six straight seasons. Nonetheless, he was nonetheless lacking a Tremendous Bowl. So he selected to maneuver out and be part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he gained a hoop.
The respect is mutual between Mike Tomlin and Antonio Brown
Again in 2022, Tomlin went on the Pivot podcast, hosted by former Steeler Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder. Regardless that Brown left the group in haste, there was by no means any unhealthy blood between the 2.
We had 9 nice years. I respect that dude in methods I can not clarify to you all that I will not even hassle to try to clarify.Mike Tomlin revealed
The sensation was mutual.
That man, Mike Tomlin, at all times had my again and at all times believed in me. So I’m at all times indebted to Mike Tomlin.Antonio Brown stated
If Brown had maybe stayed with the Steelers, then maybe he would have gained a hoop with them. Nonetheless, nearly seven years after his departure, the seven-time Professional Bowler has expressed curiosity in a return to the group. Though Brown by no means introduced his retirement, he final performed within the NFL in a Week 17 win over the New York Jets in 2021.
In case you missed it:
https://firstsportz.com/emotional-antonio-brown-admits-steelers-hc-mike-tomlin-was-father-figure-to-him/