Antonio Brown’s NFL journey is a tale marked by talent, controversy, and abrupt conclusions. When he was drafted, he was projected to be one of the best football players. Despite possessing unparalleled potential, his legacy took a tumultuous turn by prematurely halting his football stardom.
Infamous for various controversies, from alleged unpaid child support for his daughter to making inappropriate comments about OKC Thunder rookie Josh Giddey, Brown consistently found himself on the radar for all the wrong reasons. Despite this, the veteran managed to pivot towards a more positive narrative by accomplishing his unfinished graduation.
Antonio Brown celebrates graduation
Antonio Brown recently celebrated a different achievement altogether as he earned his college diploma from Central Michigan University, 14 years after departing to pursue a career in the NFL.
Back in 2019, he made headlines by re-enrolling at Central Michigan, opting for online courses in various subjects. His coursework included subjects like Introduction to Management, Technical Writing, Death and Dying, and Racism and Equality.
The WR proudly marked this milestone by sharing a video from Central Michigan’s graduation ceremony. Dressed in the university’s regalia, and adorned with a gold graduation stole, he captioned the occasion with “Late Graduation #congratulations,” to signal towards his delayed but triumphant journey to academic success.
Throughout his NFL tenure, the veteran experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows while his most notable successes were during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2010 to 2018. However, subsequent stints with the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots were fraught with controversy. Ultimately, he found a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 before parting ways in early 2022.
Beyond football, Antonio Brown briefly ventured into team ownership earlier this year, overseeing the Albany Empire in the arena football league. However, this endeavor, like some others, was marked by turbulence.
Antonio Brown’s performance in CMU
Arriving at Central Michigan in 2007, Antonio Brown witnessed a transformative chapter after transitioning from a high school quarterback to a wide receiver. The switch, guided by the encouragement of wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, proved seamless for him as it paved the way for an exceptional freshman season.
The receiver’s remarkable performance in his debut year earned him the title of Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year. His statistics spoke volumes, with 102 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. Besides that, his 102 receptions led the entire Mid-American Conference.
The WR’s sophomore year saw him starting in every game. The following year, in 2009, he reached new heights, achieving career-best numbers of 110 receptions, 1,198 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns.
Ultimately, the veteran etched his name into the university’s record books as his tenure at Central Michigan boasted a school-record 305 receptions, including the top three seasons with the most receptions in school history. His 3,199 receiving yards ranked fourth all-time, accompanied by 22 touchdowns, placed him third in the university’s history.
The aftermath of his collegiate success led to an early departure from school after being drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
