Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 5 wide receivers from the 2010s

1. Antonio Brown (2010-18)

The Antonio Brown saga is one of the most interesting and disturbing in recent history. Seemingly overnight, one of the most beloved and well-known players in the NFL turned into the league’s resident villain. While he flashed some diva tendencies in the past, Brown’s actions reached an all-time low in 2019.

After forcing his way out of Pittsburgh and Oakland, Brown found himself embroiled in a rape and sexual assault case. He then got kicked off of the New England Patriots after only appearing in one game. In January, Brown turned himself into police after assaulting the driver of a moving truck. He’s currently an unsigned free agent.

Before his catastrophic meltdown, Brown looked destined for a gold jacket and a bust in Canton, Ohio. The former sixth-round pick from Central Michigan battled his way onto Pittsburgh’s roster and up the depth chart. In just his second season, Brown amassed 1,108 yards and made the Pro Bowl.

Brown became a full-time starter in 2012, and the following year he made the first of six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. He also earned four consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections from 2014 to 2017. To put that in perspective, Randy Moss made six Pro Bowls and earned four First-Team All-Pro selections during his entire career.

When Pittsburgh traded Brown during the 2019 offseason, he only trailed Hines Ward for the most receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in franchise history. Talent always provides second chances in the NFL, but Brown might’ve used all of his opportunities already. His football future remains murky.