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Earlier in March, Antonio Brown made the transition to football team ownership after buying a stake in the Albany Empire of the National Arena League. The seven-time Pro Bowler's father Eddie will also be a part of the franchise as vice president of football operations.
Interestingly, Eddie was considered one of the greatest wide receivers in the Arena League when he played for Albany for 10 seasons. He also helped Empire win the Arena Bowl championship in 1990.
His son Antonio will now extend the family tradition of being part of the team. He will also hope to bring Albany more success over the years. While speaking to reporters at the introductory press conference, the 34-year-old said:
"I grew up here, as a little kid watching my dad be successful and watching this building erupt. For me, to be in a family-oriented city like Albany, being here with my dad and my kids and just giving the community and players the opportunity to live out their dreams."
The Super Bowl winner is one of the most controversial figures to have played in the NFL. However, when asked about whether he could be trusted in his new ownership role, Antonio said:
“You’ll find out. You’ll see. Actions are better than words.”
Antonio Brown's NFL career, stats and honors
Antonio Brown was picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL draft. In his first season, the receiver helped the team reach the Super Bowl, but Pittsburgh suffered a 31-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Brown then signed with the New England Patriots in 2019 after a short-lived pre-season with the Oakland Raiders. However, he was cut from the team due to off-field issues.
The receiver signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and helped them win the Super Bowl in his first season. However, Brown was released from the team in 2021.
During his 12 years in the NFL, Brown racked up an impressive 12,291 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns on 928 receptions. The two-time receiving yards leader also recorded 2,934 return yards and five return touchdowns.
However, with his new role as owner of the Albany Empire, it's unlikely that Brown will make a return to the NFL.
