This time four years ago, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was seen as one of the more likeable faces in the NFL. A seemingly bubbly, happy-go-lucky character who played the sport of American Football with a smile on his face whilst being one of the greatest players at the position that the game has seen in a long time.
Brown simply dominated for eight consecutive years in the NFL, routinely posting well over 1,000 yards and embarrassing whoever he lined up against. A seven-time Pro Bowler and two time receiving yards leader, the only thing missing from his incredible resume was a Super Bowl ring - something he would chase following his departure from the Steelers.
But since that time, it's all gone very downhill for the now controversial figure. In his final season with the Steelers, Brown's actions became peculiar, and things never recovered for the virtually-retired star.
December 2018: Browns' final days as a Steeler
Brown left the Steelers in 2018 after a series of incidents. On one occasion, he was seen on the sideline being unhappy with his position within the team, as he would seemingly be frustrated at a lack of targets. That season was the first since his 2013 that he was the second option receiver, following the emergence of second year pro JuJu Smith-Schuster from USC.
Smith-Schuster went on to register 1,426 yards on 111 receptions that season, with Brown having 1,297 on 104 catches. Openly frustrated with Smith-Schuster's success, Brown was seen arguing that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the touchline in their penultimate game of the season before skipping practice sessions before their final game.
Coach Mike Tomlin benched Brown for his actions, before the superstar dropped a bombshell in demanding a trade away from the team he'd spent his entire career at, something the Steelers were begrudgingly willing to accommodate.
March-September 2019: Oakland Raiders nightmare
It was first reported that Brown would be traded to the Buffalo Bills, who were at the time, somewhat of a laughing stock in the NFL. Quarterback Josh Allen was coming off the back of an unconvincing rookie season in which he threw more interceptions than touchdowns with questions being asked whether they made a mistake in drafting him.
But days later, it was the Oakland Raiders who sent the Steelers the most enticing offer as he was traded for a third and fifth round pick - not much compensation to give up for one of the best receivers to play this past decade with teams worried about the potential baggage he would bring to a team. The Raiders pre-season had been documented on NFL Network's Hard Knocks, which gave fans a real look into the Antonio Brown catastrophe in Oakland.
At the beginning of the training camp, Brown was nowhere to be seen, with it not being clear on his official status. As time went on, Brown admitted that he had given himself frostbite when he was not wearing correct footwear during a cryotherapy session - which saw him have bad blisters on his feet. He was recorded practicing without socks or cleats on his feet, as he was barely able to walk.
Weeks later, he filed two grievances against the NFL and did not practice with the Raiders after being told that his helmet - that he's worn throughout his career - does not now meet NFL's standards. Helmets have a 10-year shelf life before they are re-evaluated to be reinstated as a 'safe' option for athletes to use, with Brown's old helmet failing to qualify.
Brown threatened to retire if he was not allowed to wear his old helmet, before eventually choosing a new one days before the season started.
Days later, Brown fell out with Raiders general manager Mike Mayock and demanded to be released from his contract.
September 2019: New England Patriots cameo
Brown was released by the Raiders and picked up by Tom Brady's New England Patriots the very same day. Brady had been given one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL, in prime Antonio Brown to go with Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon.
Brown was quickly activated to the Patriots roster and started against the Miami Dolphins. He caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in the game, but was released just days later after allegedly intimidating text messages sent to one of his accusers of sexual and personal misconduct - this had been reported on just days before he signed with New England.
June 2020: Suspension
The now controversial superstar received an eight-game suspension from the NFL, after he was 'in violation of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy'.
This was not because of the sexual misconduct allegations, but from a separate incident in which he was arrested and was found to have attacked a truck driver. He was legally charged with burglary of a vehicle, misdemeanor battery, and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
October 2020: NFL return & Super Bowl with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After serving his suspension and with legal issues dropped, Brown reunited with Tom Brady as he joined the Buccaneers.
Brown actually lived at Brady's south Florida home during this time, with the quarterback becoming a 'mentor' to him, as Brown stated.
He quickly integrated himself into the offense, scoring four touchdowns in eight games as Tampa Bay went on to win the Super Bowl, as Brown scored the third touchdown of the game as the Buccaneers went on to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9.
December 2021: Brown takes off clothes during game and leaves stadium
At this point, Brown had a few unsavoury moments, but seemed to be happy and settled in Tampa Bay with Brady.
But in week 17, Brown was seen arguing with head coach Bruce Arians on the sidelines before he took off all of his clothes except for his shorts and threw them into the stands whilst being dressed to play against the New York Jets. The incident happened just before half-time, with Brown seemingly refusing to enter the game and leaving the stadium.
Arians said immediately after the game that Brown was: "No longer a Buc". Brown stated that he had injured his foot and was being forced to enter the game, something the team denied. Since this point, Brown has not been picked up by an NFL team and has continued with a number of bizarre and concerning actions.
October 2022: Brown exposes himself in Dubai & Tom Brady/Gisele jibe
A video emerged of Brown on holiday in a public swimming pool - allegedly naked with his genitals on display. The video was taken in May, the New York Post reported.
Later that month, Brown started to take shots at his former friend in Brady, joking about his alleged divorce from wife Gisele Bundchen. He continued to torment his former 'mentor' up until last weekend, when he posted a picture of Brady and Gisele with his face photoshopped over Brady's.
The 34-year-old has made his intentions clear that he'd like to play in the NFL again, but no team has been credited with any legitimate interest.
