Former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown has been apprehended in Dubai and extradited to the United States this week to face a second-degree attempted murder charge stemming from an alleged shooting incident in Miami this past spring, authorities confirmed Thursday.
U.S. Marshals picked up Brown, 37, who had spent months evading authorities, in the United Arab Emirates. He was subsequently booked into a New Jersey jail pending extradition back to Miami-Dade County.
The charge is connected to a May incident outside an amateur boxing event in Miami.
According to an arrest warrant, Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staff member during an altercation and firing two shots at a man he had fought earlier. The alleged victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, later identified Brown as the shooter and told investigators one of the bullets grazed his neck.
Miami police were initially called to the scene after reports of gunshots. While witnesses identified Brown, police did not find a weapon when they briefly detained and released him, as a victim could not be immediately located. Investigators later found Nantambu, and surveillance footage purportedly shows Brown taking the firearm and advancing toward the man before two shots are captured on video.
A second-degree attempted murder conviction carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Brown, who last played in the NFL in 2021, maintained his innocence in a social media post on Thursday as he went into custody.
“Handed over the keys to the socials and CTESPN to my team while I go through this fight for my innocence. Happy to showcase love & entertainment. All love & respect to everyone for the support,” he wrote.
Antonio Brown’s NFL career, spanning 12 years, was marked by both elite performance and significant controversy.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2010–2018): Rise to Stardom
- Draft and Early Years: Brown was a sixth-round draft pick (195th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Central Michigan.
- Peak Performance: His nine seasons with the Steelers represented the peak of his career. He was widely considered one of the best wide receivers in the league, known for his quickness, precise route running, and exceptional hands.
- Accolades: He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and four First-team All-Pro honors during his time in Pittsburgh. He led the NFL in receptions twice (2014, 2015) and receiving yards twice (2014, 2017). He was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
- Controversial End: His tenure with the Steelers ended dramatically in 2019 following a series of disputes and team disciplinary issues.
Late Career Mobility (2019–2021): Brief Stints and a Super Bowl
- Oakland Raiders (2019): After being traded to the Raiders, Brown never played a regular-season game for the team due to a turbulent offseason that included disputes over his helmet and fines, leading to his release shortly before the season began.
- New England Patriots (2019): He quickly signed with the New England Patriots but was released after just one game due to off-field allegations.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2021): Brown reunited with quarterback Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. He played a key role in the team’s victory in Super Bowl LV. His time there concluded abruptly during the 2021 season when he removed his jersey and equipment and left the field mid-game, which led to his release, effectively ending his professional football career.
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