PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
One day before veterans begin practicing for the Oakland Raiders at training camp, superstar receiver Antonio Brown was placed on the NFI list.
HBO is going to have one hell of a Hard Knocks season.
Less than 24 hours before the Oakland Raiders begin training camp in full swing, wide receiver Antonio Brown has been placed on the Non-Football Injury List for undisclosed reasons. Brown flew to camp in a hot air balloon, only months after being traded to Oakland from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Brown, 31, is not known to have sustained any injuries. In general manager Mike Mayock’s press conference earlier on Friday afternoon, he didn’t mention Brown as having suffered any physical issues. Whether Brown’s including on the NFI list is short or long-term remains unknown. However, the Raiders have decided not to comment on the situation for the time being, leading to speculation.
Last year in Pittsburgh, Brown had a terrific on-field season and a turbulent one away from it. In terms of football, Brown notched 104 catches for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Steelers to nine wins. However, his life was chaotic away from it, as detailed in this piece from a few months ago.
The Raiders are hoping Brown is a massive part of rebuilding a losing culture. Oakland hasn’t won a playoff game since 2002 and has only gotten to the postseason once in that span. Additionally, this is likely the last season the Raiders will be playing in Oakland before moving to Las Vegas for the 2020 season.