The newest Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver won over his head coach in his first practice on Wednesday.
Antonio Brown entered the headlines last week, as a variety of teams were interested in bringing him in for the remainder of the NFL season. While ESPN’s Adam Schefter listed the Seattle Seahawks as the favorites to sign Brown, it was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who got the job done. While he does have a looming court appearance due to sexual assault allegations, Brown is set to make his debut for the Bucs in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints.
Brown participated in his first practice with the Buccaneers, and he earned rave reviews. Perhaps the most important seal approval he received was from head coach Bruce Arians.
“He looks fantastic. I think we had really good conversations today, he and I,” Arians said Wednesday, via ESPN. “He was in the meetings and everything. And he’s working with Anthony Piroli and the strength staff. He looks in great shape. Yeah, ready to go next week.”
So far, so good for Antonio Brown
The signing of Brown was shocking, considering he and Arians were never exactly fans of each other. Just last year, Arians said there was “too much diva” in Brown during his various outbursts. But, based off this practice, the two appear to be on the same page, and Arians is liking what he’s seeing.
Brown was suspended eight games by the league for multiple violations to their personal conduct policy. That ban stems from the receiver being accused of sexual assault twice and for being charged for burglary with battery for an incident back in January. Brown pleaded no contest in June and was sentenced to two years probation.
Ever since being out of the league, Brown had stressed that he only wanted to play with quarterback Tom Brady. The two were teammates together for one game with the New England Patriots, where Brown caught four passes from Brady for 56 yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. Brown was released by the Patriots due to the aforementioned allegations.
The Buccaneers already have a loaded passing attack that includes Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller and Rob Gronkowski. Sensing that they’re on the verge of being legitimate contenders out of the NFC, the organization decided to take a chance on Brown. It’s a grand opportunity for the wideout, as he’ll have the opportunity to potentially win a Super Bowl. However, he’ll do so on a short leash, as he’s expected to set his focus to matters on the field.
So far, so good for “AB” in TB.