Tomlin rebuffs potential Antonio Brown reunion: 'That ain't happening'
Head coach Mike Tomlin dismissed the possibility of a Pittsburgh Steelers reunion with wide receiver Antonio Brown.
"Y'all know that ain't happening," Tomlin said on the latest episode of "The Pivot" podcast.
"In terms of putting a helmet on and running out of the tunnel and playing ball and stuff like that, man, you know he's moved on, and we've moved on. We can sit around and chop that up like it's a realistic conversation, but we know that's not realistic."
Brown recently expressed a desire to finish his career with the Steelers last month. He later clarified he would just like to retire with the franchise that drafted him in the sixth round in 2010.
Brown developed into one of the most potent receivers in the league as a member of the Steelers, ranking second in franchise history with 837 receptions, 11,207 yards, and 74 touchdowns.
While Tomlin disregarded the notion of bringing Brown back, he did express fond memories of the wideout's tenure in Pittsburgh.
"What I'll say about AB is this, man: We had nine great years," he said. "I appreciate that dude in ways that I can't explain to y'all. I won't even bother to attempt to explain to y'all because it sounds like I'm defending him in some way. And to me, from that standpoint, the nature of our relationship and what we all did together requires no defense.
"You could digest it however you want to digest it. I don't think enough gets said about the will of that dude. About the work ethic of that dude. About the fearlessness in which he played the game."
The four-time All-Pro has since had stints with the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and most recently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brown, who turns 34 in July, has experienced multiple run-ins with the law. His former trainer said he sexually assaulted her, and another woman said he sexually harassed her before sending her intimidating texts in 2019. He was charged with felony burglary in 2020 and then suspended eight games for multiple personal conduct violations.
The Buccaneers cut Brown after he ran off the field during the team's Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets. He currently remains a free agent.