Antonio Brown’s latest legal situation has reportedly prompted strong reactions from two former NFL stars who have known him both professionally and personally. Their public comments did not focus on football, but on what led to this point and how they reportedly view Brown’s ongoing troubles.
How Former NFL Receivers Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson Addressed the News
Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe spoke on his Nightcap podcast about Antonio Brown’s reported arrest on an attempted murder charge connected to a May 16 shooting in Miami.
Brown, who had reportedly been living in Dubai, was extradited to the United States and is being held ahead of further legal proceedings.
The latest on former NFL WR Antonio Brown, who had a hearing today in New Jersey: pic.twitter.com/FeolO8U35I
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2025
According to police records, Brown is accused of allegedly taking a handgun from a security staffer after a celebrity boxing match and allegedly firing two shots at a man he had reportedly been fighting earlier. One of the bullets allegedly grazed the man’s neck.
Sharpe, who has had a long-running public dispute with Brown, reportedly became emotional while speaking with co-host Chad Johnson, saying, “I just wish AB realized how special he was. He didn’t realize it Ocho.”
It’s bigger than football 💔
Ocho expresses his feelings about lifelong friend Antonio Brown and his most recent legal predicament @ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/sSTYd7f5C2
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) November 7, 2025
The comment came in response to the seriousness of the charges and Brown’s reported legal history in recent years.
Brown’s NFL career included seven Pro Bowl selections and multiple league-leading seasons in receptions and receiving yards with the Pittsburgh Steelers between 2010 and 2018.
He was also part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV. His playing career reportedly ended in 2021 after he left the field mid-game during a matchup against the New York Jets, which led to his release.
Chad Johnson, who also played wide receiver in the league, reflected on his personal history with Brown, noting that their relationship dated back to Brown’s teenage years.
Johnson said, “You gotta understand, we all grew up together… Every offseason, me, AB, Santana Moss, Andre Johnson… we stay together and everybody’s still on the right path.” Johnson’s remarks reportedly described a close circle of players from Miami-Dade County who trained during the offseason.
Miami police spokesperson Mike Vega confirmed that Brown was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Dubai and transported first to Essex County, New Jersey, before being scheduled for extradition to Miami.
A warrant for Brown’s arrest was reportedly issued on June 11. Police documents state that the victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, told investigators that one of the shots allegedly grazed his neck.
A second-degree attempted murder charge reportedly carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. It was not immediately known whether Brown has legal representation.