Antonio Brown is on the comeback trail with his heart set on returning to the NFL following a year of drama. The former All-Pro receiver took the first significant step toward an NFL return on Monday by hiring a new agent.
Brown hired veteran agent Ed Wasielewski of EMG Sports, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move comes nearly three months after Drew Rosenhaus, Brown’s former agent, terminated his relationship with the NFL star following a string of off-field issues.
Rosenhaus ended his working relationship with Brown following a stretch of extreme behavioral issues after he was released by the New England Patriots. The 31-year-old receiver blasted the NFL and hinted at retirement on Nov. 7 then clarified his statement the same day.
He seemed to turn a corner after releasing an apology for his behavior a month later, before he went back to blasting the NFL just days later. Brown later ranted against Rosenhaus, calling his agency a scam and hinting at other issues with one of the NFL’s most prominent agents.
Brown vowed to take responsibility for his actions in March and recently worked out with Lamar Jackson, but the Baltimore Ravens aren’t interested in signing him.
He remains under investigation by the NFL for two separate allegations of sexual misconduct. Even if teams are interested, Brown could face a suspension for the allegations and his off-field issues, including a charge for battery, when the league’s investigation concludes.
For now, though, Brown remains focused on returning to football and hiring a respected agent will help him make another step towards an NFL return.