Will Antonio Brown Retire Over Helmet?

  • In 2018, Antonio Brown recorded 15 touchdowns, the most in one season for his career.
  • He also had 168 receptions and went 1,297 yards for the year, making it one of his best.
  • In 2019, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a third and fifth-round pick in the NFL Draft.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Wide receiver Antonio Brown, 31, of the Oakland Raiders is having helmet issues. Brown is new to Oakland’s team after spending his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The problem with Brown all stems from an equipment issue. He wants to continue wearing the same helmet that he’s worn his entire career however that helmet is no longer certified as safe to wear.

Any equipment that is 10 years old or older is no longer seen as operational by the league. Brown’s helmet falls under this rule. He has filed a grievance against the league as a Hail Mary to be able to continue to wear his favorite headgear.

The NFL has not yet responded to Brown’s complaint. There are strict rules that must be adhered to if an athlete wishes to play. Not only are these rules in place for a player’s safety, but it’s also a liability for the league. Brown has not been able to participate in any practices since refusing to wear the equipment that has been certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards of Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).

“The player can’t practice or play in games with equipment that’s not approved. If he doesn’t play or practice he is in breach of his contract and doesn’t get paid. Nfl policy is that Helmets have to be certified by NOSCAE. They don’t certify equipment that’s old than 10 years,” tweeted Brian McCarthy, vice president of communications for the NFL.

Unless Brown embraces the new helmet that he has been given, he will not be allowed to play nor will he be paid. It is unlikely that the NFL will side in favor of Brown, as safety rules are enforced for a reason. He has threatened to retire unless he gets his way.

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“Raiders’ WR Antonio Brown has told team officials that, unless he gets to wear his old helmet, he will not play football again, per league sources,” tweeted Adam Schefter, an NFL Insider for ESPN.

The Oakland Raiders will face the Denver Broncos on September 9th to start their season. The game will be airing at 10:15 pm ET and will be aired by the ESPN network. The Raiders are favored to win with odds of -125 while the Broncos have odds of +105. But USAOnlineSportsbooks.com knows the question remains, will Antonio Brown be on the field?