Antonio Brown is back in football…arena football.
The former Steelers receiver confirmed to WNYT Sports Director Rodger Wyland that he will play for the Albany Empire on Saturday, May 27.
Brown, who owns the Empire, will play against the Fayetteville Mustangs at MVP Arena in Albany.
The Empire released the follow statement on its website:
The Arena Football League provides a unique platform for players to showcase their skills in a fast-paced, high-scoring environment. With a narrower field and fewer players on the field, the game requires quick decision-making and precise execution, perfectly suited to Brown’s athleticism and agility.
It was rumored that Brown would play if the team was able to sell out the arena, but plenty of tickets are still available for this Saturday’s game.
Brown last played professional football in 2021, as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He notoriously walked off the field in the middle of the game against the New York Jets on January 2, 2022, complaining of an ankle injury but says he was still told to play.
Brown won a Super Bowl the previous year with the Bucs, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro.
There have also been reports that Brown is trying to get quarterback Cam Newton to join him in Albany.
After winning back-to-back league championships, the Empire are currently 1-4 this season.
Brown also told Wyland that John Audino will be the new head coach of the Empire. Audino is currently coach at the La Salle High School in Troy, New York.