Russell Wilson believes ‘humbled’ Antonio Brown should get second chance in NFL

Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, is advocating for the return of the embattled wide receiver.

Oct 23, 2020

The Seattle Seahawks’ superstar quarterback Russell Wilson is advocating for wide receiver Antonio Brown to return to the NFL.

Currently serving an eight-game suspension that was announced in July, Brown has been sidelined due to multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

NFL star Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks (left) is advocating for the return of wide receiver Antonio Brown (right),
shown before the New England Patriots’ Sept. 2019 game against the Miami Dolphins.
(Photos by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images and Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“I think Antonio definitely has taken those steps [in the right direction], and like I said, nobody’s perfect,” Wilson told ESPN on Thursday. “From the conversations I’ve had with him, he’s really been remorseful, and he’s been humbled along the way. Like I said, I pray that he can continue to grow, just like anybody.”

Wilson has been privately and publicly pushing for the Seahawks to sign Brown after the wide receiver’s suspension ends, and reports indicate the possibility is looking more and more likely.

Brown and Wilson have developed a close relationship over the past few years. The players reportedly worked out together over the summer at Wilson’s California home.

The talented, embattled Brown was accused of sexual misconduct in 2017, and earlier this year, he pleaded no contest to a felony burglary charge and two misdemeanors stemming from an incident with a moving truck company outside his Florida home.

“I think the reality about Antonio is he is one of the best players to play this game obviously,” Wilson said.

“The reality with Antonio is, he’s had some tough moments in his life, especially as of late,” he added. “I think he’s gone through a lot of things he wishes he could take back and do, and just not say, whatever it might be.”

The championship-winning quarterback said that “not everybody is perfect. And I think that’s the reality, none of us are. So, hopefully, he gets to play football again.”

Wilson said that he prays for Brown, and he thinks that the Seahawks organization is a place where he could grow not just as a player, but as a man.

Twitter reactions to Wilson’s stance varied.

@DangeRussWilson I have a lot of respect for you. But your advocacy for AB is a bit much. The guy has had more than his second chance–more like a dozen. Each time, another toxic behavior. Are there not more deserving, truly needy folks you can champion?
— SurfWriter (@clearwaveimage) October 23, 2020

http://twitter.com/tomroper87/status/1319591656455393283

Russell Wilson needs to just admit that he wants them to pick up AB so he can get another ring. That’s all it is
— no 💜 (@AnnieMaLove) October 23, 2020