Fact Check: He walked off the field in the middle of a game in 2021, effectively ending his career in Tampa and the NFL.

Fact Check: "He walked off the field in the middle of a game in 2021, effectively ending his career in Tampa and the NFL."

What We Know

On January 2, 2022, during a game against the New York Jets, Antonio Brown, then a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, abruptly left the field in the third quarter. He removed his jersey, pads, and undershirt, throwing them into the stands before running across the end zone and exiting the stadium. This incident was widely reported and captured on video, leading to significant media coverage (source-2, source-6). Following this event, the Buccaneers released Brown, effectively ending his tenure with the team and his career in the NFL (source-1).

In a statement released shortly after the incident, Brown claimed he was forced to play despite suffering from a serious ankle injury that would require surgery. He alleged that he informed the coaching staff about his inability to continue playing due to pain, but was ordered to return to the field (source-3). The Buccaneers' coach, Bruce Arians, denied knowledge of Brown's injury at the time (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that Antonio Brown walked off the field in the middle of a game in 2021 is supported by multiple sources, including video evidence and statements from Brown himself. The incident is a matter of public record, with significant media coverage detailing the events leading up to and following his departure from the game (source-2, source-6).

While Brown's assertion that he was injured and unable to play is contested by the Buccaneers' coaching staff, it is important to note that the circumstances surrounding his exit were highly emotional and controversial. The conflicting narratives—Brown's claim of injury versus the team's assertion of his refusal to play—add complexity to the situation. However, the fact remains that his actions during the game directly led to his release from the team and marked the end of his NFL career (source-1, source-3).

The credibility of the sources discussing this incident is generally high, as they include reputable sports news outlets and official statements from the NFL. However, Brown's own statements should be viewed with some skepticism, given his history of controversial behavior and public disputes with teams (source-1, source-3).

Conclusion

The claim that Antonio Brown walked off the field in the middle of a game in 2021, effectively ending his career in Tampa and the NFL, is True. The incident is well-documented, with clear evidence of Brown's actions during the game and the subsequent impact on his professional career.

Fact Check: He walked off the field in the middle of a game in 2021, effectively ending his career in Tampa and the NFL.