Antonio Brown Threatens Steelers Over Jersey Number
PITTSBURGH -- Antonio Brown isn't pleased with the Pittsburgh Steelers recent jersey assignment, giving No. 84 to new kick returner/running back Cordarrelle Patterson. After seeing the news, he made sure to let the team know he was aware someone was taking his number.
"May have to retire a Raider #84," Brown wrote on X.
Brown became one of the best wide receivers of his generation wearing the number 84, and during his run in Pittsburgh, there were always hundreds of Brown jerseys worn at Heinz Field on gamedays. But the Steelers aren't a team to keep numbers on the shelf once players leave, and with the way Brown departed, there was no setimental value in not giving it up.
Patterson isn't the first Steelers player to wear the number since Brown left, but he will be the first player to wear it during the regular season. The only other member of the team was wide receiver Ricco Bussey, who dawned 84 during the preseason before getting injured.
Patterson was considering a number change when he arrived in Pittsburgh but ultimately chose to stick with 84. He's worn the number in all 11 seasons he's been in the league.