Former NFL star Antonio Brown has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reportedly owing nearly $3 million to eight creditors. The filing took place on May 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
His media company, CTESPN Network, confirmed the bankruptcy through a post on social media platform X. This marks another chapter in Brown’s ongoing financial troubles.
“NFL legend Antonio Brown has filed bankruptcy today,” the post read. “He will be a first ballot hall of famer in 2027. He will be releasing new music this summer. He is also the founder of the most trusted source in all of sports. The generational run continues.”
Antonio Brown claims to have less than $50,000 in assets despite earning $88 million during his 12-year NFL career.
His debts include obligations to a credit card company, a marketing firm, a law firm, and three six-figure civil judgments. Notably, he owes $1.2 million to a moving truck driver who sued him for assault and battery stemming from a 2020 incident.
Brown’s financial troubles are not new. In March 2023, he became part of the ownership group for the Albany Empire in the National Arena League, but the franchise was terminated just three months later on June 15, 2023, due to Brown’s failure to pay league dues and fines.
Antonio Brown had a highly successful NFL career, earning $88 million primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was named to seven Pro Bowls.
However, his career took a downturn when he was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2019. His time with the Raiders was tumultuous, leading to his release before playing a single game, largely due to conflicts with the team’s management, including an altercation with then-GM Mike Mayock over fines for missed practices.
After leaving the Raiders, Brown signed with the New England Patriots but lasted only two weeks. His brief stint was marred by allegations of sexual misconduct.
Following a touchdown reception in a Week 2 win against Miami, Brown was released after being accused of sending threatening texts to one of his accusers. These incidents have significantly impacted his career and public image.
After being released by the Patriots, Antonio Brown did not play for the remainder of the 2019 season and faced a suspension at the start of the 2020 season.
He eventually signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he reunited with quarterback Tom Brady and won a Super Bowl that year.
Brown’s NFL career effectively ended in Week 17 of the 2021 season when he famously refused to re-enter a game against the New York Jets.
In a dramatic exit, he took off his jersey and shoulder pads on the field and ran off, leading to his release from the Buccaneers shortly after. This incident marked a controversial conclusion to his playing days in the NFL.