Antonio Brown’s new deal keeps him under contract to the Steelers through the 2017 season, and Brown thinks that’s just great.
“It’s special,” Brown said at a press conference to announce his signing. “I’m with a unique organization as the Steelers. Knowing that I’m going to be around here for long-term, it’s something amazing. It’s really special, something I take pride in and know it’s a tremendous honor. It provides me with some security and allows me to play football and focus on winning games.”
Brown said that he has kept his focus completely on football and hasn’t even spoken to anyone in his family about his new contract. That’s part of the approach to the game that makes the Steelers think Brown will be worth every penny of his new $42.5 million deal.
“I haven’t even taken time to focus on it. Being at training camp, my focus right now is to be in great shape, get prepared to play preseason games, and get ready for the year,” Brown said. “Winning is all about what’s important now. What’s important now is me focusing on training camp, getting on the same page, learning the offense, and getting ready for the year.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin answered a question about Brown’s role on the team, saying that Brown’s new contract doesn’t necessarily make him too expensive to play special teams. Tomlin also said, however, that the Steelers believe they have some young players in camp who are capable of taking the punt return duties over from Brown.
Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert declined to answer a question about what Brown’s contract means for the future of receiver Mike Wallace in Pittsburgh.
“Today’s about Antonio. If you have questions about Antonio, great. If not, we’re not going to address them,” Colbert said.
The Steelers are in no mood to talk about Wallace right now. But they’re feeling great about Brown’s future. And the feeling is mutual.