“No matter what the media threw at him, no matter what people say to try to bring him down, he continue to push forward and keep getting back up.” These weren’t words about Antonio Brown‘s NFL career – they were the former Steelers star’s passionate endorsement of Donald Trump at Saturday’s rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he stood proudly in his Make America Great Again cap.

The seven-time Pro Bowler’s journey into Trump’s political orbit marks a new chapter for the controversial NFL figure. Following multiple arrest warrants, domestic battery allegations, and a dramatic NFL exit that saw him toss equipment into Jets’ crowds, Brown has found an unexpected parallel in Trump’s narrative of resilience and redemption.

Antonio Brown finding strength in shared adversity

For Brown, Trump represents more than politics. He’s a mirror of personal struggle. “I have experienced low points and have to overcome adversity,” Brown told the Latrobe crowd, weaving his story as a Super Bowl champion and father of five with Trump’s political battles.

Brown’s path to political advocacy emerged from personal turbulence. After his dramatic exit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 –  the former NFL star redirected his energy since launching “CTESPN,” a platform exploring athlete trauma. Brown has openly discussed his suspected CTE struggles, a degenerative brain condition that has shaped his post-NFL life.

Adding to that, his admiration for Trump stems from careful study. “I’ve got admiration for his business moves, and I study his dad, Fred Trump,” Brown revealed to OutKick’s Nick Adams in May. The former receiver praised Trump’s impact on hip-hop culture. He also highlighted his influence on artists like “Lil Wayne, Kodak Black.” 

After July’s assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Brown’s support intensified. He declared on X: “Cue up Many Men by 50 and we gonna win the presidency in a landslide F—ing Legend of the Decade.”

And definitely, the Steelers legend hasn’t forgotten his roots!

From Steel City legend to political player

In Pittsburgh, Brown’s voice carries special weight. At Saturday’s rally, he bridged his NFL past with political present. He called Ben Roethlisberger “still my favorite quarterback” – a surprising olive branch after their famous 2019 feud.

Brown’s political moves carry weight in western Pennsylvania. A recent Fox News survey shows Trump tied with Harris at 49% among likely voters in this battleground state. The former receiver’s influence could sway crucial votes, particularly among men and rural voters – demographics where Trump leads strongly.

Le’Veon Bell joined his former teammate on stage, both representing a new chapter in Pittsburgh sports history. Their presence at Trump’s rally sparked speculation about the former president attending Sunday’s Steelers-Jets game, potentially watching from a suite with both NFL stars.

Brown’s political stance comes with classic AB confidence. “I know the media is going to call me and Trump crazy for having me speak here. But I want to make this clear—we are not [crazy], they are,” he declared at the rally, before diving into current political issues. This new playbook – mixing sports stardom with political advocacy – might just help write the next chapter in both Brown’s redemption story and Pennsylvania’s political future.