Steelers’ JuJu Smith-Schuster’s MVP Victory Forced Antonio Brown Out Of Pittsburgh: 'They Gave The Kid The MVP Over Me'

The Pittsburgh Steelers witnessed an offensive masterclass during the majority of Antonio Brown's tenure. Renowned as one of the most talented wide receivers in the history of the game, Brown's exceptional skill was undeniable. However, his off-field behavior and antics have tainted public perception, souring the once-glowing image of Brown.

It's consistently intriguing to hear Brown's remarks. From his infamous exit, when he stripped off his jersey, waved at New York Jets fans, and performed jumping jacks during his final game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brown has never failed to captivate attention. Nevertheless, much of his commentary has become repetitive, particularly when it revolves around his former team, the Steelers.

Steelers' JuJu Smith-Schuster Was The Reason Brown Forced His Way Out Of Pittsburgh

Brown sat down with DJ Vlad for an insightful interview, delving into various topics about his infamous life after football. Throughout the conversation, Vlad's probing questions sought to extract the most thought-provoking responses. 

Vlad consistently excels at asking questions that elicit interesting answers from his interviewees. During this particular exchange, Vlad questioned Brown about former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert and his comments regarding the team having "Ben Roethlisberger and 52 kids."

Brown didn’t really answer Vlad’s question, but said Colbert’s quote may have been taken a bit out of context. Vlad didn't shy away from asking Brown about the motivations behind his decision to request a trade from the Steelers.

"I feel like, as a player, you eventually come to a time in your career where you've got to do what's best for yourself or try to take your position in your own hands and try to accomplish what you are going to accomplish out of your career. I just felt like with the Steelers, the direction we were going, I just feel like we were never going to win. I think at that time in 2018, I think I had like 15 touchdowns, leading the NFL, 100 catches, maybe like 12-13 hundred yards."

Brown expressed his profound disappointment with the Steelers' decision to name JuJu Smith-Schuster as the team MVP instead of him. Brown had won four team MVP awards with the Steelers in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 prior to that moment.

"I think we had another receiver kid, and you know the NFL is all about, even the Steelers now. They got two receivers, and they pad them against each other. I think they gave the kid the MVP over me, but you know I already had like three or four of them. In my mind, I’m like MVP is the most valuable player that goes out there and puts his soul on the line to help the team win. In my mind, that’s how I’m looking at it, but in their mind, they were trying to build up another player to try and be what I am. In my head, I was like we were never going to win with that type of energy."

Brown's departure from the Steelers in 2019 was marked by a series of complex factors and controversies that unfolded both on and off the field. Amidst mounting tensions and discord within the team, the Steelers made a pivotal decision on March 9, 2019, agreeing to trade Brown to the Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders). 

The trade, which involved the Steelers receiving a third and a fifth-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft in exchange for Brown, marked the end of an era for the Steelers and set the stage for a new chapter in Brown's career.

While the exact reasons for his departure may never be fully grasped by all, Brown himself shed some light on one aspect of his disillusionment with the team. Brown expressed that his faith in the Steelers' ability to succeed was shaken by the decision to award the team MVP title to Smith-Schuster instead of himself. 

This move, in Brown's view, signaled a shift in the team's priorities and dynamics, leading him to question his future with the organization. Brown's comments highlighted the intricate interpersonal dynamics and competitive pressures within the Steelers' locker room at the time, adding depth to the narrative surrounding his controversial exit from the team.