Topless Antonio Brown apparently quits on Buccaneers, runs off field in abrupt mid-game meltdown

Antonio Brown is stirring up more drama for the Buccaneers.

Midway through the third quarter, Brown removed his shoulder pads and jersey — against the urgings of teammates, according to the Fox broadcast — and ran to the locker room shirtless, seemingly removing himself from the game.

In the process, Brown threw articles of his gear into the stands and threw up the peace sign to fans.

MORE: Antonio Brown’s timeline of trouble

Brown wasn’t being checked for an injury, nor was he seemingly benched in the matchup. Fox reporter Jen Hale said there was some sort of kerfuffle surrounding Brown, but nothing out of the ordinary. The Buccaneers did not provide an explanation about Brown’s abrupt exit until after the game, when Bruce Arians addressed the situation:

“He (Antonio Brown) is no longer a Buc,” Arians said. “That’s the end of the story. Let’s talk about the guys that went out there and won the game.”

In the game, Brown had three catches for 26 yards. The Jets had a 17-10 halftime lead over the Buccaneers, and extended it to 24-10 in the third quarter. Tom Brady and the Bucs would come back and win the game 28-24.

At the time of Brown’s exit, the Buccaneers were marching down the field and eventually scored a touchdown to tighten the score to 24-17. 

Brown is no stranger to controversies. In 2021, the league suspended Brown for misrepresenting his vaccination status. The Buccaneers, who were reportedly mulling releasing Brown, opted to keep him — but apparently, not for long.