When a new player is about to put on the black and yellow in Pittsburgh, there are a few numbers that are clearly off limits.
You want number 75? Can’t have it. Number 43? Better think twice. Number 12? No, sir. Number 58? Try again.
But ask for number 84, and you shall receive.
According to a tweet from Steelers Director of Communications, Burt Lauten, that number was recently given to undrafted free agent tight end, Milan Richard.
#Steelers 2019 Rookie Minicamp (May 10-12) numerical roster is attached. Jersey numbers for rookies at minicamp are subject to change (at a later date).
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) May 10, 2019
*Devin Bush (#55) is the only confirmed number for the team's rookie class. pic.twitter.com/vNUZjQgNTS
Antonio Brown was one of the most prolific wide receivers in Steelers’ lustrous history. He is coming off his 6th straight season of at least 100 catches, 1,250 yards, and 8 touchdown. During his time in Pittsburgh, Antonio Brown registered 837 receptions for 11,207 yards and 74 touchdowns.
It’s true that Brown was one of the most accomplished receivers the Steelers have ever had, and was considered one of the best receivers in the league for at least 6 years now.
However, as you already know, Brown and the Steelers had a major falling out this past year. As annoying behaviors from Antonio Brown continued to mount, AB pushed the limits of what Pittsburgh would tolerate from one of their best players.
Brown walked out on his team in the darkest hour – a time that the Steelers were desperate for a win against the Bengals to give them a shot at the playoffs.
The Steelers had enough. They tried trading Brown to the Buffalo Bills, but AB apparently wouldn’t have it. Eventually Pittsburgh settled for 3rd and 5th round draft choices from Oakland, just to remove him from their sight.
The Steelers have a lucrative history of great players. Troy Polamalu represented himself in a respectable way off the field and embodied what it meant to be a Steeler. Even after Pittsburgh basically forced his hand into an early retirement, they wouldn’t dare give that historic number 43 away after what Polamalu sacrificed for the team.
Antonio Brown had a chance to earn that same eternal respect from the city of Pittsburgh, but he his selfish personality and cancerous behavior made the Steelers trade one of the NFL’s best receivers for very little return.
Regardless of whether or not Brown ever hears his name called in Canton, one thing is for sure: that number 84 jersey isn’t going to be retired in Pittsburgh any time soon.