Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown visited Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh recently and said during an interview with KDKA-TV that he plans to take on more of a leadership role next season and that he wants to be a Steeler for life.
Brown was asked during the interview how difficult it will be should fellow wide receiver Mike Wallace end up leaving via free agency this offseason.
“We got to do what we got to do,” Brown said. “Guys got to step up, guys like myself and we have to take this team to the next level”
Brown was then asked if he is ready to take over the number one spot should Wallace not return.
“I\’m definitely willing and capable,” said Brown. “I\’m definitely going to give my team all I got and I\’m looking forward to giving the city my best. I\’m taking things more serious, understanding the emphasis on things and definitely willing to give my all and continue to grow as this journey continues unfolding.”
Brown was then asked how important it is to him to be a Steeler for life and if he would be willing to sacrifice money down the road to ensure that happens.
“I’d sacrifice whatever I\’ve got to take,” he said. “I know how special it is to be here. It\’s definitely a fit for me. You don\’t want to be a journey guy in this league. You want to establish yourself at one place and know that when people come, that\’s where your at and that\’s where you\’re going to be. You don\’t want to bounce around this league and have guys say you was good for a little bit, and you chasing after different things other than your respect for the game. I love this game and respect this game, and know what I\’m a part of is something bigger than me. I definitely feel the specialness of me being here, and I appreciate that fact.
Brown, who didn\’t have a great follow-up to his breakout 2011 season, is certainly saying all of the right things. He now has his first big contract underneath his belt and will be relied upon heavily to be a leader and main contributor in 2013. The Steelers sorely missed the leadership of Hines Ward last season and they will need more leaders to step forward next season if they are to rebound from their disappointing 8-8 record.
You can watch the full interview in the video below.
