Wide receiver Antonio Brown scored his first ever touchdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Sunday’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
With 6:25 to go in the fourth quarter, quarterback Tom Brady launched a 46-yard pass to Brown to make the score 31-27. The reception sealed a comeback from 17-0 down, the second-largest rally in team history.
“I’m just grateful that these guys believe in me,” said Brown after the game.
“To get the opportunity to come here, be a part of the team, to put my hand in the pile to help these guys win. They were excited for me. I’m super grateful for it.”
For Brown, that particular touchdown reception was the culmination of a long journey back to the NFL.
“It’s been a long journey for me,” he said.
“As soon as I caught it, I went straight to my knees and called God and gave praise. [I’m] extremely grateful to be here with Tampa Bay and have the opportunity to live out my dream and play football — it’s something I love to do. I know not only was I excited, but I know my close friends and family and my kids are all excited for me.”
Brown hadn’t caught a touchdown pass since Sept. 15, 2019, with the New England Patriots.
Is Sunday’s performance a sign of future success to come for Brown?
Time will tell.
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
