The Rise & Fall of Antonio Brown

[@thatsgoodsports]

This is a 23 minute video. How on earth do you dislike it 2 minutes after I post lol

[@St.Maliki]

It's just assumed at this point... JK love ya BP

[@samsizer2919]

I assume because they assumed that it's a "rip off" of FlemLo's "what happened to?" video on AB, but, if I'm right on that guess, I would disagree with that as a cynical and (obviously) uninformed first impression. I am 2/3rds of the way through and it's fairly different from FlemLo's video and the take you have is much better imo. I didn't think the sum of AB's experiences could or should be largely defined by that one massive Vontaze Burfict hit, though it definitely didn't help w/ all the crazy shit I'm sure lol

[@ChiefGore429]

Because the fact it's 23 minutes.

[@Revealingstorm.]

AB stans? Dunno

[@Maintenancebay]

Same people that leave the bathroom with the sink running

[@Goldenblade14]

That scriptwriting describing Antonio going from an "underdog" to a "rabid dog" is genius. Brandon Perna should pay Brandon Perna more.

[@Revealingstorm.]

AB having a concussion affecting his personality and having a terrible overall personality can exist at the same time. It doesn't have to be one or the other

[@TeemoQuinton]

Money is what made him this way, not the concussion. Dude was always this, just slightly less annd he let it loose once he got paid. That's th fact of it.

[@dianayount2122]

could be possible

[@shatteredakuma]

@@TeemoQuinton no he had real issues even before he was drafted, though the money definitely could have made it worse. people in this same comment section were saying he was expelled from a d1 scholarship college because of his problems. you can blame his upbringing but we're our own masters, and his therapist argument was seriously ignorant and very narcissistic

[@OogaBoogaBooga6969]

@@TeemoQuinton that’s not the fact of it. His Personality shift started occurring pre concussion. His personality shift went to the extreme after. It’s both and that’s fact. You clearly don’t know anything about concussions and how wildly they can and will affect your personality, behavior, and muscular issues. You are your brain. If anything happens it you change with it. That’s fact.

[@TeemoQuinton]

@@OogaBoogaBooga6969 that is the fact of it. You dont go that radical a shift that fast and we know this. Stop giving him an excuse

[@joeevans5770]

At least AB has give us some great urinating tree content over the years

[@SteelersFan1969]

Makes me sad to watch him do this to himself

[@thatsgoodsports]

He was honestly one of my favorite players to watch

[@BrendanGeormer]

That he was good enough for the MVP was really an outlier among all the WRs in the league

[@Ohlord344]

Right..🤔🤔🤔?? Sometimes it takes some getting used to players retiring early and injury issues, but to lose a player you like to watch and root for to actual Madness of the mind is weird...

[@RobVollat]

Had to go and rape a woman.. 🤦🏼‍♂️ smh

[@BAM5636]

I agree it is sad. I am not a fan of any team he played on personally but he was very talented and fun to watch. His own worst enemy, what a waste.

[@Zinjadu100]

This was so good that this could've been written for ESPN as a 30 for 30 episode. No joke. Exceptional video and journalism. Good things come to those who wait.

[@jpmnky]

Perna’s videos are way better than any recent 30 for 30.

[@MasterOfViewership]

What if I told you that a toxic individual could poison the whole sport? *From Hero to Zero: Antonio's Saga*

[@Rman-mi8lk]

I know a tennis coach that actually had a class with AB. His quote to me was "That dude couldn't read anything."

[@rueisblue]

Honestly apart from everything else, he just seems like a profoundly stupid human

[@drunkenmmamaster419]

🤣

[@ST0NE_206]

AB was a great player, and it was a shame watching his downfall, even if it was 100% deserved.

[@crazydrummer181]

Thank you for consistently giving us well produced and equally hilarious football content. You’re the man.

[@thatsgoodsports]

Thanks for watching!

[@BigBundy82]

Definitely! I love it

[@Baelor-Breakspear]

@@thatsgoodsports thanks for making these videos. Over the last week or so I’ve been addicted to them. Keep up the good work brother and thanks again.

[@funkgremlin2765]

I had a fair amount of concussions in high school and I had to get therapy once I left because I couldn’t control my aggression or emotions at all. I’ve got a hold on myself now but lemme tell you hard hits to the head can really change you. A lot. Super sad to see

[@johnychrist5475]

Teammates describe him to having erratic behavior since the beginning tho

[@benjamindeclerck8461]

See personally, i think you're right about it being linked to his life and upbringing. Parents and authority figures are supposed to help us mature as individuals and he didn't have many people ever doing that for him, and then he goes to the nfl and has crazy success solely due to physical gifts, and still doesnt have that maturity he should have already developed. He climbed the ladder of success without climbing the ladder of maturity and because of that fell off both ladders.

[@JaredTG.]

100%, everything is connected. For all of us. Every situation we've ever went through makes up a small part of who we are. Very well put.

[@personreanimation]

The destruction of the nuclear family in the black community has been absolutely devistating.

[@worthlesswaste3136]

Yes love the content as always Brandon/Will you guys are appreciated

[@willkeys2726]

🙏

[@worthlesswaste3136]

@@willkeys2726 having a rough time in my life rn y’all’s videos truly truly make my days better and I’m sure you do the same for others I’ve got my parents religiously watching ur vids they love them also you guys have a family of fans in us forever

[@brianh.5165]

@@willkeys2726 you u guys are in the comments that is so good to see much appreciated

[@brianh.5165]

@@worthlesswaste3136 great comment your name on YT is not you in any sense of the words just hope u know that. I know this is probably dumb for me to say to u but hope u get over this rough time dude.

[@ThePizzaDevourer]

Really glad you did this deep dive. I really didn't know about AB's underdog history, or how humble he used to be.

[@HistoryNerd808]

AB is both a tragedy and a lesson. He was a great player but all that talent was squandered because he turned into, whether because of CTE or just because it's him, a complete basket case. What a shame.

[@SkunkApe407]

None of his behavior was really an issue before Burfict took that dirty shot. I honestly think AB could make a case that his career was ruined by that BS. I say he should sue Burfict for that crap.

[@HBK360MUSIC]

Easy to judge a man you’ve never met

[@mattblom3990]

It's funny because one remembers Randy Moss being accused of similar behaviour but Moss was much more tame and has a great post-career in broadcasting.

[@SkunkApe407]

@@mattblom3990 I don't remember Randy Moss chucking furniture off of balconies. Just saying.

[@mattblom3990]

@@SkunkApe407 For sure. I'm defending Moss because I think he's a great broadcaster.

[@codyweaver7546]

Balls Deep probably is the best docuseries on sportsball at the moment.

[@THIS---GUY]

You forgot to mention AB (barely) received a D1 scholarship to play at Florida International University but was expelled from the school following an altercation with security before he ever stepped on the field. He had issues with grades to even get into college in the first place. He also had issues with recruiting interviews. Both his grades and bad interviews cost him consideration at most schools. He struggled to make it to FIU and threw it away over a campus security guard. AB has had more chances than anyone. Can't feel bad for people like him. Reminds me of Kanye West.

[@ManUMinute]

How does he remind you of Kanye West exactly???

[@THIS---GUY]

@@ManUMinute they're both narcissistic and they both act out in similar ways when going through stressful or hard times. Don't get me wrong, they're both up there as the best at what they do, but they often let their ego lead them to destructive behaviour / lifestyle. (Kanye as a producer vs AB as a WR) If they were more disciplined they would be far greater than they ever were which is sad to see some level of wasted talent because they both were virtually unstoppable unless they trip themselves up with extra bs.

[@banksta3]

@@ManUMinute They're both black also

[@johnlewis8934]

Kenye west is not like this at all. You don't know kanye if you think he is like this

[@THIS---GUY]

@@johnlewis8934 Kanye does sh!t to act out and has done this his entire life. Even when he was coming up as a producer or when he started prioritizing rap he was always extra doing the most because he's the exact same person as AB. To ab the world revolves around ab. Same can be said for Kanye. Both are narcissistic dudes

[@aappaapp6627]

Love a comprehensive, all in one, explanation of AB 😅🙃

[@clintonwatson1295]

I've taken so many ls in the last year. Thanks for legit cheering me up every little bit counts. Love you Perna

[@SteveSteeleSoundSymphony]

That Raider game in 2015 was awesome. Finale score was 38-35 I believe. Carr to Crabtree and Big Ben to Brown went back and forth, but Brown was unstoppable.

[@maxherzog3287]

Thanks for the Jim Kelly shoutout. Dude beat cancer like 3 times.

[@maxherzog3287]

But couldn't beat those cowboys :/ I'll see myself out

[@dnasty312]

​@@maxherzog3287they beat themselves in the end

[@sammoveonat12]

Love the style of this show that way it seriously does the research yet delivers it in a comedic manner with a slight undertone of disinterest

[@vikings_fans_anonymous]

I’m convinced he has some serious CTE after Burfict knocked him out. Pre Burfict hit, he was a way different person

[@AnalogWolf]

Been watching a lot of your videos recently. Between your "worst worst X^(number of games left in Broncos season)" videos and these more historical ones, you have a real balance between info and comedy. Well done, keep up the good work. For your sake, I hope the Broncos get better, or at the least the pain they inflict on you is more numbing and less raw.

[@Abram_]

Great video that reminded me how special that era of Steeler football truly was. It was almost like AB took a headshot every time they played the Bengals it just gets reduced down to the 2016 wildcard because that meltdown will live in NFL infamy.

[@courteouscarpenter7811]

Please Mr do a part two the continued fall Antonio Brown. A full half-hour part 2 there's so much content

[@alexandermutsaers2693]

The answer to the question: How do you make Terrel Owens look humble in comparison?

[@Jame5man]

A terrifying thought

[@youstinklolgotakeashower]

there's a difference between being arrogant/cocky and being an extreme case of an egomaniac

[@dre_withwithout]

“And like with Big Ben and Jameis conveniently never gets brought up again.” 😂😂😂😂

[@CodyChepa88]

Brandon your the Goat. Gonna be sad watching two parents fight when the Broncos and Packers play in the superbowl but as long as the Broncos win I'll be happy . Keep up the good work my friend 👍💪🙏

[@papajohnloki]

That this was a man not blessed with ungodly talent but someone who through work and willpower pushed himself to reach those heights makes the story live up to the title you gave this piece.

[@hunter9mm]

Not power, nor money change people. It magnifies who they truly are.

[@22wolves22]

"Welcome to ThatsGoodSports, I am Brandon 'Antonio Brown threw his career away faster than John Elway's arm' Perna"

[@thatsgoodsports]

Fastest arm ever?

[@bentidy8951]

Sounds like AB's early life trauma may have led to some of his issues later in life. In particular a lack of trust in authority figures, mistreating those he sees beneath him and being somewhat of a fantasist. He may well have an Icarus complex combined with various traumas.

[@johnlewis8934]

Yeah it's sad that now it's even more difficult to help him. Only God can help him now.

[@pauldiggins2232]

The bleached mustache is when things really turned downhill 👇

[@lozano-jd2ku]

See with him it wasn't just natural talent . He worked harder then anyone in the field with him but once he started get the recognition he forgot where he started

[@rjwohlman]

Bravo, Brandon and Will. Excellent writing like always!

[@seen921]

Thanks for the deep dive and keeping it real. I missed 84 when he left the Steelers and wondered how a guy - who was the absolute best at his position for years - what messed him up so bad.

[@bruhbruhhh6592]

I was at that legendary Browns game. I will never forget telling my dad that he kicked the punter, my dad not believing me, then him watching the replay in slow motion 😂

[@ETibbs11]

Love these long form videos you've been putting out! Nice food for thought to chew on during the offseason.

[@thacrypt223]

Bro, that "not that far back" bit in the beginning made me LOL. Sad to see the failed potential of AB. Love your channel by the way!

[@NJ0733]

13:30-14:24 The peak of Days of Our Steelers

[@johnhaynes3901]

you my friend are hilarious !!!!!!! love the breath of fresh air

[@mattchew6426]

Great video, Perna!!!

[@oluayanbiola7566]

I drafted AB late in my fantasy draft last year. It was a crazy ride!

[@billdocos3302]

I lmao through the whole vid! They cut it for time!! Priceless!! Probably the smaatest Denvah fan evah… ty for the post

[@surgetron1337]

Love you Perna! -Guy who lost job for Wilson here 😅

[@BrendanPappas]

I love the absolute cheese that Brandon puts into his videos. That giving birth stock clip already had me weak and then he throws in the picture of Antonio twerking when he says “but” 😂 As for the actual content in this video, I was one of the people who honestly always thought AB’s seemingly random change in personality had exclusively to do with the Burfict hit. Nice job by Perna putting that other stuff into perspective 👌

[@Ericsportstechpro]

Interesting story, Brandon! From a broncos fan from New England

[@Bazindi]

It's obvious that fame and status had an effect on his personality, but as someone with a past serious head injury, I can understand that being a dramatic turning point in your personality. Not to say I am aggressive, but I have a temper, and prior to the injury I knew(and everyone who's known me) I was passive and calm. I can't go back to the way I was, but I am aware of it so it's "controlled" if you will. If anything, I can imagine having a beyond successful public career would amplify any of these changes, certainly in a sport where confidence, rage, and pure energy are a requirement. Just my two pence.

[@ianhuelsbeck8215]

Been waiting for this all week

[@cmucodemonkey]

I attended Central Michigan while he was a player there. He was amazing to watch and I had high hopes for his NFL career. It's a shame how it ended. I sincerely hope he gets help for whatever mental and/or physical issue have caused his erratic behavior.

[@coachhartmann4374]

Props to co-writer Will for his under-mentioned excellence in this episode.

[@justanotherguy1001]

I chose Antonio Brown as my case study in my Abnormal Psyche class last year. Lol a legit college thesis.

[@donnacochran3335]

It would be interesting to hear what your thesis discovered.

[@darianclark3980]

Urinating- "I cant believe Brandon Perna is making a video of the history of A.B." -Tree

[@Zinjadu100]

At least we didn't get a cynical view on the subject. (I still like both views, though :)

[@NinjaJean23]

Love this format

[@BuffaloBilliam]

I always wondered how I'd act if i worked for something like making the NFL my whole life, earned my spot among those people, and then did it better than they did it. How hard would it be to really look at other humans like they are your equal? At that point, you are the definition of unique

[@rueisblue]

It all comes down to perspective. Being really good at football is impressive and their hard work deserves respect. But it's just a game. Their money and cultural position gives them power and influence but I dont think that means they work harder than a day laborer or have more value to someone like a scientist who actively advances society

[@nick0875]

And yet you are still replaceable if things don't pan out. Every year there is a new batch of hungry young men coming out of college aiming for the spotlight of the NFL. And they are a lot cheaper than veterans with established brands. Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe said that teams will tolerate you until they can replace you. And as with many sports all it can take is one unfortunate incident and your value can plummet.

[@jeromebirth2693]

@@rueisblue More than just a game For many it's a religion

[@rueisblue]

@@jeromebirth2693 again, perspective

[@realwiggles]

@@rueisblue not even kidding, unless we’re talking about some guy that discovers a cure for a disease or something, I think you could easily argue that a superstar athlete actually does more to advance society than any random scientist. They’re not all developing vaccines or doing stem cell research. How many scientists are researching some random animal right now, or idk, a particular weather phenomenon. Interesting stuff for sure, and don’t get me wrong I’m definitely glad those people exist and have plenty of interests of my own that other people would see as being worthless or inconsequential, but a superstar athlete generates an insane amount of money, inspires kids to work hard to achieve their goals, brings legitimate happiness to millions of people regularly throughout the season, and so much more. The impact a superstar athlete can have on society is not only massive, but more important than people give them credit for. Obviously it’s just a game when you really break it down but to say it’s not important to society is objectively incorrect. Shared entertainment, art, and culture as a whole is one of the pillars that form the very foundation of society. I guess you’re allowed to feel the way you do, but I would love to be able to observe you talking to someone at a party, you ask them what they do for a living and thy say they’re an interior designer or car salesman or something which then leads to you ranting to them about what jobs are truly important and actually help to advance society while every other profession is essentially just there so that people have something to do with their time, etc. lmao.

[@GILx87]

Sometimes when I’m home alone, I strip down, run through my house, flapping my arms and screaming, “I’m free like a free!”

[@cptjaxie1925]

It's more of a " I want out but don't wanna be that guy who retired early" so I acted out and got to ball some more

[@utopua4all]

Love the footage of AB speeding. Thanks for showing the world how crappy are roads are here in PA.

[@JahNuhThunDeeTheOneAndOnly]

Brandon Perna is taking quite a few notes from UrinatingTree and making mini-documentaries.

[@raedene3]

Excellent work and research 👏🏾

[@samujcp9151]

Awesome. Great content is the standard on this channel!! 💪🏾

[@marcoescuandolas]

You should do a video about why the super bowl logo got so lazy. Went from being cool and different back in the day, to being boring and the same the last 10 years. Why is that?

[@AJ-vm8ft]

Had classes with him at CMU. While it was years before he went diva, he was no where near the person he was later in career. That hit from Burfict changed him.

[@samsizer2919]

Great video. I agree w/ the take that the one massive hit from Vontaze Burfict couldn't and/or shouldn't largely define the sum of AB's life experiences; as opposed to the take a lot of other people have taken w/ AB. I think he's responsible for a lot of his own shit in the end as almost everyone is and CTE is sorta letting him off the hook too easily, imo, even it's entirely plausible that he has it. Leonard Marshall is a living person and former NFL player diagnosed with CTE and look at how he's handled it. Spoiler: he didn't strip down and run out of the stadium half-naked to retire in the middle of the 3rd quarter over some juvenile bullshit and then lie about why he did it. idk it's not an excuse is all I'm saying and I think people have let it be a little bit too often for AB's antics. He's a human being so I am not gonna slander him just because I can on the internet, but, the Burfict hit wasn't the match that ignited the fire, it was just another kerosene covered log on it.

[@mattblom3990]

When god-Quarterback Brady himself summons you to his side and you mess up like Antonio did, you're persona non grata.

[@excellenceka]

"AB is just 5'10" shows AB hovering 3 inches above 5'10" and 1/8 Kyler Murray

[@shlck6734]

Kyler is like 5’8” irl

[@CREAMDREAM412]

As a Stillers fan this was great!

[@RBoogie-32123]

That ending though......I love it lol 😏😏 shout out to Terrell Davis

[@daviddemars]

Great video! It may be obvious to most he suffers from narcissistic personality disorder but its also obvious that most do not understand what it is and how it's expressed in individuals with the disorder. He is a very different person than most of us and he is not aware of who he is or how shameful his behavior is.

[@stevetATX]

Best “Balls Deep” video ever!!! Or “so far” I guess I should say.

[@1cryogen]

He always had the rep of working really hard in practice, but after he left Pbgh it also came out that he'd been a real headcase for awhile, Tomlin just covered for him. Sad. The dude had mad skills.

[@dennisbessey5161]

Brown with the Steelers was so fun and magical to watch. The ending was just sad though. He truly has become his own worst enemy.

[@grangesaves33]

Random fact, JJ Watt was actually teammates with AB at central Michigan

[@Corion2121]

Breaks my heart. He was so good for fantasy. 🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️😢

[@johnos4892]

I'm not a Tom Brady fan, but the fact he saw AB's potential and was willing to help him to the point of sharing his home does say a lot of good things about Brady.

[@MatataMcCleskey]

Lol what?!

[@pythonbyte]

tells us he'll bring a morally bankrupt guy into his family home if it means a chance oof winning football games.

[@derfvcderfvc7317]

As a Vols fan it is still crazy to me how good at recruiting Butch Jones was but at the same time how bad at the actual coaching he was.

[@Charlieflinn1121]

Love all your videos They are very entertaining

[@timoteoooo]

Funny that KZbin is recommending this again now

[@Newbobdole]

I say it every time I see an AB retrospective: we’re observing a 21st century version of Phineas Gage. Literally textbook TBI effecting personality/impulse control changes

[@BowensBlvd]

final season at central Michigan... I was at cmu in 09 when he was in his last season. his punt return skills amazed me.he would make one or two moves and he'd be gone

[@defender2222]

This is going to sound strange but there is a scene from Gotham City Sirens that fits Antonio's situation so well. Harley, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman have met Jokey, the Joker's first sidekick. He was around when the Joker was the giggling prankster. The Golden Age Joker, if you will. You could talk with him, hold a conversation, and then leave the room okay. But then... one day... the Joker beat two guards to death with a kitchen tray, much to Jokey's horror. As he said, to paraphrase: "Maybe someone looked at him the wrong way. Maybe someone said a bad comment. Or maybe... he just decided to let go." And that's what I think happened to Antonio. he knew how to fake it but that madness was always there and one day... he decided to let go.

[@ChiefGore429]

Looks like Tyreek will be the new AB if he doesn't chill

[@Flyer9550]

I'm still so proud of my Jets for retiring AB

[@bioyado]

Agreed, most people change with power and/or money.

[@BenSpeight]

It’s here!

[@gary2smooth]

Quality video

[@g4tviscool]

Need an update on how AB screwed up the Arena Bowl league and a team...

[@TheDizzleHawke]

You’re my favorite football channel despite my utter hatred of the Denver Donkeys. Go Chiefs!

[@PizzaHutCEO]

This is the best title I’ve seen in a minute

[@williamnewman3158]

Balls deep should be a series you could do modern and classic HOF or even obscure quirky player stories

[@spookymacchiato5503]

*Vontaze Burfict has entered the chat* Jokes aside, even as a Bengals fan, I liked AB a lot. I wasn't aware of his issues prior to him joining the Raider's. Oh well. 🤷🏻

[@NikeSimmons]

AB to the Bills woulda been so OP

[@JustKandyMan1]

As a Steelers fan it was hard watching the downfall in real time, he was so likeable to begin with then after a few years he flipped. I don't think the concussion changed him personally but just having the world at his (unfrozen) feet and not being able to handle everything that came with it. He was so fun to watch through the 3B years and it hurts seeing how awful he became.

[@lauradeeisme]

Best ball mania is like fantasy football, without the skill. Picking your lineup is part of the game!

[@TKO-1503]

So glad I found this channel! I subbed a few days ago and been watching your channel! It's so well put together and methodical!! Plus the comedy is fire! Thank you for the entertainment you provide.

[@scruffd0g193]

It’s such a shame, 2013-2018 he was on a jerry rice like run

[@lexwaldez]

I remember seeing Antonio Brown his rookie year in the pre-season and I thought... WOW. This kid is going to be a great! And he was... for a while. He just couldn't stay out of his own way. Talented player that is going to struggle post NFL. I hope he figures it all out.

[@bioLarzen]

Money and power don't change personality - they just make it obvious.

[@producerfav1974]

This was very well done.

[@nathanadams6283]

This is actually a great contribution to the historiography (history of how history is written) of Antonio Brown. Urinating Tree and many others blamed the Vontez Burfict hit for ruining AB’s career. However, Brandon Perna has made a much needed contribution by arguing that AB’s corruption was due to money and fame.