Antonio Brown: 'I've Never Been A Jerk'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – Antonio Brown meant what he said.
He might not have meant what you think he did, though.
The Steelers' wide receiver took a lot of heat for comments he made on Wednesday about backup quarterback Mike Vick, who is filling in for Ben Roethlisberger. Brown told reporters that he thought he didn't get the ball enough in Vick's starts and that he felt Vick needed to trust him more.
After a day of backlash from some fans and pundits, Brown clarified his comments in a one-on-one interview with Jim Colony of "The Fan Morning Show."
Brown wanted to be clear that he meant well.
"I've never been a jerk," Brown said. "I never was a jerk. I don't even know what a jerk is."
While some have interpreted calling for more targets as selfish, Brown told Colony that he has the team's best interests at heart.
"I'm just being a team player," Brown said. "Every guy in this locker room should feel like they want to be the reason why we win, but the ultimate goal is winning. I never said that in a bad light. I just want to help the team win. It's all positive. I just wanted more opportunities to help us win."
Though he has appeared visibly upset at times when Vick has started, Brown hasn't been giving him the cold shoulder.
"We communicate every time we come off the field, anytime things aren't working out, or anytime things aren't looking well, or just communicating as far as what I'm seeing and what he's seeing, just to make sure you're on the same page to be able to produce positive plays," Brown said.
Brown also said that Vick has plenty of reason to feel good about what he's doing in Roethlisberger's stead. That is especially true given what Vick was able to do late in the fourth quarter on Monday to lead the Steelers past the Chargers.
"I think anytime you win the game like that, and it comes down to the offense on the last series, and you made it happen, you should be more than confident," Brown said.
Brown's full interview with Jim Colony- and "The Fan Morning Show's" reaction- can be heard here: