Raiders' Antonio Brown Denies Report He Threatened to Retire over Helmet Dispute

Antonio Brown is back with the Oakland Raiders and addressing the issues that have kept him away.   

Following the Raiders' 33-26 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, the All-Pro receiver denied that he was considering retirement while disputing the NFL's policy that requires all players to wear helmets certified by the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association, which outlawed Brown's preferred helmet he has worn his entire career because it was manufactured over 10 years ago:

Brown did not play in Oakland's Week 2 preseason matchup but was dressed and seen in good spirits on the sideline multiple times throughout the contest. Prior to it, he even ran a few routes in warmups as he continues to heal his frostbitten feet. 

"My feet are healing in the right direction," Brown said, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Michael Gehlken. "I'm just ready to be around my teammates and get to work and be with the guys."

Gehlken noted that head coach Jon Gruden expects the first-year Raider to practice before the team's training camp ends Monday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter had initially reported on Aug. 9 that Brown was threatening to walk away from football:

However, Brown rejoined the Raiders on Tuesday after his grievance against the NFL to wear his old helmet was rejected by an arbitrator one day earlier.

"While I disagree with the arbitrator's decision, I'm working on getting back to full health and looking forward to rejoining my teammates on the field," Brown tweeted in response. "I'm excited about this season appreciate all the concerns about my feet!" 

Brown also used Twitter in an attempt to track down "a Schutt Air Advantage Adult Large Helmet that was manufactured in 2010 or after." 

Earlier Thursday, the San Francisco Chronicle's Matt Kawahara reported Brown had found the versions of his preferred helmet for which he was looking, though steps are still necessary before the NFL will approve their use in a game.

"We're working with the NFL to make sure we're following procedures to be out there in the right equipment," Brown said Tuesday, per Kawahara. 

Oakland acquired Brown through a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. The four-time All-Pro posted at least 1,000 receiving yards each of the last six seasons and in seven of his nine total years with the Steelers. In 2018, he recorded a career-high 15 touchdown catches, which led the NFL.

The Raiders will be eager to put everything outside of Brown's prolific production behind them.