ALAMEDA, Calif. — There were no controversial sound bites or on-field theatrics, just the sight of a pro going about his business during a football practice in late May.
Which is why the Raiders traded for Antonio Brown in the first place after nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the last six of which would rival any receiver in the history of the sport.
The Raiders began Week 2 of their organized team activities Tuesday, with Brown extracting as much as he could from each repetition.
“It’s the beginning of Phase I, the OTAs,” Brown said. “There’s a long way to go. Obviously I bring a knack for finishing, a knack for competing, challenging guys. You could ask my teammates about that. I’m just here to put it on display.”
Much has been said and written about Brown and his departure with the Steelers, sitting out the final game of the season, his fractured relationship with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has had a sideline blowup or two, but no one ever questioned the way he works. And that was the theme Brown was stressing in an interview session that lasted a little over six minutes.
“I think it’s contagious for the young guys to see, the level of passion, the level of finishing in regards to what I bring to the field,” Brown said. “We’ve got to continue to inspire each other as a whole when we’re out there.”
Gruden is holding true to his promise of moving Brown from side to side and in the slot, working to create mismatches. And Brown is mixing easily with teammates, taking the time to talk with defensive players as well when it’s time for the second and third teams to get their reps.
Offensive coordinator Greg Olson can see the effect Brown is having on the wide receivers group as a whole.
“If you’re in that group, you’re going to have to jump in and follow his lead,” Olson said. “He doesn’t ask them to do anything he doesn’t do. He hasn’t backed off a bit even though with his experience and being in the league so long. He still practices at a very high level.”
