It's weird not seeing Antonio Brown wear the No. 84, but that is exactly what we witnessed last week when the wide receiver made his debut with the New England Patriots sporting the No. 17.
Brown couldn't get No. 84, as that is the number that tight end Ben Watson wears, but why 17?
Well, Brown's father, Eddie, wore that number in the Arena Football League, and Brown extrapolated on his admiration of his dad in a video posted on his YouTube channel:
Article Continues Below“You know, my dad always inspired me, you know what I mean?” said Brown. “From his work ethic, following commitment. No. 17, you know, I’ve seen that guy make a lot of touchdowns, dedicated his life, sacrificed his life. We got so much similarities, our charisma, the way we approach the field.
“Seeing me and seeing my dad is like seeing two identical guys. It’s kind of rare. You know it’s like seeing your son but more so like your brother. You know, our mannerisms, the way we approach the game, the way we make people feel. A lot of similarities between me and my dad. I’m glad he’s my dad.”
Brown made an impact in his first game with the Patriots, catching four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in a 43-0 win over the Miami Dolphins last Sunday.
The seven-time Pro Bowler was expected to play the 2019 campaign with the Oakland Raiders after being traded there from the Pittsburgh Steelers back in March, but a series of incidents ultimately led to Brown asking for his release from the Raiders just before the season began.
Oakland granted Brown's request, and he immediately signed with New England.