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By Gabe Whisnant
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Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been arrested on an attempted murder charge in connection with a shooting that occurred after a celebrity boxing event in Miami, police said Thursday.
Brown, 37, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Dubai and flown to Essex County, New Jersey, where he is being held while awaiting extradition to Miami, according to Miami police spokesman Mike Vega. It was not immediately clear why Brown was first transported to New Jersey or how long he had been in Dubai, though he has posted on social media from the city in recent months.
Why It Matters
Brown has faced multiple legal troubles over the years, including battery, domestic violence, and child support cases. The latest arrest marks the most serious charge yet for the former football star, whose off-field controversies have overshadowed his once-storied career.
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A seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, Brown last played in the NFL in 2021 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a decade-long career highlighted by record-setting seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His career ended abruptly after a high-profile midgame walkoff at MetLife Stadium.
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What To Know
An arrest warrant accuses Brown of grabbing a handgun from a security guard after the May 16 boxing match and firing two shots at a man he had fought with earlier in the evening. The victim, identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, told investigators that one of the bullets grazed his neck. Police said the shooting took place in a crowded area near the event venue.
Some social media videos show Brown in a physical altercation with multiple people at the boxing event. In one video, Brown appears to be holding a black pistol while pursuing someone, with gunshots audible off-camera shortly after. Additional footage shows Brown being escorted from the venue by police with his hands behind his back.
Brown faces a second-degree attempted murder charge, which carries a potential 15-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Since leaving the NFL, Brown has focused mainly on a rap music career, releasing the album "Paradigm" in April 2022.
In October, Brown joined Le'Veon Bell in attending Donald Trump's presidential campaign rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania Saturday.
Brown, while sporting a Make America Great Again cap, and Bell greeted fans ahead of the rally.
The former NFL receiver even spoke at the rally to express his support for the Trump campaign.
"But I'm here today representing a man who carries those same values," Brown said. "Donald Trump, he knows success, and he knows what it takes to make America great again. And to be real, we have all experienced highs and lows. Especially me in my career as a Super Bowl champion and life as a father to seven amazing children.
"I have experienced low points and have to overcome adversity. Just how I watched Donald Trump overcome adversity. No matter what the media threw at him, no matter what people say to try to bring him down, he continue to push forward and keep getting back up. And he's always ready for the fight."
Brown also gave a shoutout to Steelers fans in his rally speech. He also acknowledged how the media has called both him and the former president "crazy."
What People Are Saying
Antonio Brown wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following the March incident: "Regarding the boxing event that happened last night. I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me. Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. I WENT HOME THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ARRESTED."
He added: "I will be talking to my legal council and attorneys on pressing charges on the individuals that jumped me. I will keep you all posted step-by-step on the process. Thank you for the support and love."
What Happens Next
It was not immediately known whether he has an attorney or when he will be returned to Miami.
Updates: 11/6/25, 7:02 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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