Antonio Brown 1-on-1: New Raiders receiver ‘excited' for next challenge

Share

ALAMEDA -- New Raiders receiver Antonio Brown showed up to his introductory press conference dressed to impress, looking like (50)-million bucks.

Gone were the uneven dreadlocks, some blue and one blonde to match his mustache. The hair, up front anyway, was short and clean. His plaid suit was well pressed, shirt tight enough to throw a silver and black No. 84 over when the time was right.

With his trade from Pittsburgh to Oakland becoming official Wednesday afternoon, Brown exuded professionalism and polish during the 28-minute press conference at the Raiders' practice facility.

The same could be said for an exclusive one-on-one with NBC Sports Bay Area after the press conference.

“There’s a lot of passion, a lot of poise boiling within me,” Brown said. “I’m excited for this next challenge. I’m excited about the opportunity. I’m extremely grateful to be here and get ready to work.”

Brown considers the Raiders a great schematic fit, but wants to do more than play. He wants to help lead the Raiders toward a prosperous future following a dark era in Raiders history.

“It’s going to show what I bring to the table from a leadership standpoint,” Brown said. “How can I make guys better around me? How can I make the situation better around me? How can I bring a surge of energy to make sure everyone is getting better?”

The Raiders need a lift after so much losing. Brown has done nothing but win during nine NFL seasons in Pittsburgh. He didn’t want to declare how he’ll help get that done.

“Stay tuned. Nothing I can say will change things around here. It starts with our actions. I’m here, and I look forward to seeing how we turn out.”

He used the term accountability over and over and again, planning to be an example for others and setting consequences for those who don’t live up to a new standard set.

[RELATED: Brown wants to break Rice's records]

“My plan is to get around here, get in the room and start holding guys accountable,” Brown said in his press conference. “Let them know there’s a certain type of standard here now that we have to uphold. Receivers we need the accountability system. Drops, lates, fines, missed routes, missed sights, we’re going to hold each other accountable. If you don’t fall in that accountability, you get fined.

“So when Derek Carr walks in the room and sees all of his receivers, this guy owes this, this guys owes this, so everyone has that accountability factor. For everyone held accountable we have to be at a certain standard. I’m just here to set certain standards, hold guys accountable. Just uplift the tradition of it’s unacceptable to accept not our best. That’s kind of my attitude. Still shaping the team. I can’t do it all in one day. This is a first start to kick off me being here and us doing some positive things moving forward.”

Contact Us