LATROBE, Pa. – Wide receiver Antonio Brown chatted after practice on Sunday, and of course he dropped his trademark line when he said the first day of practice in pads was, 'boomin.'
But Brown had a lot more to say, and much of it will make Steelers' fans happy.
Brown, who has two years remaining on his current contract, has expressed an interest in getting a new deal because of his performance over the last few seasons. But if he doesn't, he will still do his job.
"The Rooney family has really been first-class with me since I've been 21, 22 years old," said Brown. "I would never hold out. That's not a (way to earn a) good reputation."
Brown said that with training camp going on, the contract is not his focus. Football is.
"Right now, I'm just focused on the season, working on my game, and trying to get better," said Brown. "That's (contract) not my focus right now. I'm here solely to focus on getting better and getting ready for another great year. That's my focus."
Brown was voted the Steelers MVP last season for the third time, finishing the season with career bests for receptions with 135 and receiving yards with 1,834. He also added 10 touchdown receptions.
Brown, who was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, recorded at least 120 receptions and 1,600 receiving yards in two consecutive seasons, establishing new team records. He also is the first player in team history to reach 1,500 yards from scrimmage in three straight seasons.
So how does he get better?
"You have to continue to grow," said Brown. "Continue to identify areas of my game where I can get better. Every year you have to try to out-do yourself, because you only get better or worse. I'm trying to grow in all areas. None in particular. I'm trying to be better than I was last year."
