Antonio Brown’s jersey arrived. It’s No. 84, the same number he wore during his All-Pro years as a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver.
The wait continues to see if Brown, the Albany Empire’s majority owner, will make his National Arena League playing debut Saturday when the Empire face the Jacksonville Sharks at MVP Arena.
“That’s our plan, so we’re just trying to figure out how he can fit into the system,” Empire coach Moe Leggett said Sunday. “His jersey finally came in, same old number (84). Yes, sir. I’m excited. If he plays, I’m going to be excited and we’re just trying to make sure to put ourselves in the best position to win.”
Another question is who will throw the ball to Brown — or any other receiver. The Empire released starting quarterback Roland Rivers III and backup Jeffrey Legree on Sunday, two days after being blown out 68-24 at Orlando in Leggett’s coaching debut for the Empire’s sixth straight loss.
“We’re still searching for a quarterback right now,” Leggett said. “Looking for an experienced arena football quarterback. No names in mind just yet.”
Leggett said it wasn’t his decision to release Rivers, who threw four interceptions against Orlando. Brown is making the personnel decisions with help from advisor J.R. Rickert, who takes suggestions from Leggett.
The Empire are looking for their fourth starting quarterback this season. Rickert texted Monday he hadn’t heard who it will be yet.
Sam Castronova, who led the Empire to the NAL title last year and started the first three games this season, will return Saturday as Jacksonville’s quarterback.
Leggett acknowledged rumors about the Empire bringing back Mason Espinosa, who was a backup on the 2019 Arena Football League championship team. He’s an assistant coach at DePauw University.
Leggett said he was uncertain if Brown will…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply