Report: Antonio Brown Mistaken for Shirtless Fan, Almost Tackled by Security

Antonio Brown's strange exit from the field Sunday caused a bit of confusion for MetLife Stadium security.

Antonio Brown's career with the Buccaneers ended in strange fashion Sunday as he exited the field at MetLife Stadium in the second half of the team's game against the Jets.

Brown took his jersey and shirt off before running through the end zone, and his exit briefly confused security at MetLife Stadium, per Fox Sports' Jen Hale. Stadium security reportedly mistook Brown for a shirtless fan, though they ultimately held off on approaching Brown.

Here´s the full replay of the Antonio Brown incident with reporting by Jen Hale (FOX). #TBvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/ogOIu91447

— René Bugner (@RNBWCV) January 2, 2022

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians confirmed Brown's career in Tampa is over during Sunday's postgame press conference. Buccaneers radio sideline reporter TJ Rives reported Brown was benched by Arians in the third quarter before taking off his shoulder pads and jersey, while Fox Sports's Jay Glazer later reported that Arians was trying to get Brown to go back into the game and he refused.

Bruce Arians said Antonio Brown “is no longer a Buc.”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 2, 2022

Tampa erased a 14-point third quarter deficit despite Brown's absence. The Bucs cut New York's lead to four with 7:39 remaining, and they then took the lead with 15 seconds left on a 33-yard pass from Tom Brady to Cyril Grayson.

Tom Brady! with 15 seconds left Brady pulls off the comeback to Grayson with a 33-yard TD#Jets had a short FG as an option to go up 7, but they chose to go for it on 4th down and failed

Brady took the Bucs 93 yards without TOs. 40 TDs on the yearpic.twitter.com/aiYOZpH8G0

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 2, 2022

Brady and the Buccaneers advanced to 12–4 in 2021 with Sunday's 28–24 victory. Brown tallied 84 receptions and eight touchdowns in two years with the Buccaneers.