Antonio Brown attended Central Michigan University, where he played college football. Brown was named first-team All American in 2008 and 2009. In his junior year, Brown hauled in 110 receptions and 9 touchdowns while helping lead Central Michigan to its second Mid-American Conference championship and a Top 25 finish in the nation.

Brown was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL draft as a wide receiver and punt returner. That same year, Brown joined the Steelers at the Super Bowl XLV. In 2011, Brown became the first player in NFL history to have more than 1,000 yards receiving and returning in the same year. He became the second Steeler to amass at least 100 receptions in a season, joining former teammate Hines Ward.  In 2014 Brown was named to the AP All-Pro team for the first time in his career.