Brown: 'We desire to win championships'

Antonio Brown’s thousand watt smile was on display as he was joined by his family, including his four kids, at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to talk about the new five-year contract he signed.“It gives everyone inspiration and motivation,” said Brown. “If you work hard and do the right things, you get rewarded. The results of working hard and doing the right things, I am in this position.” Brown, who was entering the final year of his contract, said he talked to Steelers’ President Art Rooney II last summer and was confident a deal would get done as it’s something both sides wanted. “We are excited to be here today to talk about our extension of Antonio Brown’s contract,” said Rooney. “I am happy to say he will be with us for another five years. We are excited to have Antonio back and get this contract done early. The timing works for all of us. “A lot of reasons why we would want to have a player like Antonio. He is one of the hardest working players we have ever had on our team. He leads by example. He has a lot of records, he has a lot of accolades. “There is only one thing on his mind and our mind, and that is bringing another Super Bowl trophy here.” When it comes to Steelers’ records, Brown is making a name for himself and then some. He has the most double-digit reception games in team history (13), is tied for the most 100-yard receiving games in team history (29), is just the second player to record at least 600 receptions (joining Hines Ward), and along with the Ward the second player in team history to record 1,000 receiving yards in four straight seasons. Brown is third on the Steelers in all-time receiving yards, behind Ward and Hall of Famer John Stallworth. “My focus now, all the Steelers greats, those guys have hardware, having had an opportunity to win a Super Bowl,” said Brown. “For me, that is the ultimate goal every year, to go out and see if I can win a ring. I am excited about that process. I am excited to be a Steeler. As a Steeler, we desire to win championships.”He was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round in 2010 and has grown and developed into one of the best wide receivers in the game. In his first seven seasons in the league he has caught 632 passes for 8,377 yards, a 13.3 yard average, and has hauled in 50 touchdowns. Brown, who was selected to the Associated Press 2016 NFL All-Pro Team, finished first in the AFC and second in the NFL in total receptions in 2016 with 106, finishing just behind Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald who had 107 receptions. Brown was fifth in the league in total yardage with 1,284 yards. He became the first player in NFL history to lead his conference in receptions in four straight seasons. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time, including four consecutive years, became the first player in team history with 1,000 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns in three straight seasons (2014-16), and the first player in team history to record 90 receptions in four straight seasons. But you won’t see him resting on his laurels. He knows he has more work to do. “Every year you have to prove yourself,” said Brown. “Every year is a new year, a fresh start. You have to come out and prove yourself. That battle is never ending. Every year I am judged upon my performance and how I make the team better. “You always have to be hungry. There is a lot of work to be done. I am excited about the process.” Brown, who thanked the Rooney family, Coach Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, his teammates and Steelers Nation, said he talked to Ben Roethlisberger after signing the contract. “He was pretty excited,” said Brown. “There is always room to grow. I think I can be a better leader, be more vocal. I think I can get better, being accountable. Those are things I can work on this year. I think actions speak louder than words, motivating guys, letting them know what is at stake. Being a better leader. “It’s all about winning. Our business is winning. I just want to be accountable to be my best self, being the best teammate and the reason we win ball games.”