Former NFL star Antonio Brown has once again grabbed headlines with his unconventional antics, naming Donald Trump and Elon Musk as his “Free Speech Winners of the Year” in a peculiar year-end social media post. The announcement, shared on X (formerly Twitter), featured Brown’s signature blend of humor, controversy, and over-the-top creativity, including a graphic depicting the three dressed as Roman gladiators.
Brown’s “Cracker of the Year” Awards
Brown, who has developed a reputation for his eccentric online behavior since his NFL career ended in 2022, has turned his focus toward creating viral moments on social media. Heading into 2025, he unveiled his self-styled “Cracker of the Year” awards, a tongue-in-cheek series of honors given to notable public figures.
Earlier winners included Joe Rogan for “Podcast Episode of the Year” and Shane Gillis as “Funniest Cracker of the Year.” However, Brown reserved his final and most significant award for Trump and Musk, citing their contributions to “free speech.”
“Last day of the yr & last award of the yr. This is a special one bc it’s what this platform stands for,” Brown wrote in his post. “It’s what @elonmusk gave back to us when he bought @X—Free Speech!”
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Brown’s Support for Trump and Musk
The graphic accompanying Brown’s post showed him alongside Trump and Musk in Roman gladiator gear, symbolizing their fight for “free speech.” The tribute wasn’t surprising, given Brown’s vocal support for Trump throughout the year.
The former wide receiver joined Trump on the campaign trail and played an active role in the months leading up to Trump’s resounding victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Brown made several high-profile appearances at Trump rallies, including one in Pittsburgh, where he co-hosted a voter registration drive at a tailgate party.
He was even seen onstage alongside former Steelers teammate Le’Veon Bell during a rally and later greeted Trump on the tarmac upon his return to Pittsburgh for a game against the New York Jets.
Taking Aim at Democrats
In the aftermath of Trump’s election victory, Brown continued to criticize the Democratic Party, frequently targeting President Joe Biden on social media.
Biden, who faced mounting criticism over public gaffes and missteps during his presidency, ultimately withdrew from the 2024 election race. Notable moments included Biden mistakenly calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “President Putin” and confusing Kamala Harris for Trump.
Brown took aim at Biden during Thanksgiving, posting a photo of the 82-year-old holding a turkey with the caption, “Happy Easter.” The post drew widespread attention, further cementing Brown’s position as an outspoken and polarizing figure.
A Legacy of Unpredictability
Antonio Brown’s NFL career ended in dramatic fashion in January 2022 when he infamously walked off the field mid-game at MetLife Stadium, removing his jersey and pads in a widely publicized meltdown.
Since then, the seven-time Pro Bowler has transitioned to a life outside football, often making waves through music, business ventures, and his increasingly erratic social media presence.
While Brown’s antics continue to spark debate, his year-end post underscored his ongoing influence in popular culture.
Whether he’s celebrating his controversial heroes or poking fun at political figures, Brown remains a master of staying in the spotlight, even as his football career becomes a distant memory.
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