Antonio Brown and Vontaze Burfict have not always been friends. Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals often aren’t, but this AFC North rivalry took a more personal tone after Burfict did Brown dirty in the 2015 playoffs, striking the receiver in the head while he was extended to reach an uncatchable pass.
Burfict was suspended for three games for the act, and the animosity increased between the teams they represented. Bad blood spilled that day, with some retaliation and unflattering words issued since.
That was when Brown and Burfict played for warring factions. Now they’re teammates, united under silver and black. The Raiders traded for Brown just before free agency and signed Burfict a short while after.
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That happened again Thursday, when Brown posted an Instagram photo of Burfict walking behind him, with the caption, “Used to have to watch my back; now he got my back! #Boom”
Burfict replied with a screenshot of the Brown post and this response, “1 TEAM 1 DREAM = A RING”
Here’s the exchange:
NFL
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The Raiders will need both Brown and Burfict to play at a high level if they plan to successfully navigate a tough early-season schedule and make a run at the playoffs.