Antonio Brown Waives Extradition, Set to Return to Florida on Attempted Murder Charge

Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown will soon return to Florida to face attempted murder charges after agreeing not to fight extradition from New Jersey, officials confirmed Friday. The 37-year-old was arrested by U.S. marshals in Dubai earlier this week and transferred to Essex County Jail in Newark, where he appeared briefly before a judge to waive his extradition rights.

According to Essex County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Carmen Martin, Brown will remain in custody in New Jersey until Florida authorities arrange his transport. The case stems from an alleged shooting outside a celebrity boxing event in Miami on May 16, in which Brown is accused of firing at a man following an altercation.

An arrest warrant issued in Florida describes a violent confrontation that escalated when Brown allegedly took a handgun from a security officer and fired two shots at Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, a man with whom he had reportedly fought earlier that night. One bullet reportedly grazed Nantambu’s neck.

The incident marks the latest and most serious legal challenge for Brown, whose once-celebrated football career has been overshadowed by years of off-field controversies and run-ins with law enforcement.

1. Details Emerge from Miami Altercation

Court documents and video evidence have provided investigators with a clearer picture of the alleged shooting. The affidavit states that cellphone footage captured Brown advancing toward Nantambu with a firearm in hand and firing twice at close range. In the video, Nantambu can be seen ducking as the shots are fired. Initially, police did not arrest Brown because Nantambu was not immediately identified as a victim. It wasn’t until May 21 — five days later — that Nantambu formally identified Brown as the shooter, prompting investigators to issue a warrant. Brown, who had been residing in Dubai for several months according to his social media posts, was taken into custody there by U.S. marshals before being transported to New Jersey. Authorities have not explained why Brown was booked in Newark rather than directly in Florida, and court records did not list an attorney representing him. In a post following the altercation, Brown denied wrongdoing, claiming he acted in self-defense after being “jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry.” That statement, however, has not been corroborated by investigators.

2. A Career Overshadowed by Controversy

If convicted of second-degree attempted murder in Florida, Brown could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It’s the most serious charge yet for a player whose legal troubles have mounted since his playing days ended. Brown’s 12-year NFL career included stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recorded 928 receptions, over 12,000 yards, and 83 touchdowns, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honors. His final season came in 2021, when he helped the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV, catching a touchdown pass from Tom Brady in the championship game. However, his football legacy has been marred by a string of legal issues. Brown has faced allegations of battery, domestic violence, failure to pay child support, and other off-field disputes. His erratic behavior culminated in 2021 when he removed his uniform midgame against the New York Jets and stormed off the field, an incident that led to his release from the Buccaneers and effectively ended his NFL career. Despite sporadic appearances in media and music, Brown’s post-football life has been dominated by controversy, legal challenges, and public outbursts.

3. Awaiting Return to Florida

As Brown remains in custody in New Jersey, Florida authorities are coordinating his transfer back to Miami, where the attempted murder charge originated. The timing of his extradition has not been confirmed, though officials indicated the process could take several days depending on scheduling and security arrangements. Once returned, Brown will be booked into Miami-Dade County Jail and is expected to make his first court appearance shortly thereafter. Prosecutors have declined to comment on the details of the case or the ongoing extradition, citing the active investigation. Legal experts suggest that, given the severity of the charge and the presence of alleged video evidence, Brown may face significant challenges securing bail. Florida law treats second-degree attempted murder as a violent felony, and judges often weigh public safety and flight risk heavily in such cases. Brown’s defense team—once formally appointed—is likely to focus on disputing the intent behind the alleged shooting. His social media statement claiming self-defense could form the basis of his legal argument, though investigators maintain the available footage contradicts that claim. How the court interprets both the video and witness testimony will be pivotal in determining whether the case proceeds to trial. For now, Brown’s return to Florida marks a critical turning point in a saga that has blurred the line between fame and infamy. Once celebrated as one of the NFL’s most gifted receivers, he now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. The coming weeks will reveal whether his legal team can shift the narrative—or whether this chapter cements the downfall of a once-dominant football figure.