Few may recall that prolific Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown made a visit to Arizona Stadium in 2009 with Central Michigan in the season opener against the Arizona Wildcats.
He was actually the Chippewas’ leading rusher in the game dominated by the Wildcats’ defense in a 19-6 win for Arizona on Sept. 5, 2009.
Brown gained 31 yards rushing on three carries as a slot receiver. He caught five passes for 23 yards. He didn’t reach the end zone.
He was an All-American in 2008 and 2009 as a punt retuner. He had four kickoff returns with the longest being 19 yards. His lone punt return went for 11 yards.
That game was delayed 43 minutes because of lightning.
Matt Scott started ahead of Nick Foles but four games into the season Foles took over the starting role and would eventually become Arizona’s career passing leader.
Nic Grigsby rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown and Alex Zendejas matched a school record with four field goals.
Brown was often matched against future Steelers teammate Robert Golden, a former cornerback with the Wildcats.
Brown left Tucson without much fanfare despite his All-American status as a punt returner. He was a sixth-round draft-pick steal by the Steelers after that season.
Everybody knows about him now.
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