Former NFL star Antonio Brown is stepping into the political arena with a new initiative aimed at getting Pennsylvania voters registered for the upcoming election.
On Friday, Brown, known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced his voter registration efforts via a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“Steeler Nation see you on Sunday at the game. Before then make sure to sign up to vote in this year’s election,” Brown wrote, indicating that he plans to make an in-person appearance at the Steelers’ game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night to promote voter registration.
Steeler Nation see you on Sunday at the game
Before then make sure to sign up to vote in this years election @x makes it easy to find the info and every vote counts @elonmusk https://t.co/YnwkN9zNbU pic.twitter.com/AfLe4jCN71
— AB (@AB84) October 4, 2024
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Brown also posted what appeared to be a screenshot of a message exchange with Senator J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, where Vance expressed his eagerness to meet with the former NFL wide receiver.
Crackers love AB
AB loves Crackers 🤝 #CTESPN
It’s all about bringing people together
Luv & Respect @JDVance pic.twitter.com/TQUqm0kVhR
— AB (@AB84) October 5, 2024
Brown’s influence could be significant in western Pennsylvania, where he developed a large fan base during his years with the Steelers.
As the election approaches, many of his supporters in this crucial swing state could potentially have an impact on the results.
Throughout this election cycle, Brown has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump.
In May, Brown officially endorsed Trump during an interview with OutKick’s Nick Adams, where he praised Trump’s business background and his contributions to prominent figures in the hip-hop industry.
“I’ve never met him. I’ve got admiration for his business moves and I study his dad, Fred Trump. But I think Donald Trump is a good businessman and comes from a good family and has been a good president,” Brown said during the interview. “I think he does some great things for my brothers in the music industry in regards to Lil Wayne, Kodak [Black].”
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT:
NFL legend Antonio Brown endorses Donald J Trump for President.@AB84 pic.twitter.com/pbXb8zQrfW
— Nick Adams (Alpha Male) (@NickAdamsinUSA) May 23, 2024
Brown’s reference to Lil Wayne stems from the rapper’s interactions with Trump just before the 2020 election.
Lil Wayne, a five-time Grammy Award winner, met with Trump at a Florida golf club in the lead-up to the 2020 election.
Just had a great meeting with @realdonaldtrump @potus besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership. He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done. 🤙🏾 pic.twitter.com/Q9c5k1yMWf
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) October 29, 2020
Shortly after that meeting, Lil Wayne was charged with felony gun possession and later entered a guilty plea. Facing up to ten years in prison, Lil Wayne avoided sentencing when Trump issued a pardon for the rapper on his final day in office.
I want to thank President Trump for recognizing that I have so much more to give to my family, my art, and my community. I also want to thank @bradfordcohen for working so diligently to secure another chance for me. Love!
– Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) January 21, 2021
Alongside Lil Wayne, rapper Kodak Black was also pardoned by Trump just before he left office.
Kodak had been sentenced to nearly four years in prison in 2019 for making a false statement while attempting to purchase a firearm.
Attorney Bradford Cohen, who represents both Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, credited the Trump administration for its efforts on behalf of the African-American community. “President Trump and his administration have been tireless advocates on behalf of the African-American community. These pardons are a perfect example of this administration following up on its reforms and commitments,” Cohen told Rolling Stone.
Other notable figures who received pardons from Trump included Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, and Michael “Harry O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records.
While Brown’s support for Trump has drawn attention, it’s not the first time the former football star has made headlines with his social media activity.
In September, after pop star Taylor Swift was seen with Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open, Brown posted a message on X that read, “White People for Trump,” referring to Mahomes being linked to displays of support for Trump online.
White People for Trump pic.twitter.com/eShBHStGDX
— AB (@AB84) September 8, 2024
Additionally, after a reported assassination attempt against Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, Brown commended the former president’s resilience, posting a message on X that read, “Cue up Many Men by 50 and we gonna win the presidency in a landslide F—ing Legend of the Decade.”
Brown’s efforts to rally support for Trump come as Pennsylvania remains a key battleground state in the 2024 election.
The state, which Trump won in 2016 but lost in 2020, is seen as critical for either side’s path to victory.
This weekend, Trump returned to Butler for another rally, and was joined by Elon Musk, billionaire tech mogul and owner of X.
As the election draws nearer, polls in Pennsylvania show a tight race.
A new Fox News survey of registered voters finds Harris narrowly ahead of Trump by two points (50-48%).
Among likely voters, however, the race is deadlocked at 49% each, making Pennsylvania one of the most critical states to watch in the 2024 election.
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