Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has once again captured public attention, this time due to serious legal allegations. The 37-year-old ex-Pittsburgh Steelers star is currently confronting a second-degree attempted murder charge connected to a shooting incident that occurred in Miami. This case has developed significantly since the initial events, with key legal proceedings unfolding as of January 2026.
What Are the Allegations Against Antonio Brown?
The legal case stems from an incident that took place on May 16, 2025, outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami. According to police reports and court documents, Brown was involved in a confrontation with an individual named Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu. Prosecutors allege that after a physical altercation concluded, Brown pursued Nantambu and discharged two gunshots in his direction.
One of the bullets reportedly grazed Nantambu's neck, causing injury. Surveillance footage and social media videos from the scene allegedly depict Brown holding a firearm during the incident. Despite these accusations, Brown has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
Defense Arguments and Legal Strategy
Brown's legal team has mounted a vigorous defense against the allegations. His attorney contends that Brown acted in self-defense during the confrontation. The defense has filed a formal motion seeking dismissal of the case under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" legislation, which allows individuals to use force without retreating when they reasonably believe they face imminent danger.
According to the defense's narrative, Brown perceived himself to be in immediate peril and fired what they characterize as "warning shots," deliberately aiming away from the alleged victim. The motion further asserts that Nantambu had demonstrated a pattern of aggressive behavior toward Brown previously, including an incident that occurred overseas.
However, prosecutors have challenged this account of events. They maintain that video evidence shows Nantambu walking away from the confrontation before Brown allegedly chased him and discharged the firearm.
Recent Developments in the Legal Proceedings
Brown was arrested in November 2025 upon his return to the United States from Dubai, where he had resided for several months following the Miami incident. After pleading not guilty, he was released from a Miami jail on $25,000 bail.
As conditions of his release, Brown was placed under house arrest and required to wear a GPS ankle monitoring device. Prosecutors initially argued he presented a flight risk due to his international travel prior to arrest. In January 2026, the court granted him permission to travel temporarily to Tampa despite the ongoing case.
The judge approved this travel for legitimate work-related purposes, including scheduled business meetings and recording studio sessions. While Brown could remove his ankle monitor during this approved travel period, he was required to resume wearing it upon returning to Miami.
Pending Evidence and Upcoming Hearings
Brown's legal representatives are currently awaiting DNA evidence analysis from a holster discovered at the scene. They believe this evidence could potentially corroborate Brown's self-defense claims. The defense has formally requested this DNA evidence ahead of the crucial Stand Your Ground hearing.
The next significant court hearing is scheduled for February 25th at 9:00 AM. This proceeding will address the defense's Stand Your Ground motion. If the judge accepts the defense's argument, the attempted murder charge could be dismissed entirely. Conversely, if the motion is denied, the case will proceed toward trial.
Should Brown be convicted, he could potentially face a prison sentence of up to 15 years along with substantial financial penalties. Meanwhile, the former NFL star remains under strict court supervision as this high-profile legal case continues to develop, representing one of the most significant legal matters involving a former professional football player in recent memory.
