Former NFL star Antonio Brown remains in police custody in New Jersey Friday as he prepares to face a second-degree attempted murder charge in Florida.
On Thursday, Brown was brought back to New York City from Dubai by federal agents. In June, a warrant was issued for the 37-year-old's arrest following an incident at a May boxing event hosted by streamer Adin Ross in May.
This morning, Brown had his initial court appearance in Essex County, New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office revealed in a statement. He's now back in Essex County Jail awaiting transfer to Florida.
"Antonio Brown appeared before Judge Barry and executed a waiver of extradition," said Carmen Martin, the public information officer for the ECPO. "ECPO is notifying the Dade Co. Sheriff's office Miami for custody arrangements. Brown will be transported back to the Essex County Jail to await pick up by Florida authorities."
The latest on former NFL WR Antonio Brown, who had a hearing today in New Jersey: pic.twitter.com/FeolO8U35I
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2025
Why has Brown been charged with attempted murder?
Brown, who last played in the NFL in 2021, is no stranger to legal issues. His latest one stems from an altercation at the boxing exhibition hosted by Ross on Friday, May 16.
During the night, a brawl erupted with footage showing Brown engaged in a physical encounter with another man, Zül-Qarnaįn Nantambu. Gunshots can also be heard in the background at different points.
An arrest warrant claims Brown grabbed a handgun from a security guard and fired two shots at Nantambu. Nantambu has always maintained the former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro shot at him, with one of the bullets grazing his neck.
Brown was detained by police after the fight and later released.
Brown's side of the story
Shortly after being let go from police custody on May 17, Brown took to social media to argue that he acted in self-defense and was not actually arrested.
"Regarding the boxing event that happened last night. I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me," Brown tweeted. "Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. I WENT HOME THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ARRESTED. I will be talking to my legal council and attorneys on pressing charges on the individuals that jumped me. I will keep you all posted step-by-step on the process."
If convicted of second-degree murder, Brown faces a maximum 15-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine. It is not yet clear when he will be returned to Miami for the next steps in the process.
This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Nov 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.