Antonio Brown has received a significant legal development in his ongoing second-degree attempted murder case, with a Florida judge granting the former NFL star permission to leave the state for a medical examination in California.
The ruling, handed down on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, allows Brown — who has been under house arrest since November 2025 — to temporarily travel out of Florida, a major win for the 37-year-old as he awaits trial.
Brown was arrested in May 2025 [and charged with second-degree attempted murder](https://thespun.com/nfl/former-nfl-star-antonio-brown-granted-permission-to-leave-florida) after allegedly shooting at a man, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Natambu, at an Adin Ross boxing event in Florida. Prosecutors allege Brown fired at his former friend during the incident. Brown has pleaded not guilty to all charges and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Antonio Tavaris Brown, 35, was taken into custody Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, while in Dania Beach on a Miami-Dade County warrant. (Courtesy/Broward Sheriff’s Office)
The request for travel was filed by Brown’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh. It was argued that the former wide receiver has been fully compliant with all court conditions since his release. The documents state Brown needs to travel to Southern California “for a medical examination.”
The prosecutor did not object, and the judge approved the motion. It remains unclear what specific medical issue requires the out-of-state visit, though Brown has a well-documented history of injuries from his NFL career, including multiple concussions.
One of the most notable incidents occurred on January 9, 2016, during an AFC Wild Card Game when Brown suffered a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Brown has claimed ongoing effects from that and other head injuries, including loss of consciousness and memory issues.
Brown’s NFL career was marked by elite production and off-field controversy. A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he holds numerous receiving records and ranks among the most explosive wideouts of his generation. He later played for the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl with the Bucs in 2020.
His legal troubles began escalating in recent years. Brown was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last year to face the attempted murder charge in Florida. He has been under house arrest since a November 2025 court appearance, and this latest ruling marks the first time he has been allowed to leave the state since then.
While the travel permission is limited to medical purposes and requires court approval, it represents a meaningful concession for Brown as he prepares his defense. The case remains ongoing, with no trial date publicly set yet.
For more Antonio Brown updates, NFL legal stories, and former player news, stay tuned.
What do you think of this ruling — a necessary medical step or a potential risk? Share your thoughts in the comments!