NFL drama spilled onto social media this week as injured Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Lonnie Johnson and former star wide receiver Antonio Brown went back and forth in a heated online exchange.
It started innocently enough on Sunday when Johnson, sidelined with a broken fibula, posted a lighthearted photo of himself watching the Raiders’ season opener against the New England Patriots while fully suited up in his helmet and uniform. The playful post quickly caught Brown’s attention, and he couldn’t resist taking a jab.
Retweeting the photo, Brown wrote, “CTE of the day.” The comment, referencing chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma in football, struck a nerve with Johnson.
Johnson shot back: “Next time tag me F* BOY. AIN’T YOU RUNNING FROM THE FEDS.” The defensive back was alluding to Brown’s recent legal troubles, including a May incident that led to a charge of attempted murder with a firearm.
Brown escalated further, mocking Johnson’s role as an injured player. “You on the couch in full uniform rocking Raiders gear begging for a tag. I’m America’s most wanted and could still put up triple the (numbers) you will this year.”
Johnson countered by pointing out that he doesn’t play wide receiver: “This man said put up triple the numbers like I play WR. That’s CTE for ya tho.”
The back-and-forth didn’t end there. Johnson also called Brown an “internet troll” and warned him to “keep that same energy” in person. He referenced a past controversy involving Brown’s selective posting of training clips with Shilo Sanders, accusing the former Pro Bowler of ducking footage where he was beaten in drills.
The exchange quickly went viral, adding another chapter to Brown’s long history of social media feuds and controversies. Meanwhile, Johnson, who joined the Raiders in the offseason and was expected to contribute before his injury, remains focused on recovery.
For now, the only place fans can see these two facing off is on Twitter/X, but the spat highlights how NFL rivalries can extend far beyond the field.