Steelers' Antonio Brown Motivated Aaron Donald To Be Great: 'I'd Feel Like He Was Outworking Me'

The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't the only ones who were impacted by prime Antonio Brown's work ethic. In a recently released clip of the Green Light Podcast, Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald equated his work ethic to Brown. 

Donald says he was always a hard worker early on and that he always wanted to outwork other people. Donald described going online and seeing Brown workout, and gaining motivation to workout himself.

"I'd feel like I had a good workout and then I'd be seeing his stuff ... and he'd post a second workout that day ... I'd feel like he was outworking me," Donald explained.

It's this kind of work ethic that turns players into legends and separates them from the rest. Brown for example acquired 12,291 career yards that are complimented by 83 career touchdowns. He also had six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Steelers, with his best in 2015 with 1,834 yards.

Donald on the same hand had 111 career sacks and 340 career solo tackles. Both he and Brown will be forever cemented as legends in the NFL, not only for their teams, but in the sport in general.

Both Brown and Donald showed incredible on-field leadership. Being top players on their respective offenses and defenses, and mentoring other players through their tenures in the NFL. Brown and Donald also have a connection through Donda Sports. Both have made Pro Bowls and AP All-Pro teams as well. It is no doubt that Brown and Donald are both NFL legends. 

Who Will Be The Next Offensive Motivator For The Steelers?

It's no question the Steelers have immense offensive talent heading into the 2024 season. Who will step up and be the offensive motivator and leader for the Steelers? Since Brown and Le'Veon Bell have left the Steelers, they have not seen anyone encourage and lead the offense like they once did from a playmaking standpoint. The defensive side of the ball has many leaders and veterans, such as TJ Watt and Cam Heyward.

Many players could step in and fill the role, George Pickens being a likely candidate. Pickens and Brown had very similar career starts, Brown putting up 2,062 yards in his first three years, while Pickens has 1,941 in his first two years. While Pickens has not proven to be the powerhouse wide receiver that Brown was just yet, he is on pace for it. Pickens has already proven himself to be a deep one-on-one threat, a fast runner and playmaker. He now faces the leadership aspect of being a top receiver for the Steelers. He may struggle with this, given his past attitude problems and controversies, however, some could say he still has time to mature.

Najee Harris is also proving himself as a longtime leader for the Steelers offense. In Harris' three seasons with the team, he has shown nothing but the ability to run hard and make plays. Harris has three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and has shown he can mentor players such as Jaylen Warren. As backup to Harris, Warren put up sizable yards for a second-stringer with 784 yards on the ground in 2023.

A position many overlook when it comes to leadership is the tight end position. Pat Freiermuth has shown ability to put up yards and score just as consistently as a tight end should when healthy. He put up 732 yards in the 2022 season, his highest in his three seasons with the Steelers, with 11 career touchdowns. 

Who do yinz think will show the kind of motivation Brown did when he was with the Steelers? Click to