Antonio Brown will head to Pittsburgh for offseason workouts as soon as he wraps the "Dancing with the Stars" finale Monday, which is welcome news for the Steelers after whispers of a potential holdout last offseason.
Brown has two years left on a contract that pays him $6.25 million in 2016, one of football's greatest bargains for a player who owns the NFL record for catches in a two-year span with 265.
"This is my last week in L.A. I have the finale, wrap that up, and back for spring ball next," Brown, who advanced to the "DWTS" Season 22 semifinals before being eliminated, told ESPN on Wednesday. "I'm excited to see how we gel together. I'm excited to go toward one goal, see how new guys plug in, create the best team we can create."
The Steelers begin organized team activities Tuesday.
Brown, who turns 28 in July, said finishing his career in Pittsburgh under a long-term extension would be "an honor," but he's more concerned with re-establishing rhythm and timing with Ben Roethlisberger over the next month. The two constitute one of the league's most lethal duos and can enjoy more prime years together. The Steelers offense also has 24-year-old Le'Veon Bell and a deep offensive line.
"I always want to be a Steeler for life. We will let those things take its course," said Brown, who has 3,532 yards and 23 touchdowns since 2014. "I'm excited to get back on the field. ... My focus right now is to show up and become the best player."
First, Brown is basking in an entertaining offseason that included a star turn in Los Angeles. Brown said the show "allowed people to know me more, understand me more." Brown's enthusiasm drew praise from the show's judges. On-air segments highlighted Brown as a father, his playing career and his relationship with his own father, Eddie, a former Arena Football League star who was out of Brown's life for stretches of his childhood.
Brown is always looking for an edge on the field, and he said he believes he just got one -- by spending the last few months on the balls of his feet.
"[Dance training] can definitely help me with football, change of direction, fluidly, constantly being ready for the next move," Brown said. "Dancing is all about the next move, being prepared for the next move in the midst of any move. It will definitely help with ankle strength, pushing off, change of direction."
Brown's brilliant 2015 season ended abruptly. He suffered a concussion from a vicious hit by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the final minute of the AFC wild-card game. Without Brown the following week, the Steelers lost to Denver in the divisional round.
In February, Brown called Burfict 'an idiot' for his reckless play.
Months later, Brown sees value from that dark time.
"Experiencing those things made me better. I recovered from it well," Brown said. "My mental game is helping me concentrate, my memory bank is good, and I'm grateful for being healthy. You can never take health for granted."