Antonio Brown will 'always be one of us,' Steelers GM Kevin Colbert says

INDIANAPOLIS — General manager Kevin Colbert is ready to roll out the welcome mat for former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown — but not necessarily as a player.

Colbert reiterated Tuesday at the NFL Combine what coach Mike Tomlin told ESPN earlier this month: that Brown always will be part of the Steelers family despite the turmoil surrounding his NFL career that is in limbo.

Brown remains unsigned while the NFL investigates sexual assault claims made against him last season.

“We’re always going to be worried about Antonio and where he is and his own well being,” Colbert said. “Not Antonio Brown, AB, No. 84, the player. We’re worried about Antonio Brown, the person. That will never change no matter if he plays for us or he plays for another team or doesn’t play at all. He’ll always be one of us as far as his life is concerned.”

Brown has publicly apologized to the Steelers organization and players such as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that he criticized in the past. Colbert has not spoken to Brown.

“We always visit with representatives to check in periodically,” Colbert said. “They know the door is always open for conversation if he wants or needs some type of guidance.”