Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 9y

Steelers post-practice scene a glimpse into Antonio Brown's drive

PITTSBURGH -- Antonio Brown's post-practice routine offers a glimpse into why he's emerged as arguably the NFL's best receiver.

Pittsburgh Steelers officials maintain Brown is always the last player off the field. Regular season, offseason team activities, minicamp -- doesn't matter. He's always last.

Twenty minutes after most players had entered the team facility, there was Brown, stretching and exercising in neon cleats. This week, the Steelers are not using JUGS machines, which Brown often utilizes during the year.

So this week, he was seen working out on the field with linebacker Sean Spence, who, like Brown, is from Miami. Turns out the two work out often. I asked Spence about their routine together and Brown's insatiable drive.

Basically, Brown told Spence this week that the two would complete 200 abdominal reps and 50 push-ups after every practice. Brown mixes up the ab techniques, including leg extensions while lying flat.

"It might seem like nothing major, but after a full practice, it's a lot," Spence said. "He just pulled me to the side and said 'After practice we're doing this.'"

Brown's impact is felt all over a Steelers' practice, but the other 22 hours of the day are when Brown really does his damage because of his preparation, Spence said.

"He's goes the extra mile," Spence said. "Working out with him, you really get to see why he is the way he is on the field. He's always doing extra. He's always doing more. He always goes hard."

The way Brown describes his motivation sounds a bit like paranoia, in the best possible way.

A receiver with 305 catches the last three seasons is saying "every year you have a new guy trying to take your spot."

"I have guys across the league trying to be better than me," Brown said. "I have to stay hungry … You always want to set the tempo and be better than you were."

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