Antonio Brown attempted murder case: Everything you need to know so far

Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown is once again in the headlines, but this time for serious legal trouble. The 37-year-old ex-Pittsburgh Steelers star is currently facing a second-degree attempted murder charge linked to a shooting incident in Miami. Here is a clear breakdown of what has happened so far and where the case stands as of January, 2026.

What is Antonio Brown accused of?

The case is based on something that happened on May 16, 2025, outside a celebrity boxing match in Miami. Police and court records say that Brown got into a confrontation with a man named Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu.



Prosecutors allege that after the fistfight ended, Brown chased Nantambu and fired two gunshots at him. One of the bullets reportedly grazed Nantambu’s neck. Surveillance footage and social media videos allegedly show Brown holding a firearm at the scene. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Brown’s legal team has pushed back strongly against the accusations. His attorney argues that Brown acted in self-defense and has filed a motion seeking dismissal of the case under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.

According to the defense, Brown believed he was in immediate danger and fired what they describe as “warning shots,” intentionally aiming away from the alleged victim. The motion also claims Nantambu had a history of aggressive behavior toward Brown, including a prior incident overseas.



However the prosecutors dispute this version of events, stating that video evidence shows Nantambu walking away before Brown allegedly chased and shot at him.

Recent court update on Antonio Brown’s case

Brown was arrested in November 2025 after returning to the United States from Dubai, where he had spent several months following the incident. He was released from a Miami jail on $25,000 bail after pleading not guilty.

As part of his release conditions, he was placed under house arrest and ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor. At first, prosecutors said he was a flight risk since he had traveled abroad before. In January 2026, he got permission from the court to go to Tampa for a short while, even though the case was still going on. The judge let the travel happen for work reasons, such as scheduled business meetings and recording studio sessions.



He could take off his ankle monitor while he was on vacation, but he had to put it back on when he got back to Miami. His lawyers are also waiting for DNA evidence from a holster found at the scene, which they think could back up his claim of self-defense.

As of now Brown is still awaiting a key hearing related to his Stand Your Ground motion. The next hearing is on February 25th at 9:00 AM. If the judge accepts the defense argument, the charge could be dismissed. If not, the case will proceed toward trial.

If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a significant fine. Until then, the former NFL star remains under strict supervision as one of the most high-profile legal cases involving a former football player continues to unfold.



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