Ex-NFL linebacker believes Antonio Brown's career is Hall of Fame worthy: 'Can’t deny the production'

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Antonio Brown’s fall from grace has been well documented, to the point where some may even forget just how good the receiver was on the gridiron.

Former NFL linebacker Bobby Carpenter hasn’t, and while making an appearance on OutKick’s "Hot Mic" on Monday, he made an interesting argument. 

"Hall of Famer, yes or no?" Carpenter asked co-hosts Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow.

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Bobby Carpenter #59 of the Detroit Lions reacts to a fourth down stop during the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on October 10, 2011, in Detroit. The Lions defeated the Bears 24-13. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Why does Carpenter ask the question? Brown’s production is the reason. 

"You can’t deny the production. I know that nobody wants to see him go in because he’s a hate-able character," Carpenter said. 

Brown’s antics on and off the field toward the end of his career, as well as post-career, don’t check the stand-up character box usually on a Hall of Fame application. 

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However, Brown’s production resume is about as impressive as it gets. 

Brown is a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, a Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a member of the Hall of Fame All-2010s Team. 

There was a stretch from 2013-18 where one could make the argument Brown was the best wide receiver in the NFL, as he never had less than 1,280 receiving yards and 100 receptions in all of those seasons. 

In 2014, Brown led the