You probably know Joe Manganiello from Magic Mike, True Blood or just for being Sofia Vergara's husband.
In addition to his lengthy resume in Hollywood, however, the Mt. Lebanon, Pa., native Manganiello bleeds black and gold. He's a self-described "huge Pirates fan" and he's been spotted at Penguins and Steelers games aplenty. Growing up 15 minutes from the stadiums will do that.
However, when you combine such star-power with a passion for the team, unique doors open. Manganiello has shared the field with the Steelers in warm-ups, and he's even become friends with some of the players.
That list includes Antonio Brown. Speaking with our Jason Rollison on a recent episode of his Buccocast podcast, Manganiello had the following to say of Brown.
“So, I was friends with Antonio," Manganiello began. "And he was such a humble, great, hardworking young guy when he first came into the league. But to me, he’s turned ‘oathbreaker,’ if you will."
The "oathbreaker" line came in reference to Rollison's set-up question, in which he asked Manganiello what type of character alignment Brown would hold if he were a Dungeons & Dragons character. Manganiello, a noted D&D fan, didn't hesitate.
"He was that Sidney Crosby-esque, just great, hardworking dude, but on his way out the door became chaotic evil," Manganiello continued. "I wouldn’t say chaotic neutral, because any time you go after … some of the arguments were just so absurd. You can’t film — you can’t Facebook Live your coach’s speech on your way to the AFC Championship game in Foxborough. It’s inexcusable."
In particular, Manganiello couldn't get over Brown's harsh breakup with the organization. With general manager Kevin Colbert in the picture, Manganiello just couldn't understand Brown's actions.
"I just think Kevin Colbert, like, how can you go after that guy?" Manganiello said. "He’s maybe the nicest guy in the entire world. So he [Brown] turned villain. That’s my final answer.”
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