The discussion dives deep into the life of NFL receiver Antonio Brown and his tumultuous relationship with his stepfather. It highlights the importance of taking personal responsibility in parenting and relationships. Listeners are prompted to reflect on how blaming others can hinder growth and accountability. Insights from Marcus Aurelius urge individuals to own their challenges rather than deflecting them. The podcast emphasizes that real strength in parenting comes from self-reflection and a proactive mindset.
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Stepfather's Blame
Antonio Brown's stepfather, Larry Moss, blames Brown's childhood behavior for issues in his marriage.
Moss claims Brown's disrespect and late nights contributed to marital friction, even years later.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Take Responsibility
Dads should take responsibility for problems, following Marcus Aurelius's advice: "Blame yourself or no one."
Focus on improving your systems and parenting, as these are within your control.
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Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
A few weeks ago, there was a fascinating piece about the controversial NFL receiver Antonio Brown. Of course, anything about Antonio Brown is fascinating—his behavior in the last several months has cost him something like $40M in guaranteed money and taken the best wide receiver in the game out of the game, possibly forever.
But what’s worth taking note of in this piece, for any dad or stepdad, are two seemingly inconsequential remarks by Larry Moss, Brown’s stepfather.
Brown and his brothers, Desmond and Eddie, would often try to intervene in arguments between their mom, Adrianne Moss, and Larry—arguments Larry attributes to trying to parent Antonio.
Larry Moss, Brown's stepfather, says Brown started staying out late and sneaking off with cars around the age of 14, with a "no respect" attitude that contributed to his leaving the Miami Gardens home. As Larry remembers it, he and Brown's mother even lived in separate homes at times because of friction between him and Brown.
Imagine that. 17 years later this guy is still pointing the finger at a child for the troubles in his marriage. And he’s so shameless about it, he’s willing to put it on the record to ESPN. This is not what dads do—even if they do have difficult children, even if they are stressed and overwhelmed by being a father or stepfather.
We have to follow Marcus Aurelius’ advice always: “Blame yourself or no one.” Your spouse is not the problem. Your job is not the problem. The economy is not why you’re stressed. It’s not the weather. The fact that the house is a mess is not your kid’s fault. The fact that their grades are slipping is not their fault. That’s not why your marriage is struggling.
You’re the problem. Your systems are the problem. Your parenting is the problem. Focus on that. It’s the only thing you control. It’s your job to take the blame. It’s your job to help fix it.
The Daily Dad 