Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown named male Sports Personality of the Year

Antonio Brown is having a busy year. From his acting debut on the HBO series Ballers to an appearance on Family Feud, Brown has certainly been one of the more visible NFL players this offseason. His latest accolade is being named male Sports Personality of the Year by Variety magazine. Boxer Laila Ali is the female Sports Personality of the Year.

The recognition, announced Monday, is part of Variety's first annual Sports Entertainment Breakfast, held this morning in downtown Los Angeles. In addition to the awards presentation, the event included conversations with Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, Patriots Hall of Famer Willie McGinest, and Matt Barnes of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Antonio Brown has become the media darling of the Steelers and the NFL. His evolution from Central Michigan walk-on to one of the NFL's biggest stars has been dramatic. In 2011, Brown predicted his future saying, "This is just the beginning of great things that God has in store."

Brown hasn't only improved in terms of on-field play, he has developed into a man of poise, a role model. "I was just a guy who really didn't have the right guidance in place and the right support that supported the things I wanted to do," he said to The Detroit Free Press in 2011.

With the help of the Steelers organization, Brown has found his way. This most recent award is a reflection of his transformation from unknown player to top performer both on and off the field.