By Justin Worsley
Terrell Owens has made a career out of his antics both on the field and off the field. After a less than stellar season in Buffalo, however, very few teams have showed interest in the 36-year-old veteran. Owens believes he still has two good years left in him, but has been unable to prove to this to other teams. The question now is: What now?
Last season, the Indianapolis Colts parted ways with their all-time leading receiver Marvin Harrison. Harrison was unable to find a new gig and is still a free agent. Both receivers have very comparable stats, Harrison made eight Pro Bowls to Owens six, and both players have over 1,000 receptions for over 14,000 yards.
What separates the two, however, is their personality. Harrison was the ultimate team player, taking part in the development of Colts star Reggie Wayne, franchise quarterback Peyton Manning, and current Colts receivers Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez.
Owens has shown throughout his career that he is in the game for himself. Despite one incident, where Owens cried after a playoff loss in 2007 in defense of Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, Owens has helped define the wide receiver's role as the prima donna of the team, making way for players such as Keyshawn Johnson and Brandon Marshall to help exemplify the role. Owens has gone as far as refuse a trade San Francisco made with Baltimore, instead ending up in Philadelphia, where many believe they would not have made the Super Bowl without him. Owens' tenure in Philadelphia didn't last long however, after a dispute with quarterback Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia released him.
It seemed like Dallas was a haven for Owens, he played in a state that loved winners and players who had heart, and nobody could deny Owens of either. T.O continued to be T.O., but this time it seemed like he may have finally wore out his welcome in the NFL. His last season in Dallas, he complained about Romo favoring tight end Jason Witten during the season and that the team will win more if he sees more passes coming his way (Owens actually had more passes thrown to him, Witten just happened to catch more.) After Dallas shockingly released Owens, it looked as if it was the end of the line.
A desperate Bills organization, however, took a one-year flyer on Owens, hoping he would spark both the team, quarterback Trent Edwards and fellow receiver Lee Evans. Owens did none of the above as he caught for 829 yards, his lowest since an injury-riddle 2005 season and five touchdowns, his lowest since 1999.
His slip in production may be a cause of concern to most teams, who won't be willing to pay the large price Owens commands (he made $6.5 million last season,) as well as the fact that he isn't seen as a team-first player who is willing to mentor his teammates. If Harrison couldn't land a job, why would T.O.?
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