Terrell Owens will turn 40 during the 2013 NFL season, and he still believes that’s an age at which he can contribute. But he’s starting to come to the realization that it may not happen.
Owens told Mike Freeman of CBS that he understands it might not happen.
“If I play this year, that’d be awesome,” Owens said. “If I don’t play this year, I’m retiring. . . . That’s just me being realistic. I want to play again. I want to go out on top with a team. I think I can still play, but if I don’t sign with a team, it would be time to retire. I have to be honest with myself.”
Realistically, there’s almost no chance that Owens will play in the NFL again. It’s been two and a half years (and one ACL tear) since he last played in a regular-season game, and he couldn’t cut it in Seahawks camp last year. Throw in the fact that he has a reputation as a headache in the locker room, and it’s hard to imagine why any team would want him around.
But Owens thinks he can play.
“I’m not chasing a dream,” Owens said. “I can still play football. If you’re a team looking for a wide receiver and don’t think I can play, tell me why. If it’s because you don’t like me, then that’s fine, but don’t tell me I can’t still play.”
Actually, by not signing him, all 32 NFL teams are doing exactly that: Telling Owens he can’t still play.