Despite impressive statistics accumulated over a long NFL career, Terrell Owens will not get elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first try. The man himself broke the news:
Owens’ career numbers are incredible. Here is where he ranks all-time:
• 2nd in receiving yards (15,934) behind Jerry Rice.
• 3rd in receiving touchdowns (153).
• 6th in receptions (1,078)
Of course, everyone in Philadelphia knows there was a lot more to Owens than his play on the field. After helping take the Eagles to the Super Bowl, he was a major distraction during the disastrous 2005 season. I know that I won’t forget where I was when he did that surreal workout in his driveway.
The Eagles weren’t the only team that had trouble with Owens’ off-field behavior. That is likely why he wasn’t voted into the Hall of Fame.
In Philadelphia, Owens would likely be remembered differently if the Eagles simply won Super Bowl 39. Nine receptions and 122 yards just seven weeks after breaking his leg was nothing short of incredible:
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann