Terrell Owens may still be without an NFL team to call home for the 2010-11 season but he'll always have a home here with me. (Pause for hurling and grimacing) Yes, I know this wide receiver is largely hated and under fire for his underwhelming performance with the Bills last season, but I still think he deserves a few more years of football.
Terrell, as you may have noticed I affectionately call him, was never on my list of players to like. Actually, there wasn't an inkling of love for him my entire football-watching career, and I was highly disturbed when I first found out he was going to be a Bill. But, in an effort to make my football seasons as smooth as possible (because if you know me by now, you must realize I'm passionate bordering on crazy which results in a dangerous several months for my blood pressure, liver and sanity), I made it my mission to like him instead of hate him, starting with obsessive "T.O. Show" watching and plenty of "shirtless T.O." Google searches. The result? I can't even see the obnoxious Terrell everyone talks about, and if I do see a glimmer of the antics or cockiness, I can see past it and might even like it a little.
So far, it's rumored he'd been considered by Washington Redskins, specifically that Donovan McNabb lobbied for his arrival, but that has since been denied. Then Cleveland was being thrown around, but they have since declined having interest. Oakland is the latest team to pass on this tall, gorgeous, much-better-behaved receiver. I know Terrell only caught 55 balls for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns as a Bill, but come on guys, that's not entirely his fault. The quarterback situation was horrendous and the offensive protection was non-existent. The guy can only do so much with what he's got to work with, no matter what his skills were before he put on the blue and red helmet.
Now what? I'm sure something will come up. You know Terrell is one for making a big splash, so maybe he's just waiting for an opportunity to make his new home part of "T.O. Show" season 2, starting in July. I'll give him a call and ask him. ;-)
My advice to whatever fans get to cheer him on this year: do exactly that. Cheer for him, support him, give him a chance; because believe me, it's much easier when you're not tempted to throw your beer every time he's on the field.
Terrell...I love you, man.