Always Controversial, Terrell Owens Truly Is "The Anti-Player"

Owens' recent tirade against fellow teammates Tony Romo and Jason Witten is perhaps one of the most incredible acts of selfishness in sports and is a stain to the game of football. The allegation that his teammates are conspiring against Owens to marginalize his role is laughable. It suggests that Owens believes his failure as a player is so important to his teammates that they would sacrifice their own interests out of spite. 

Now, in truth, it’s not as inconceivable as some proclaim. Football players are human.  And humans have done worse things out of spite.

But Owens' argument is delegitimized by the fact that allegations such as these seem to follow him everywhere he goes. It was there in San Francisco. It was there in Philadelphia.

Now, it’s Dallas. 

Okay, let me come clean. I’ve been a Washington Redskins fan for as long as I can remember. So the recent unhinging of the Dallas Cowboys brings with it a sadistic glee that only a 'Skins fan could enjoy. 

But as an admirer of the game, I feel for Owens’ teammates.

And I even feel for Owens.

What’s unfortunate is that in his endless pursuit of relevance, Owens is on a constant march toward insignificance. His insatiable thirst for highlights and statistical dominance serves only to leave him a footnote in the noble annals of football history.

Owens could be one of the most triumphant figures in sports; a remarkable athlete from Alabama who emerged out of the little-known University of Tennessee-Chattanooga to become an NFL legend. Instead, he squanders that opportunity with every team he unravels.

Owens doesn’t yet understand that concept of team I described above. He doesn’t understand that greatness on the field is defined not by the number of touchdowns one scores, or yards one gains—but by one’s contribution to the game. It’s one’s legacy, not his stats that will define him, just as it is each of our legacy, not our successes, that will define our lives.

And what will be T.O’s legacy? 

He can’t say how many teams he helped lead to Super Bowl victory. Instead, he can only point to those he’s left in his wake. 

He can’t argue he was a unifying force—a leader, because the path he takes is always toward conflict and spite. 

He can’t suggest he was the hero, because no matter how spectacular his catches, he’ll be the guy we use to exemplify how not to play the game. 

Unfortunately at this rate, all Owens will have is his stats and his pay stubs. 

Look, I’m one who truly believes professional football players deserve to get paid. They sacrifice their bodies week-in and week-out for our collective amusement while some rich club owner gets a little richer. But with that wealth we should expect football players to conduct themselves with an appreciation for the game...our game. 

Football doesn’t belong to one player, or a team, or even the NFL’s owners. Football belongs to the people that fill its bleachers week after week—and it’s the players...the real players—who recognize that. 

Unlike many, I don’t believe it’s too late for Owens to renew his legacy. But until he understands that his contribution to the game of football goes beyond his presence and stats, his legacy will forever be defined by what he destroyed rather than what he accomplished. 

Until then, he is and will remain, The Anti-Player. 

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