Seattle Seahawks: The Rebirth of Terrel Owens?

The Seattle Seahawks rocked the sports world when they invited Terrell Owens in for a tryout. So when they signed him, it was even more shocking.

Owens went from a solid year in Cincinnati to an injury in 2011. Then he landed in the Indoor Football League and even embarrassed himself on the Dr. Phil. Somehow, when his career looked shattered and his days of catching passes appeared gone, Owens has an exciting new opportunity.

There has never been any doubt about his athletic ability or pass-catching greatness. But at 38 years old, Owens blew away coaches with his speed. His 4.5 40-yard dash reminded the NFL what it was missing. And remember, Owens put up that number coming off an ACL injury and a year removed from NFL football.

Owens is used to being the entertainment. He had his own reality TV show on VH1 and even had a show with Chad Johnson (then Chad Ochocinco). Even though the shows didn't last long, Owens always had the spotlight on him. He thrives in it.

But what is often overlooked is how Owens has dealt with difficult times. Owens, himself, has claimed he has contemplated suicide—something that must be recognized.

He has never been one to hide his emotions or cover up his feelings. Just ask Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo or any former teammate. He is a very insecure person because his actions get scrutinized by the media. His celebrations, arguments and passion have almost turned him into a public enemy. But Owens is a very sensitive guy and all of the hate from the media has worn him down.

When Owens appeared on Dr. Phil, he had his heart ripped out and was made out to be a total jerk on national television. The impossible happened when he was released from the Allen Wranglers, due to a failure to appear at a scheduled public event. Though Owens has tried to defend himself, nothing he can say will change everybody's opinions.

So at age 38, Owens surprisingly has one final chance to revive not only his career, but his life. He is past his attention seeking days of old. If anything, he probably wants to avoid the limelight and just do his job.

There will never be any doubt about what No. 81 can do on the football field. But No. 81 may no longer belong to Owens, as Golden Tate reps the digits. But maybe a new number is a new beginning. Maybe a fresh start will change perception of the controversial figure.

At this point in his life, only a Super Bowl ring can make his career better. But he is playing for more than himself in 2012. He will be playing for his children. He will be playing to help the offense move the chains. He will be playing to do everything but pad his stats in 2012, something football fans have never seen.

A new dawn, a new team and possibly a new number all mean one thing: a new Terrell Owens will emerge in 2012.