T OH!! and Deciding The End of a Career

So it begins!! Terrell Owens has the biggest decision to make in his somewhat great, somewhat mediocre career.

Where do I go now?!! Can I actually check my attitude? Am I willing to be a No. 2 receiver?

Well like most of the world I'm very interested in where T.O. is heading to this season. And like most of the world—and hopefully T.O.—I realize that this decision will be the biggest decision in his 13-year professional career.

At age 35, the Lombardi trophy has eluded probably the most flamboyant player in NFL history.

Has Owens had a great career? Certainly with 951 receptions, 14,122 receiving yards, and 139 touchdowns.  But they are worthless essentially because if you haven't reached the pinnacle of your sport, you are just a speed bump to all those who have.

Of course T.O. did make it to the Superbowl with Eagles but he was injury laden and utterly useless in the game. And the Eagles had no chance of winning due to the lackluster Andy Reid formula that's plagued Philadelphia for the last several years.

But that's another column.

Here we are focused on the dirtiest word in football: RETIREMENT

Yes folks, whoever Owens signs with will most likely be his last hurrah, the team that he puts the pads on for, for the last time.

And so if this is the case, Owens has to sign with a contender. Not a re-builder like 49ers, Vikings, nor an awful mess like the Raiders who while Al Davis is in charge will never contend (although some sports writers have this delusion not considering the retirement factor) or the Jets (no QB either, would be a terrible career move).

I've heard mumblings of the Redskins picking up T.O. but the problem there is Jason Campbell still hasn't proved himself as a quarterback.

And if Owens signs for the money and not the ring. His legacy will be that of a hack who did nothing but get in the way.

So having said that here's the options:

The Baltimore Ravens-Decent choice although their defense is depleted and wouldn't guarantee anything.

Tennessee Titans-Decent Choice although Kerry Collins is iffy in the long run, not really strong on long routes and no more Albert Haynesworth.

New England Patriots-This would be ideal if Owens could get past Randy Moss, change numbers, lose the attitude, take a pay cut, and click his heels three times. Doubtful. Plus they are most likely picking up Joey Galloway.

The Saints-This would be a sneaky move. With Drew Brees this would be an awesome combination. Although there is a question in the running game with Deuce McCallister being cut.

The Chargers-Phillip Rivers is a good quarterback, great line-up on offense between Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, and Owens—that could be a deadly combo. Plus the Chargers' running game...scary.

And finally the Pittsburgh Steelers...I know I know, I heard the groans and the "yeah rights" but Pittsburgh has lost Nate Washington to the Titans and need to fill the void. And the Steelers organization and locker room could certainly handle T.O. and his little Ego.  It would almost be a guaranteed Super Bowl ring for him.

My guess would be.......The Ravens

This would be a let down to be sure for T.O. because the Ravens won't be as good as last year. I think the Steelers proved Joe Flacco wasn't the golden boy that everyone in the broadcast game proclaimed him to be.

So choose carefully Owens, it's only your legacy, you've been wrong so far. Or is it your agent choosing for you, if he is...then fire him and get your ring.

It's got to be said, this decision determines if T.O. goes down in history as just and anecdote of a loud mouth receiver who pouted himself mediocrity, or a loud mouth receiver who finally got wise at his old age and got himself a Super Bowl.