Fantasy Football: Could We Have Heard the Last of Terrell Owens?

I’d be fooling myself if I thought that Terrell Owens would simply disappear into the sunset.

Even when he retires someday, I’m certain we’ll hear about some reality show. Maybe he’ll make a DVD showing him working out in his driveway. Maybe he’ll try playing soccer…oops…wrong Wide Re-Diva. Whatever is the next step in his journey, T.O. will be certain to bring attention to himself.

The title question was intended for his football career. After his surgery for a torn ACL, T.O.'s body could ironically close the door on his prolific NFL career. Don’t think his mouth is off the hook though. When he is ultimately healthy enough to return, the knee could take the blame, but it may be his mouth that actually keeps him from adding to his 1,078 receptions, 15,934 yards or 153 receiving touchdowns.

He has a long road to recovery ahead of him.

We know T.O. has beat he odds before recovering from an injury, but that was a lifetime (or seven years) ago. T.O. will turn 38 in December. While he keeps himself in terrific shape, the body is slower to recover when you’re nearing your 40s. Just ask Brett Favre (had to work him in there because he has to be itching to be talked about).

It would be one thing if he had a team to come back to. Nobody is going to rush right out there to add an injured aging receiver, especially one with T.O.’s track record.

Perhaps the perfect situation arises late in the year where a likely playoff team is ravaged with injury at the receiver position. Say what you want about Owens, but his ability has never been a question. Of course you have to worry if his arrival would have a negative impact on his new club.

I’m not going to count T.O. out and close the door on his NFL career, but I can suggest you avoid him in your fantasy football drafts.

For more fantasy picks, also check out:

• 2011 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings