Mr. T.O.’s Wild Ride
The Harbinger of Football Doom, also known as Terrell Owens, has found a new home in Buffalo this month. To recap his NFL journey, he spent his first few years in San Francisco, where he alienated the coach, the quarterback, and the fans. He questioned QB Jeff Garcia’s sexual orientation, pouted on the sidelines, and demanded release. Then, he forgot to file his free agent paperwork and wound up recommitted to a team for which he had shown contempt in every possible way.
San Francisco then traded him to Baltimore, where he set a new NFL record by alienating the entire franchise without ever setting foot in the city. He whined, pouted, and refused to join his new team. His tenure in Baltimore lasted one day.
He was promptly un-traded and re-traded to Philadelphia. There, he helped the team to a Super Bowl berth, then quickly alienated the coach, the quarterback, and the fans. He criticized QB Donovan McNabb. He fired his agent and hired Drew Rosenhaus, known throughout the NFL as the spawn of Satan, to renegotiate his five year contract after one year. He publicly derided the team for not stopping a game to honor his individual achievements. He held a bizarre press conference on his driveway while doing shirtless sit-ups. Finally, T.O. got his wish and was released by the team.
Next T.O. moved to Dallas, where Jerry Jones backed a dump truck full of money up to Owens’ house in exchange for his services. In his short tenure in Dallas, T.O. managed to alienate not one, but two quarterbacks, as well as a pro bowl tight end, his coach, and well, the whole city of Dallas. He even managed the near-impossible feat of wearing out his welcome with owner Jerry Jones for his off-field antics while still performing well on the field.
Now Buffalo, lowly Buffalo, has decided that he is worth a chance… despite his history… at 35 years old. The decision drew a collective “What the?” from everyone except the Bills’ management team, but maybe they’re on to something. Maybe T.O. has learned from his last four NFL experiences. But I wouldn’t count on it.
