T.O.'s NFL career has been in timeout for two years now. Even Terrell Owens is beginning to recognize that the clock is winding down and the two minute drill on his career began three seasons ago. Owens' end is emblematic of the times. Cantankerous receivers or publicity magnets rarely end their careers the way they'd like in the modern-era of the No Fun League. Owens, Randy Moss and Chad Johnson may be discovering that truth now.
All three are without teams, but if Owens isn't signed during the 2013 season, he appears resigned to his fate.
"If I play this year, that'd be awesome. If I don't play this year, I'm retiring," Owens told CBSSports.com. "That's just me being realistic. I want to play again. I want to go out on top with a team. I think I can still play, but if I don't sign with a team, it would be time to retire. I have to be honest with myself."
Two decades ago, they'd be embraced by the masses, but in 2013 social media, 24/7 news and the Internet's intrusiveness has organizations trying to live in as much of a vacuum as possible. It's why no team wants to be subject of HBO's Hard Knocks. Inviting too much attention into your locker room is akin to facing the mirror and saying Candyman five times. It appears to be a recipe for disaster, but in reality it's a myth that most teams aren't interested in testing.
Owens is a physical freak that should earn a training camp invite during the offseason, but that seems unlikely. If his career ended today, Owens would rank as one of the greatest receivers in all-time. That's alot to be proud of, but Owens wants more. However, it appears he won't get it.
