Written By: Adam Sarson
Before I get too far into this column, I want to make something clear. I am not calling Terrell Owens a liar, because this story could very well be true. Tony Romo and Jason Witten may be holding private meetings to discuss plays and the offense. But, does anyone really think they are doing it to minimize Owens’ role with the team?
As much as people despise Owens, nobody can deny his talent. He’s still one of the best receivers in the league, and one of the greatest of all-time. Romo and Witten may not like Owens, but they know how important he is to their team. He can be a huge difference maker in any offense. Not just because of what he does with the ball, but he is one of those rare players that open up opportunities for others, just by being on the field. Defenses need to adjust their coverage and schemes when Owens lines up. Just having him on the field has allowed mediocre receivers like J.J. Stokes, Tai Streets and Todd Pinkston to have career seasons.
I don’t claim to know Romo or Witten, but the impression that both of them give off is one of desire. They come across as players who want to win, and much like Owens, they aren’t stupid. They know that their chances to win the Super Bowl are greatly enhanced with a happy Owens in the lineup. With saying that, they know they can’t cater to him either. No one player is ever bigger than the team. This is the kind of tightrope that Wade Phillips and the Cowboys must walk everyday. Ultimately, they have nobody to blame but themselves. Management in San Francisco and Philadelphia tried to work with Owens, but we all know how those situations turned out. There’s always someone arrogant enough to think they can be the difference in turning a player’s attitude around. It certainly came as no surprise when Jerry Jones was that guy. But it’s also no surprise that the many inflated egos that Jones has put together has blown up the way it has, and Owens is by far the biggest reason why it has blown.
He has made highlight reel catches and had games where he has looked unstoppable. He has been one of the most charismatic individuals to ever set foot on an NFL field. But, ultimately, will anybody ever really remember that? People will look back and remember his driveway workout sessions, his constant abuse of his star quarterbacks and his complete lack of respect for the game that made him a star, the game that made him a household name. Unfortunately, that household name and legacy is a tarnished one, and he has nobody to blame but himself.
Before I get too far into this column, I want to make something clear. I am not calling Terrell Owens a liar, because this story could very well be true. Tony Romo and Jason Witten may be holding private meetings to discuss plays and the offense. But, does anyone really think they are doing it to minimize Owens’ role with the team?
As much as people despise Owens, nobody can deny his talent. He’s still one of the best receivers in the league, and one of the greatest of all-time. Romo and Witten may not like Owens, but they know how important he is to their team. He can be a huge difference maker in any offense. Not just because of what he does with the ball, but he is one of those rare players that open up opportunities for others, just by being on the field. Defenses need to adjust their coverage and schemes when Owens lines up. Just having him on the field has allowed mediocre receivers like J.J. Stokes, Tai Streets and Todd Pinkston to have career seasons.
I don’t claim to know Romo or Witten, but the impression that both of them give off is one of desire. They come across as players who want to win, and much like Owens, they aren’t stupid. They know that their chances to win the Super Bowl are greatly enhanced with a happy Owens in the lineup. With saying that, they know they can’t cater to him either. No one player is ever bigger than the team. This is the kind of tightrope that Wade Phillips and the Cowboys must walk everyday. Ultimately, they have nobody to blame but themselves. Management in San Francisco and Philadelphia tried to work with Owens, but we all know how those situations turned out. There’s always someone arrogant enough to think they can be the difference in turning a player’s attitude around. It certainly came as no surprise when Jerry Jones was that guy. But it’s also no surprise that the many inflated egos that Jones has put together has blown up the way it has, and Owens is by far the biggest reason why it has blown.
He has made highlight reel catches and had games where he has looked unstoppable. He has been one of the most charismatic individuals to ever set foot on an NFL field. But, ultimately, will anybody ever really remember that? People will look back and remember his driveway workout sessions, his constant abuse of his star quarterbacks and his complete lack of respect for the game that made him a star, the game that made him a household name. Unfortunately, that household name and legacy is a tarnished one, and he has nobody to blame but himself.
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