Terrell Owens

About Terrell Owens

Terrell Eldorado Owens (pronounced /ˈtɛɹl̩/) (born December 7, 1973) is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. Popularly known by his initials, T.O., Owens has established himself as one of the NFL's most productive and outspoken players. Prior to playing with the Cowboys, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Owens played college football and basketball at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Terrell Owens was born to Marilyn Heard and L.C. Russell in Alexander City, Alabama. He grew up with three other siblings and was raised by his mother and maternal grandmother. Owens broke many of the Alabama state high school records. His favorite player was Jerry Rice. However, Owens’ grandmother initially forbade him from playing sports until high school. Owens attended Benjamin Russell High School, where he excelled in football, track, baseball and basketball.

While enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Owens played basketball and ran track. Owens also had the opportunity to play at the 1995 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Outside of basketball, Owens also played football. While playing in college, Owens wore the #80 jersey to honor his idol, Jerry Rice. He was not a distinguished athlete at first, but managed to make a breakthrough after becoming a starter during his sophomore year. Owens caught 38 passes for 724 yards and eight touchdowns during his sophomore year, and 32 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns during his junior year. Owens faced double coverage every week during his senior year, and was limited to 43 receptions for 666 yards and one touchdown.