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PHILADELPHIA — The popcorn: Get it prepared.
At 48 years outdated, Corridor of Fame broad receiver Terrell Owens is returning to skilled soccer. He’s becoming a member of the Fan Managed Soccer league, the place he’s anticipated to be paired with quarterback Johnny Manziel on the Zappers for the season’s April 16 begin.
“I am trying ahead to throwing with Johnny or whomever the quarterback could also be,” Owens instructed ESPN. “If it is Johnny Soccer, it does not matter if it is Pee Wee Herman, so long as they throw the ball the place it must be and … put it in my catch radius, I will do my greatest to make some stuff occur with it.”
Owens has not performed professionally since 2010, when he caught 72 passes for 983 yards and 9 touchdowns with the Cincinnati Bengals, however he has by no means thought of himself retired from the sport and maintains he can nonetheless play at a excessive stage.
“I wasn’t given the chance to play. That does not imply I retired,” Owens mentioned of his NFL profession. “Has Colin Kaepernick retired? [He’s not in the NFL] as a result of he hasn’t been given a possibility.
“I can do numerous issues that individuals really feel I can not do. It isn’t a matter of me going on the market and attempting to show anyone incorrect. I simply do not just like the notion that individuals see it, even within the Nationwide Soccer League, it is nearly like, OK, you have reached a sure age at no matter time limit in your life they usually really feel like you possibly can’t play anymore or your abilities decline to a level. After all all people’s abilities sooner or later could decline, however I believe there are specific folks that form of defy these odds, and I believe I am a kind of folks.”
Owens opened some eyes in 2020 by retaining tempo with Miami Dolphins broad receiver Tyreek Hill in a race. Extra lately, he mentioned he ran the 40-yard sprint within the 4.4-second vary and stays in nice form.
“If Tom Brady can do it, if they’ll marvel at among the issues he is carried out, I am no completely different than Tom,” Owens mentioned of the 44-year-old Brady. “Yeah, I play the receiver place. Clearly, the danger is way larger, however with something, with any sport, accidents are a part of the sport. I do not go right into a scenario with the notion that I’m going to get damage or I can not take successful; that is not sensible to me. For me, I do know that I am a particular particular person.
“So if [an opportunity to play in the NFL] arises or comes about due to taking part in in Fan Managed Soccer league as a result of they see me take hits … then so be it. However that is not what I am actively pursuing. It is a partnership with Fan Managed Soccer league. It is to assist develop what they’re attempting to do, even appeal to some guys who could also be at residence, not doing something.”
The FCF is a 7-on-7 league that empowers followers to make key choices for his or her favourite staff, together with calling performs in actual time. Video games might be streamed on the Fubo Sports activities Community. Owens might be miked up for the video games, the league introduced Wednesday, and an alternate game-day broadcast will embrace Owens’ behind-the-scenes entry and sideline interviews with movie star visitors, FCF homeowners and gamers.
“Everyone’s abilities sooner or later could decline, however I believe there are specific folks that form of defy these odds and I believe I am a kind of folks.”
Terrell Owens, 48, on his perception he may nonetheless play within the NFL
Of being paired with Manziel, Owens mentioned followers ought to count on “nothing however touchdowns.”
“Hey, man, we’re each rivals. I hear he is an amazing competitor,” Owens mentioned. “If I can carry any of that aggressive Texas A&M magic out of him and convey it to Fan Managed Soccer, then let’s do it.”
Owens starred for 15 seasons within the NFL, taking part in for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Bengals. He was named first-team All-Professional 5 instances and made six Professional Bowls. He ranks third all time in receiving yards with 15,934.
He tried to persuade his former coach Andy Reid to carry him to Kansas City final season and was additionally involved with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he mentioned, to no avail. Maybe a profitable stint within the FCF will open some doorways which were closed to him for the previous decade-plus.
“I am simply trying ahead to the chance … to get on the market and run round and assist mentor some guys,” Owens mentioned. “The whole lot that I’ve carried out to make myself a Corridor of Famer, I will attempt to do my greatest to not solely simply play, however assist mentor these guys and assist them turn into higher at their craft.
“Under no circumstances am I this as one thing tacky by any means. Once I’m on the soccer subject, guys are on the market taking part in, it is a violent recreation, it is a quick recreation. … My want, my dedication, my self-discipline, that is what enabled me to be who I’m at the moment as a Corridor of Famer. I take the identical method and mindset into Fan Managed Soccer.”
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