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On Wednesday, former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens selected former San Francisco 49ers special teams and wide receivers coach George Stewart as his presenter during his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 4. While being coached by Stewart, Owens was selected to three-straight All-Pro teams and Pro Bowls from 2000 through 2002.
One thing Owens will not have to choose is a team to represent upon being inducted. That's because players enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame as individuals and not associated with one specific franchise. Owens will join as a wide receiver who played for the 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. He will not need to choose just one team.
The process is common knowledge for most. However, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area would really like you to know that players do not choose a team. He (somewhat hilariously) pushed the point when asked multiple times on Twitter which team Owens will pick. Maiocco's report on Owens naming Steward as his presenter initiated the questions from fans.
There's no such thing as a player going in with a particular team.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 21, 2018
That's not a thing. Players do not go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame representing a particular team.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 21, 2018
They do NOT choose.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 21, 2018
Reminder: Inductees into Pro Football Hall of Fame are not asked to "declare," nor does the HOF "choose" a team under which a new member is enshrined. The individual is recognized solely for accomplishments as a player, coach or contributor.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 21, 2018
If players were hypothetically able to choose a team, the 49ers might not be at the top of Owens' list.
Owens, who is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time first-team All-Pro, registered 1,078 career receptions for 15,934 yards with 153 touchdowns during 15 NFL seasons (1996-2010). He ranks eighth all-time in receptions and is second only to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards. Owens also ranks third in all-time receiving touchdowns and fifth among all NFL players in touchdowns.
2018 was Owens' third year as a Hall of Fame finalist. He did not receive enough votes to be among the top 10 candidates in previous years.
"Terrell Owens gave our organization eight great seasons of service and some terrific memories that will live on in 49ers lore," said 49ers CEO Jed York via a statement released following Owens being named to the Class of 2018. "He is one of the most accomplished wide receivers in the history of the NFL, and very deserving of this selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 49ers organization would like to congratulate him for this great honor."
