Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens is once again voicing his opinion on the Pro Football Hall of Fame, criticizing the selection process. Remember, Owens didn't get into the exclusive club until his third year of eligibility and seemingly continues to hold a grudge.
While advocating that former Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson belongs in the Hall of Fame, the former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver questioned the worthiness of another great safety—John Lynch, the current 49ers general manager.
"I'm thinking about a guy like Darren Woodson," Owens said on his "Getcha Popcorn Ready" podcast, via CBS Sports, "(who's) not in the Hall of Fame, but John Lynch is. How in the hell do you quantify [sic] that? ... I want you to go research. Go research and see what Darren Woodson has done."
Owens entered the NFL in 1996 as a third-round draft pick of the 49ers. His career in the league ended in 2010 (he had a brief offseason stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012). While Owens has consistently tried to make an NFL return, no teams haven't been willing to give him an opportunity. That includes Lynch's 49ers.
Owens has repeatedly campaigned for the Niners to add him to their roster, as recently as this past December, following the injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and before Brock Purdy's first start.
"All I want is an opportunity, man. That's all I ever wanted," Owens said in December.
Lynch also entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick, but in 1993. His career lasted through 2008. Along the way, the safety earned nine Pro Bowl selections, was a two-time first-team All-Pro, and was a Super Bowl champion.
Lynch was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021 after eight consecutive years as a modern-era finalist.
"Yeah, John Lynch did some great things here and there," Owens continued. "But I'm not looking for John (when I'm on the field). I wasn't. Just because a guy starts on the defense, and he's the No. 1 guy back there, that doesn't mean he's impacting what he's doing. I wasn't scared of 47."
H/t to Sasha D. Robinson for the find.
