The San Francisco 49ers announced on Wednesday that Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens will become the 28th inductee into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame.
"Over the course of eight seasons, the 49ers Faithful were fortunate to have front row seats to watch Terrell Owens develop into one of the most prolific wide receivers in the history of the NFL," 49ers CEO Jed York said via a statement issued by the team. "Not only was Terrell one of the most physically gifted athletes to ever play the game, but he was also one of the most competitive. We are so very proud and honored to induct Terrell into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame, where he will take his place among the all-time greats in our team's history."
Owens, who was drafted by San Francisco in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft, was with the 49ers from 1996 until 2003. He also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.
The six-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro has 1,078 career receptions for 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns. He ranks eighth all-time in receptions and is third (15,934) to Jerry Rice (22,895) and WR Larry Fitzgerald (16,279) in all-time receiving yards. He also ranks third in all-time receiving touchdowns and fifth among all players in touchdowns.
"I am so humbled to be mentioned with the likes and greats of Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice and many others that have represented the San Francisco 49ers organization," Owens via the same statement. "I wouldn't be who I am and have accomplished what I did, number one, without God and without the push of my teammates and coaches, especially Coach Larry Kirksey and Coach George Stewart. The Bay Area is where I began my career, and I will forever be indebted to the 49ers and recognized as one of the 49ers greats. I am honored to be inducted in the 49ers Hall of Fame as this is a special moment with a special group of individuals. Thank you, again, to the 49ers organization and 49ers Faithful."
Owens was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last August as part of the Class of 2018. He wasn't, however, present for the official induction ceremony on August 4. Owens opted to address a crowd of family, friends, and fans from McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga rather than attend the festivities in Canton, Ohio.
Owens received his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring during a November 1 game at Levi's Stadium when the 49ers hosted the Oakland Raiders.