During the 2022 NFL season, Tom Brady, a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the time, lost one of his best receivers Antonio Brown, who just decided to walk off the field in the middle of the game.
That is to say, this gave former NFL superstar wideout Terrell Owens an idea. At 48 years old, the six-time Pro Bowler reached out to Tom Brady in hopes of the QB inviting him on board to be AB's replacement.
Recently, Owens reflected on this while being a guest on "The Bubba Dub Show," saying he extended the offer to a 45-year-old Brady back in early 2022.
"I reached out to him through Randy [Moss] and a couple of other people," Owens said, "you know this dude [Brady] really ignored me, bro... Just shows you how, like, the lack of respect is, but then when they get in front of you they want to act like they respect you."
🚨NEWS: Terrell Owens says Tom Brady DISRESPECTED HIM by not responding to his offer to come back and play as a 48-year-old as @AB84’s replacement.
“Just shows you how, like, the lack of respect is, but then when they get in front of you they want to act like they respect you.” pic.twitter.com/1phNo8IcDw
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) July 17, 2024
To point out, also later that year in 2022, Owens spoke on the issue, referencing age is just a number.
“For sure” @terrellowens could still play in the @NFL today; we agree!
cc @ScoopB pic.twitter.com/STuhYjv7ne
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) September 6, 2022
"Everybody's always talking about age," Owens told Bally Sports' Brandon Robinson. "I mean, I get tired of people talking about what Tom Brady is doing, tremendous athlete, doing what he's doing at 44 or whatever. I can do the same thing."
Evidently, Owens still has some juice left as he also was recently clocked doing a 40-time faster than a lot of current NFL players.
Terrell Owens was clocked at 4.38 on this 40-yard dash…
He’s 48 years old 🤯pic.twitter.com/Tr9vmeFRri
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) August 24, 2022
Notably, after Brady turned a blind eye and deaf ear to Owens' request, T.O. took his talents to play in the Fan Controlled Football League, where he was catching touchdowns from Johnny Manziel.
Johnny Football to Terrell Owens for 6… get these men back in the league #FCF #MoneyManziel pic.twitter.com/KAgw6VNWC4
— 732 Studios (@732_studios) April 24, 2022
Owens (left); Manziel (right)
Certainly, even though he was in his late 40's at the time, Owens appeared to be in great playing shape, and still holds a little bit animosity towards seven-time Super Bowl champ Brady, because he never gave him a chance.
To point out, he also might still hold a grudge because in 2005, Owens, while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, lost to Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.
Owens, now 50 years old, last played in the NFL during the 2010 season as he finished his storied 15-year career being known as one of the all-time greats; he is ranked third in NFL history in both receiving yards (15,934) and receiving touchdowns (153).
Related: Terrell Owens Lost Almost Every Dollar After His Playing Days
