Surprises even come in the big leagues, and when former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens was given the honor to attend his Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Canton, Ohio to celebrate this monumental milestone, he shocked the public on Thursday when he declined in a formal statement.
Owens expressed his gratitude to for the opportunity and thanked his supportive fans, but decided that he wanted to celebrate one of the most unforgettable moments of his life somewhere else.
Owens was a six-time Pro Bowler over the course of his 15-year career playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.
The official statement Owens’ released is below:
“I am so grateful for all of the support my family, friends, and certainly my fans, have shown me throughout my entire career in the National Football League. When it was announced that I was going to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the response received from my fans was overwhelming, and I am truly humbled. I am honored to be included among this group of fellow inducted individuals.
“While I am incredibly appreciative of this opportunity, I have made the decision to publicly decline my invitation to attend the induction ceremony in Canton. I have already shared this information with the Hall. After visiting Canton earlier this year, I came to the realization that I wish to celebrate what will be one of the most memorable days of my life, elsewhere. At a later date, I will announce where and when I will celebrate my induction.
“I would also like to thank the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals for the time I was granted with each organization. I am thankful for the relationships forged and the lessons learned while part of each team.
“I wish to congratulate all past, current and future inductees. It is quite an honor to be part of such elite company. This honor is something that I will cherish forever.”
