Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 15, 2001

Owens had a career year in 2000. (Allsport)

 

San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens stopped by to talk about Summer Pro League and other events in the world of sports.

Owens caught an NFL-record 20 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown last year, when San Francisco shut out the lifeless Chicago Bears 17-0.

Owens' 20 catches surpassed Tom Fears' record 18 with the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 3, 1950, against Green Bay. Owens also broke Jerry Rice's franchise record of 16 receptions set against the Los Angeles Rams in 1994.

For more information about the Summer Pro League, check out www.summerproleague.com.

Terrell Owens: Hi everyone. I am really excited about the upcoming season! And I look forward to your questions.

Question: What made you decide to play in the Summer Pro League?

Terrell Owens: I am an avid basketball fan. I liked it growing up. I have been trying to do it for a few years but never had the time.

Question: What is harder: Trying to dunk over a 7-footer or beat Deion deep?

Terrell Owens: Definitely dunking over a 7 footer. That is a harder task. They say I am tall on the football field but on the court I am just average height!

Question: What would you say is your biggest strength in football and in basketball?

Terrell Owens: Probably quickness. Football is my size and I guess my strength in basketball. I am stronger than some and I can hold the big guys off with it. It makes up for the slight disadvantage in height. I bring intensity to the floor. Get my hands on the ball and bring it to the guys. Things of that nature.

Question: When did you decide to concentrate on football rather than basketball or another sport? Why football?

Terrell Owens: I think football found me! Coming from high school I was recruited as part of a package deal with another who went to Tenn-Chat. I didn't play seriously until 11th and 12th grade. When I went to college I didn't have dreams or ambitions of the next level. After my first year and getting hurt I went home and worked out, got bigger. The 2nd year we played the defending champs (Marshall) and we beat them 34-31 with 4 TDs for me. That was the breakout for me. Anything I do, I am very competitive with that so here I am! Once I was at Chattanooga I was a walk on and played basketball for 3 years. I've gotten better since, working with NBA personnel on my skills, and shooting and things of that nature.

Question: Hey Terrell! Welcome! Do you think you'll be involved in the offense even more now without Garner? How does the absence of Charlie change this offense?

Terrell Owens: I think it brings more opportunities for me. Being that Charlie and Jerry are gone. I am already knowing they are going to be defensively stopping me, double teams, cover 51, and things like that. I am looking forward to it. Jerry was able to beat it and I will enjoy the challenge. It is all about getting open. I think we will be better than people think this year. We will be exciting.

Question: Did Jeff Garcia surprise you last year with how quickly he developed?

Terrell Owens: I think so! I think everyone felt it would be a gradual process for him. His back was against the wall early when he didn't do too well. Talk was about bringing in one of the younger guys. But he is competitive. When his back is against the wall he stepped it up. You have to hand it to him for doing so well when he was getting all the criticism. Now he has proven he can play and he needs to keep it up. It is all about consistency in the league.

Question: Who was the biggest influence on you growing up? Who made you believe in yourself?

Terrell Owens: Wow. Probably my faith in God and believing what my Grandmother taught me. There were some people here and there who helped but I am a person with self-confidence and I don't let things rattle me. That is the big part of anyone's success.

Question: Terrell do you have any superstitions prior to games?

Terrell Owens: No, not really. I have a picture of my Mom and Grandmother that I take with me. My Grandmother is suffering from Alzheimer's and I like to keep her with me. It helps me through the difficult times.

Question: Who do you think is the best receiver in football, apart from you?

Terrell Owens: I think the comparison of who is the best would be me or Randy (Moss). I think I am a more complete receiver than he is. The media says he is the best but there are a lot of things I do that he doesn't do that can win or lose the ballgame.

Question: What is your regular workout routine in the off season?

Terrell Owens: I have a personal trainer. We do different things on different days. Upper body to lower, concentrate on the back -- different things. It is a strict routine for 4-5 days a week and I rest for 2. It lasts for an hour to an hour-fifteen. And I have a strict diet. No fatty foods, no greasy foods, things like that.

Question: Terrell, is there a defensive player that that challenges you the most during games?

Terrell Owens: Not really. I think with me playing various positions, X, Y or Z, there are different personnel match ups. Going into the game I am facing their strongest D-back but it doesn't matter because I move around a lot.

Question: What is your favorite pattern to run? Is it the downfield fly, or the crossing pattern, or an over the middle grab?

Terrell Owens: I think my favorite would be anything short to medium where I can get open, get the ball, make moves and get downfield. I like to make people miss and take it to the house.

Question: If you could have chosen another profession, what would it have been?

Terrell Owens: Basketball!

Terrell Owens: I am looking forward to the upcoming season. I definitely plan to better my protection and I am sure we will make the playoffs. After that it is all downhill as we head to the Super Bowl. It will be a special year. Thanks again for having me.