Terrell Owens open to trying out for injury-depleted Patriots

Terrell Owens would be open to coming out of retirement if the New England Patriots give him a tryout.

Retired wide receiver Terrell Owens is interested in trying out for the New England Patriots, whose receiver corps has been stricken by injuries this season, The Boston Globereports.

Wide receivers Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson and Keshawn Martin were all listed on the Patriots injury report this week. Receiver Julian Edelman could be out for the season along with running back Dion Lewis and offensive lineman Nate Solder. Owens thinks New England’s long list of injuries could create an opportunity for him.

Owens’s 15-year NFL career ended in 2010, and he was recently named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. However, he would be open to coming out of retirement if the Patriots granted him a workout.

“Would I be open to it? Considering an organization like the Patriots? Yes,” Owens said. “Knowing Tom [Brady] and understanding the structure of what Bill Belichick, how he runs his ship, I have no problem with that. A lot of people will obviously speculate into what I may bring from a negative standpoint to that organization.”

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Owens, 41, was known for causing controversy during his time in the league, often arguing with quarterbacks he felt did not target him enough, but he says his five years of retirement has softened his demeanor.

“I’m not that same guy I was five, 10 years ago,” he said. “In terms of me understanding the situation that I’m getting myself into, then I would have to govern myself accordingly, understanding there’s going to be a lot of negative things said if that were to be the case.”

Owens ran for a career 15,934 yards with 153 touchdown receptions and was an All-Pro selection five times. He says he still works out regularly, which he believes should aid him in earning a tryout.

“Do I consider myself in top game shape? No,” said Owens. “But could I come in a help a team? Yes, absolutely.”

- Erin Flynn