It could work you know. Terrell Owens could look good in Bills’ blue. Trent Edwards just might enjoy having Owens, Lee Evans and Josh Reed at his disposal. The Bills might rediscover the end zone. Tunk Schonert may add the word “downfield” to his vocabulary. Owens’ inner Little T just might Learn to Share the spotlight.
It doesn’t have to be a bad thing that one of the world’s greatest athletes decided to grace the 716 with his gifts. Owens brings baggage, sure, but he also brings world-class talent to an organization that lacks exactly that (just ask its owner). There’s a chance this all blows up. But there’s also a chance Owens, Evans and Edwards can take this team to the playoffs. If that happens, Owens will get more than a key to the city. He’ll get a crown. The Queen City will have its king.
Say what you will about Owens, but there’s no denying the fact that he works hard and wins. He played on one leg in Super Bowl XXXIV and nearly carried the Eagles to an NFL title. He hates losing more than Dick Jauron hates playing aggressive. He’ll lead by example for guys like Steve Johnson and James Hardy. He’ll add life to One Bills Drive -- and that’s not a bad thing.
Never before has an athlete with this kind of star power come to Buffalo. Calvin Murphy was home grown. Guys like Dominik Hasek, Jim Kelly, Pat Lafontaine, Bruce Smith and Thurman Thomas all developed once they got here. They were all great in their own time, but none of them brought this kind of buzz before stepping in their respective stadiums. Press conferences did not break out during their backyard gym sessions. None of them knew how to Twitter.
And that doesn’t knock what they accomplished or what they mean to this city. When it’s all said and done, guys like Kelly and Thomas will be forever linked to this city in ways Owens will never experience. But Owens does give this city and its beloved Bills a new chance to shine. Let’s just imagine the best case scenario. If TO loves Buffalo. If Buffalo loves TO. If they do finally reach the NFL’s Promised Land…
It would be quite the parade down Delaware Ave., that’s for sure. Owens could rock a throwback Bob McAdoo jersey as he strolled the streets signing autographs with his favorite Sharpie. Marshawn Lynch, after nearly 10 months of good behavior, would be allowed to drive the lead float. VH1 would be in talks with Jauron about a new reality show based on his exciting life. Edwards could present Kelly with an honorary ring. Scott Norwood would be forgiven. Ralph Wilson, Jr. would make sure the Bills never leave this great city.
Sure, it’s unlikely. But, with Owens, it’s not impossible. And maybe that’s the point.
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