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“I Wasn’t Able to Leave the Game on My Own Terms”: 49ers Legend Terrell Owens Says He Was Forced Into Early NFL Retirement

Terrell Owens had a 15-season run in the NFL, making stops at five different NFL teams. However, it was the NFL’s decision that pushed the wide receiver to hang up his cleats as a pro player. Even though his journey…

By Soheli Tarafdar · Essentially Sports

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 3:28 AM

Key Things to Know

Terrell Owens stated he was forced into early NFL retirement and could not leave on his own terms.
Owens claimed he could have played three or four additional years without outside politics limiting him.
The wide receiver was released by the Seattle Seahawks in August 2012 after signing a one-year contract.

The Story in 60 Seconds

NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens stated on the Get to the Point podcast that he was forced out of the league and could not retire on his own terms. Owens claimed he could have played three or four more years and attributed his exit to external politics rather than physical limitations.

After strong production with the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, Owens suffered knee injuries and briefly signed with the Seattle Seahawks in August 2012 before being released. He finished his 15-season career with 1,078 receptions, 15,934 yards, and an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

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