More than 22 years have passed since Terrell Owens’ iconic game against the Dallas Cowboys, when he scored two touchdowns and celebrated by posing in the middle of the blue star at midfield. It remains one of the most memorable moments in this heated 49ers-Cowboys rivalry throughout the years.
As the Niners and ‘Boys get set to reprise the feud on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round, Owens joined 95.7 The Game’s “The Morning Roast” on Friday to reminisce about that game in September 2000.
As T.O. remembers it, he wasn’t trying to send a message to Dallas.
Owens ran out to midfield after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter and put out his arms while looking skyward. The Cowboys clearly didn’t like it, as Emmitt Smith ran out to the midfield logo with the ball following a touchdown later in the game and slammed it into the ground with a steely stare towards the 49ers sideline. But Owens scored again in the fourth quarter and ran out to midfield, where he was hit by an angry Cowboys safety George Teague.
“It was just one of those things,” Owens said. “Me doing that celebration, it wasn’t meant as any disrespect to the Cowboys. It wasn’t meant to be taunting. Obviously, now people looking back on it, that’s what they see. At that time, when I was scoring touchdowns left and right, that was one of my calculated celebrations.”
Owens finished that game with five catches for 51 yards and the two touchdowns, en route to his first All-Pro season.
After spending his first eight seasons in San Francisco, Owens would eventually go on to play with the Cowboys from 2006-08. The Hall of Famer isn’t picking sides when it comes to Sunday’s playoff showdown.
"I don't have a dog in the fight to be honest,” Owens said. “If I had to bet, I would say the 49ers will win this game."
Owens added that he’s been impressed with rookie quarterback Brock Purdy and the Niners during their current 11-game win streak.
“This is a dangerous team,” Owens said. “They’re playing hot football right now and it’s all about a game of momentum.”
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