Terrell Owens was an absolute beast throughout his 15 seasons in the NFL. While he had a (probably well-deserved) reputation as a diva, the guy was tough as nails.
Nowhere was that more readily apparent than when he, as a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, played in Super Bowl XXXIX … despite having a broken leg.
Not only that, but he played lights out on that gimpy leg.
Owens suffered a severe injury during a regular-season game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 19, 2004. He fractured his fibula and tore ligaments in his right ankle after a horsecollar tackle (now banned by the NFL).
That type of injury typically requires a lengthy recovery period. At the time, it was widely believed that Owens would miss the remainder of the season, including the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
Instead, he fought to get back for the game against the New England Patriots. Not only did he pull it off, but he excelled in that game.
Terrell Owens In The Super Bowl, With Screws And A Metal Plate In His Leg
Despite a grim prognosis after the injury, Terrell Owens was determined to return for the Super Bowl. He underwent surgery and engaged in an aggressive rehabilitation program.
His recovery was nothing short of remarkable, as he pushed himself to return to the field in just seven weeks, far ahead of the typical timeline for such an injury.
As the Eagles prepped to take on Tom Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX, Owens, who had not played since his injury, suited up for the game.
Team doctors did not fully clear him. In fact, he defied doctors’ orders by playing on his injured ankle. An ankle which contained two screws and a metal plate.
Screws and a metal plate!
How’d He Do?
Terrell Owens had a 15-year career marked by his exceptional performance as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. He ranks third all-time in career receiving yards and touchdowns, behind only the legends Jerry Rice and Randy Moss.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Super Bowl XXXIX may have been the most defining moment of his career. Hobbled by that broken leg, he made a significant contribution to the Eagles’ offense.
How significant? On one leg, the man had nine catches for 122 yards.
Unfortunately, his all-time performance, one that would have gone down in history as one of the most incredible displays on the gridiron, was overshadowed because the Patriots won the game 24-21.
Owens and the Eagles simply couldn’t overcome four turnovers – three interceptions and a fumble.
Owens’ performance became one of the most memorable aspects of that game. His determination to play through pain and contribute to his team’s effort in the biggest game of the year cemented his legacy as one of the toughest and most competitive players in NFL history.
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