Terrell Owens' rogue Hall of Fame event was perfect, but only for T.O.

Vinnie Iyer

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Terrell Owens' rogue Hall of Fame event was perfect, but only for T.O. image

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The NFL fans and media who do not like Terrell Owens likely viewed his alternate Pro Football Hall of Fame speech Saturday as more anti-Canton talk. But his long-time enthusiasts at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and beyond were thrilled to share some pro-T.O. on his special day.

In this era of extremes, Owens being the first Hall of Famer to go rogue with his induction might seem like his ultimate act of controversy. Instead, at the heart of his decision was the homecoming.

The theme of Owens' address at his alma mater was not, "I like me some me," but rather, "This is for you." Was it bit T.O. much at times, down to his having almost everyone inside McKenzie Arena stand to be recognized as outcasts, misunderstood, isolated or bullied? Yes, it was. Anything less dramatic or surprising from one of the most emotional, celebratory players ever would have been disappointing.

As he did often on the field as a wide receiver before, during and after plays, T.O. put on one final show. He was not on stage as a Cowboy, 49er, Eagle, Bill or Bengal. He was there as a Moccasin like he had played football and basketball for Chattanooga just yesterday, not more than 20 years ago.

Terrell Owens-banner

With his former coaches and UTC's chancellor speaking in front of him, and the city's mayor among those in attendance, Owens' ceremony meant a lot to the college and community. Away from the "Pro" and "Hall of Fame," Owens built on his recently rekindled love for his school to match his passion for football.

It was an intimate setting, which goes against the notion Owens chose Chattanooga over Canton to get more attention. Given the number of family and friends, plus the fans who were a natural extension of both, about 3,000 people attended, fewer than a third of the arena's capacity. Although there were seats reserved for a couple former NFL teammates, none were present. There also was no live video for outsiders to watch.

WATCH: Owens' best play vs. each team

Owens admitted missteps over his career and life, but after seeing the warm welcome, there was no mistake about what he called a "courageous" decision as to where to have his ceremony.

"Just like my choice to be here today, I choose not to live in regret," Owens said. "I will leave a legacy that will leave an imprint on this world forever."

Owens did take one more opportunity to criticize the main Hall of Fame selectors — "sportswriters who are not in alignment with the mission of the Hall of Fame core values" — with the intent of helping "the next guy."

T.O. critics will focus on that. But the ceremony, plus Owens trading his Hall of Fame logo-adorned black suit to the traditional Hall of Fame gold jacket that arrived only the night before, was a thank you to those who have not wavered from his side.

Circling back to "this is you" with the Mocs fans and student-athletes in front of his podium, Owens soaked up several standing ovations. The scene could not have been created in Canton.

After his UTC mentors and two of his former NFL wide receivers coaches, Larry Kirksey (49ers) and Ray Sherman (Cowboys), praised Owens for being so passionate and hardworking while also providing examples of how he was not the selfish player or teammate he's made out ot be, Owens used much of his time to talk about how great they were, not how great T.O. was.

Owens' tears were often and genuine, true to his brand of always speaking his mind and not hiding his emotions. The most watery moments came with comments about his late grandmother and the Hall of Fame-caliber mother who raised him, pushed him and inspired him.

WATCH: "The Star Game" — 49ers vs. Cowboys

Compared to the conventional speeches delivered in Canton by the rest of the 2018 Hall of Fame class Saturday (save for Ray Lewis' blathering, illogical stream of consciousness), Owens' approach was the same, only in a different venue with more people to back him up and exchange unconditional, mutual cheer.

Owens actually spoke longer than Lewis did — about 40 minutes — before he sat down for a post-speech press conference that lasted nearly 30 minutes. There, he brought out the proper props: sunglasses and a box of popcorn. Because of T.O.'s honest past, neither session felt as long. Nothing seemed contrived or fake.

The after-party in Ownes' honor at Chattanooga's Southside Social felt more like a celebration of his supporters. Owens is not a real drinker or party person, one of the reasons he has stayed in impeccable (and probable playing) shape at age 42.

T.O. still had his T.O.-like fun, coming out to the dance floor and grooving with the DJ through two appropriate jams: Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative" and Montell Jordan's "This is How We Do It."

Terrell Owens-630-party

Owens at the party did not disappear to his own, roped-off space. He, like his Mocs coaches kept saying earlier, "was one of the guys," playing ping pong and absorbing the typical party scene on a Saturday night.

He was further humbled by his brother Victor Stowes, who stopped everybody in the bar for a champagne toast in Owens' honor. A friend gave him a framed Hall of Fame poster.

The whole day and night lacked the defiance that was expected.

As much as Owens wants to spark change in the Hall of Fame process, don't expect future inductees to follow his path should they feel disrespected by Canton. Saturday in Chattanooga was about Owens staying true to who he is and what he believes.

For Owens, it would not have felt right to give in and do what many think he should have done. He has always had his own way of trying to mesh his solo act with his numerous teammates.

Owens' ceremony was not about himself. He instead chose a selfless method of enshrinement in the place where he feels most at home.

Vinnie Iyer

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Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.