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Catch This!: Going Deep with the NFL's Sharpest Weapon
In a sport full of players who are larger than life, Terrell Owens towers above the crowd .
It isn't just that he holds the NFL record for catches in a single game (twenty) or that he's the most feared wide receiver in the game. It's also his penchant for unique self-expression -- spiking the ball on the midfield Texas lone star in front of a hostile Dallas Cowboy crowd, pulling a Sharpie from his sock to sign a game ball after a touchdown, and dancing with a cheerleader's pom-poms after another TD. Never politically correct and always controversial and colorful on and off the field, Terrell Owens has transformed himself into "TO," the outrageous gridiron personality who has rocked the entire NFL and the sports landscape. But Owens is more than touchdowns, dancing, and celebrations. In this wickedly insightful book, he's full of sharp-eyed observations on the contentious, demanding, insane phenomenon that is pro football.
In Catch This! Owens takes readers back to his hardscrabble childhood in rural Alabama, where he was raised by a stern grandmother and loving mother. By the time he won an athletic scholarship for football at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the once small, bullied boy had transformed himself into a very large man with a super body and an iron will to succeed. He takes us behind his apprenticeship to -- and eventual eclipsing of -- the legendary 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice. He pulls no punches when it comes to his extremely public fight with San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci -- a relationship so sour that they didn't speak at all during the crucial final weeks of the 2001 season. And, finally, he lets loose on the free agent scandal that shook the NFL in 2004 -- and reveals the truth behind the NFL's attempt to deny him free agency, his fraudulent trade to the Baltimore Ravens, and his ultimate happy landing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
For those who think they know both Terrell Owens and TO, catch this story.
It isn't just that he holds the NFL record for catches in a single game (twenty) or that he's the most feared wide receiver in the game. It's also his penchant for unique self-expression -- spiking the ball on the midfield Texas lone star in front of a hostile Dallas Cowboy crowd, pulling a Sharpie from his sock to sign a game ball after a touchdown, and dancing with a cheerleader's pom-poms after another TD. Never politically correct and always controversial and colorful on and off the field, Terrell Owens has transformed himself into "TO," the outrageous gridiron personality who has rocked the entire NFL and the sports landscape. But Owens is more than touchdowns, dancing, and celebrations. In this wickedly insightful book, he's full of sharp-eyed observations on the contentious, demanding, insane phenomenon that is pro football.
In Catch This! Owens takes readers back to his hardscrabble childhood in rural Alabama, where he was raised by a stern grandmother and loving mother. By the time he won an athletic scholarship for football at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the once small, bullied boy had transformed himself into a very large man with a super body and an iron will to succeed. He takes us behind his apprenticeship to -- and eventual eclipsing of -- the legendary 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice. He pulls no punches when it comes to his extremely public fight with San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci -- a relationship so sour that they didn't speak at all during the crucial final weeks of the 2001 season. And, finally, he lets loose on the free agent scandal that shook the NFL in 2004 -- and reveals the truth behind the NFL's attempt to deny him free agency, his fraudulent trade to the Baltimore Ravens, and his ultimate happy landing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
For those who think they know both Terrell Owens and TO, catch this story.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 19, 2024
Some chapters better than others. Overall inspiring book. TO is the reason I love football so much. Relatable as his grandmother had Alzheimer’s as did both of my grandparents. I loved that he stood in front of senators to stand to increase government spending on the disease.
Also wish that he wrote the book after his career was finished. Would love to read his perspective of playing for the eagles Super Bowl loss as well as playing for Jerry jones in Dallas.
Also wish that he wrote the book after his career was finished. Would love to read his perspective of playing for the eagles Super Bowl loss as well as playing for Jerry jones in Dallas.
March 16, 2023
I great book into the life of one of the best wide receivers. One of my favorite quotes from the book is people hated Jesus so it’s okay if they hate you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
One of the most entertaining and important autobiographies I have ever read, Terrell Owens is one of the greatest receivers of all time!
February 14, 2017
Learn another side about Terrell that you never knew he had. He overcame many life obstacles from his childhood, from bullying to family issues. I was able to relate it to my life. Very inspirational.
July 10, 2008
This was a present from my girlfriend and she had it autographed from T.O. as well. Sweet gift. We were Superbowl bound and I was as happy to have Owens on the Eagles as much as the next guy.
He was amazing. We broke records and destroyed the teams we played. 13-3 with Ownes getting hurt in week 14.
Playoff run, Blizzard before the NFC Championship. I go. We win. Madness in Philly. Eagles in Super Bowl. Owens going to play with steel plates in his foot. He is amazing once again. We almost win the game. Lose by 3 points to the cheatin ass Pats. It was still awesome. That was the season we had Terrell Owens. he transformed a city. We loved him.
Then he did his usual, ruffled feathers and eventually got punched in the face by my man Hugh Douglas. It ended premature. Him and McNabb could have been great. But that one year was pure magic. I'll never forget Terrell Owens but still. Fuck him.
Anyway, was interesting to read at the time when I was smitten. Maybe still for a first time reader. I just couldn't stomach it again.
He was amazing. We broke records and destroyed the teams we played. 13-3 with Ownes getting hurt in week 14.
Playoff run, Blizzard before the NFC Championship. I go. We win. Madness in Philly. Eagles in Super Bowl. Owens going to play with steel plates in his foot. He is amazing once again. We almost win the game. Lose by 3 points to the cheatin ass Pats. It was still awesome. That was the season we had Terrell Owens. he transformed a city. We loved him.
Then he did his usual, ruffled feathers and eventually got punched in the face by my man Hugh Douglas. It ended premature. Him and McNabb could have been great. But that one year was pure magic. I'll never forget Terrell Owens but still. Fuck him.
Anyway, was interesting to read at the time when I was smitten. Maybe still for a first time reader. I just couldn't stomach it again.
April 11, 2008
The book i read going deep with the NFL Sharpest Wepons I would suggest this to any one that likes sports. Becouuse u thik that u have it bad T.O. is one of the best recivers but had a hard time. As a child but it is a book about his struggles in his life. But i would read this book becouse he tells u that u can make through any thing if u put your mind to it. But it is a true story about his life it ggot great ratings on the book and if you are in to spots it can also teach to do stuff better as a football playrer and as a person. But i would reccomend this book to any one that likes to read about sports.
April 11, 2008
He went to college in Chattanooga , a small city in louisiana. He did not get any plauina time is freshman year in college.whan he was a shopmore ha had ten catches. Senior year is college he got all American division tow player of the year. He also got drafted by the 4 years in about the fourth round in the draft pick. When made it big he sent almost all of his money home to his mom because she was working at a factory. I recommended this book to people that like football would want to read a book like this. I like this book because I like football and one of the best football players in the NFL is in it. I really recommended to all the people that love football.
December 10, 2010
Ok book. Felt like it was written on an 8th grade level. The book does highlight TOs love for his family but it also reiterates his "me" attitude. Also education didnt and doesnt seem to be stressed. TO is a great athlete to watch on the field but definately not a role model.
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April 18, 2007THIS BOOK IS GREAT ITS MY FAVORITE BOOK BECAUSE HE IS MY FAVORITE FOOTBALL PLAYER
February 6, 2014
12.30.04 - 1.7.05
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews