You have to hand it to Terrell Owens. In a city in which we've seen damned near everything with our Bengals players, it would have been unfathomable to see Bengals fans accepting of Owens signing with Cincinnati. True, a lot of it has to do with continued worry about the team's passing offense with the need for more talent at wide receiver and an insurance policy in case there was more than what was known of Antonio Bryant's knee. Nonetheless, Bengals fans have truly opened their arms to Owens.
And Owens has done the same with Bengals fans.
Writing a letter that was published by the Enquirer on Friday, Owens writes:
Feb. 6, 2011 is now marked on my calendar with a big orange circle. As I joined the Cincinnati Bengals and continue my career I'm very excited with the opportunity to be in pursuit of the championship.
But in truth, Owens, probably with some advise from Chad Ochocinco who knows most of us well enough by now, reaches out to the fans.
The Bengals are now my extended family and I look forward to learning more about your city, teammates, coaches and you all. This is my home and I'm happy to be in the Midwest. I'm confident in our team's chances of winning the title, so anything less than the playoffs is unacceptable to us. It will definitely take a fight but if my gut is correct, Who Dey Nation will be proud this season. I signed here for a reason.
With hard work and unity, this team will restore power and respect. We're focused on playing in Texas on Feb. 6. Just take a look at my calendar, the date is saved. Let's make the Jungle roar this season!