Tampa, FL – October 13, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers’ Week 6 stumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has taken an unexpected twist — not on the field, but online. After the 30–19 defeat at Raymond James Stadium, former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens stirred fresh controversy by mocking his old team, reopening scars many in the Bay Area never fully healed.
A Hall of Famer and one of the most electrifying receivers of his era, Owens’ 49ers legacy (1996–2003) is complicated. He authored unforgettable moments — including The Catch II in the 1998 Wild Card — and became the standard for swagger and edge in San Francisco. But his relationship with the franchise fractured in the early 2000s amid contract disputes and public friction. When he left and later starred for NFC rivals, the sense of betrayal among portions of the Faithful only deepened.
So when Owens took to X (formerly Twitter) after Sunday’s loss to gloat about the 49ers’ late-game unraveling, it felt personal for fans. His post read:
“Man, I’ve seen this movie before — and guess what? It always ends the same. The ‘star quarterback’ plays hero, the team forgets who they are, and the cracks show. Funny how history repeats itself.
Don’t tell me about injuries — every team has them. Tell me about the finishes.”
Owens’ comments spread quickly, drawing thousands of replies from frustrated supporters accusing him of taking victory laps at San Francisco’s expense. Many cited the messy end to his 49ers tenure and the barbs he’s thrown at the organization over the years as proof that the wounds never fully closed.
But 49ers quarterback Mac Jones didn’t let the jabs linger unanswered. Asked about Owens’ remarks postgame, he kept his tone even — and his message sharp:
“I respect what he did for this franchise — he was part of something special here,” Jones said. “But we’re focused on what’s ahead. This locker room is about accountability, not nostalgia. We’ll own our mistakes, fix them, and move forward.”
The exchange has split the Faithful yet again — between those who still appreciate Owens’ greatness and those who view his latest shots as confirmation that some bridges were burned long ago. For a 49ers team battling injuries and inconsistency, the noise only amplifies the urgency to steady the huddle and reclaim identity.
For now, one thing is clear: Terrell Owens left San Francisco years ago, but for many 49ers fans, the sting of his “betrayal” still burns — and his words still hit like a blindside block.
