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Pro Football Hall of Fame will mail Terrell Owens his gold jacket after Enshrinees' Dinner

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will mail Terrell Owens his gold jacket after the Enshrinees' Dinner on Friday, August 3.
Credit: John Leyba, Getty Images
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will mail Terrell Owens his gold jacket after the Enshrinees' Dinner on Friday, August 3.

CLEVELAND -- While Terrell Owens has declined the opportunity to attend and speak at the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony next month, the Hall of Fame is doing what they can to make sure the talented wide receiver is recognized for the honor.

Although the focus will be on the attendees being honored, the Pro Football Hall of Fame confirmed to WKYC that Owens will be on the signage around the Canton area and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium and mentioned “when appropriate in group conversations.”

Additionally, Owens will have his Gold Jacket mailed to him following the Class of 2018’s Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner at the Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center.

On July 3, Owens took to social media to announce that he would not attend the ceremony in Canton, instead electing for a more intimate event at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

“As many of you know, I am foregoing the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton,” Owens said at the beginning of the statement. “After giving it much thought, I have realized just how much I want to celebrate what will inevitably be the best weekend of my life at a place that means so much to me.

“I have decided to give my Hall of Fame speech at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in McKenzie Arena on Saturday, August 4. The event, which is free and open to the public, starts at 3:17 p.m.”

Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Owens went on to become one of the most prolific receivers in league history.

Over 16 seasons with the 49ers (1996-2003), Philadelphia Eagles (2004-2005), Dallas Cowboys (2006-2008), Buffalo Bills (2009) and Cincinnati Bengals (2010), Owens turned 1,078 catches into 15,934 yards and 98 touchdowns.

Credit: Matt Sullivan, Getty Images
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens runs through a tackle attempt from Cleveland Browns defensive back Sheldon Brown at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 3, 2010.

Owens had 237 catches that went for at least 20 yards and 64 40-yard plays on his resume. Owens turned 742 of his 1,078 catches (68.8 percent) into first downs and committed only 10 fumbles in 219 career games.

Owens was remarkably durable over his career, playing in at least 14 games in 15 of his 16 NFL seasons.

“I’m proud to be a Moc, and I’m honored to be able to share this experience with my family, friends, teammates and fans at the place that provided me an opportunity beyond high school and where I truly began to find myself as an athlete,” Owens said in the statement.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported my celebration decision. I look forward to seeing you all in Chattanooga. Getcha popcorn ready!”

Credit: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens tracks the ball while running down the field against the Cleveland Browns during a game at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 7, 2008.

The Class of 2018, featuring wide receivers Randy Moss and Owens, linebackers Robert Brazile, Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis, guard Jerry Kramer, safety Brian Dawkins and contributor Bobby Beathard, will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on Saturday, August 4.

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