In an interview with Canadian sports network TSN, Terrell Owens responded to the reaction he faced from a recent tweet in which he offered his services to the beleaguered New York Jets.
On Tuesday, the unemployed wide receiver took to Twitter to make his availability known, imploring the Jets to contact his agent and "make it happen."
The ensuing reaction was as expected, with critical fans and sportswriters calling out the 38-year-old for being washed-up and desperate.
Speaking to TSN's Michael Landsberg on Wednesday's episode of "Off the Record," Owens stated that given the current state of New York's injury-plagued receiving corps, the Jets might need him more than he needs the Jets.
"I've read a lot of the tweets saying that I’m desperate, I’m begging for a job,” Owens said. “But it’s not begging for a job when you know you can still play at a high level, given the opportunity. When you have a defensive back playing offense and running routes, then I think that’s more desperate than my actual tweet itself.”
In their 23-17 loss to the Texans on Monday night, the Jets sent out cornerback Antonio Cromartie for a couple of snaps at wide receiver. New York coach Rex Ryan addressed Owens' comment on Thursday, defending the use of Cromartie on offense.
"[He's] not just a corner. Let's face it, he's the second-best receiver on our team," Ryan said jokingly, referring to Cromartie's fantastical proclamation in training camp that he would be the Jets' No. 2 offensive threat, ESPN notes.
The idea of Owens coming to New York is just as improbable, given the fact that he was cut from the Seahawks in August and hasn't suited up for a regular-season NFL game since 2010.