In 2024, Terique Owens, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens, signed as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers. Terique played college football at Contra Costa College, Florida Atlantic, and Missouri State. Despite not being drafted, Terrell Owens expressed pride in his son, emphasizing that all they ever wanted was an opportunity for him to showcase his skills. Terique stated that he wanted to make his own name and path in football and would have preferred to have been drafted but was grateful for the foot in the door with the 49ers.
Terrell Owens was present at the 49ers’ local pro day where Terique participated. He had initially wanted to play basketball, not football, due to the physicality of the sport. The 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, recognized Terique’s potential due to his unique gait and late bloomer status. Despite acknowledging that he might need to begin his NFL career as an undrafted free agent, Terique performed well in his collegiate career, especially his senior season at Missouri State where he accumulated 528 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 10 games.
Terrell Owens encouraged his son to be himself and expressed confidence in Terique’s potential. In his career, Terrell played for the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills, and Bengals, enjoying a successful career highlighted by nine 1,000-yard seasons. Terique Owens was one of four players with NFL star connections attempting to join the league in 2024, alongside Frank Gore Jr., Brendan Rice, and Luke McCaffrey. Frank Gore Jr., son of legendary running back Frank Gore, signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Brendan Rice, son of Jerry Rice, was drafted by the Chargers in the seventh round after playing college football at USC. Luke McCaffrey, brother of star running back Christian McCaffrey and son of Ed McCaffrey, joined the Commanders as a third-round pick. Ed McCaffrey was a longtime receiver and Pro Bowler in 1998. The trend of NFL stars’ children following in their parents’ footsteps and attempting to make a name for themselves in the league continues as new generations of talented players work hard to earn their spot in the NFL.
