Former San Francisco 49ers star Terrell Owens seemingly threw subtle shade at the team's star receiver Mike Evans, prompting Evans' 49ers teammate to fire back.
In a recent video clip from "Get to the Point Podcast," the Hall of Famer Owens said he witnessed Evans in a game and realized he is capable of similar feats.
"We were watching the game. Mike Evans was playing, and I was like, 'Look at his routes. I can do that.' It’s not like he’s blazing speed; he just knows how to run routes, knows where to go, and then the quarterback can save you. He was really like just catching some, like, average plays," Owens said.
Owens, 52, reiterated that he believes he could "absolutely" do what he saw Evans doing. That drew criticism from some commenters who suggested Owens was shading Evans' current abilities on the football field.
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Since that clip circulated online, it's prompted San Francisco defensive back Deommodore Lenoir to clap back at Owens with a response.
"Mannnn noo you can't Mike 1 of 1 Stop it Every WR know where they going Bad Take," Lenoir wrote, adding multiple crying laughing emojis at the start of his comment.
Owens' comments arrive as he's been retired for over a decade from the NFL. He achieved prominence as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and 49ers, leading the league in receiving touchdowns for three seasons and earning six Pro Bowl selections.
Meanwhile, Evans has been hindered during his latest campaign, as he left his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders with a non-contact right Achilles injury and fractured ribs. He was ruled out for this Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
So far, he has 27 receptions for 420 yards and three touchdowns in six games for the 49ers this season, but according to Owens, he also has a quarterback who "saves" him with Brock Purdy.
Evans previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield as his quarterbacks. He was the receiving touchdown co-leader in 2023 and has earned six Pro Bowl selections.
The former Buccaneers star did something Owens never did in his career: win a Super Bowl. However, Owens could contend that it was thanks to having Tom Brady at quarterback.
This year's 49ers team also has the makings of a Super Bowl contender, after starting 6-0 to begin their season. Brock Purdy is among the top contenders in the early conversation for NFL MVP.
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