Terrell Owens, 41-year-old alumnus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, hailing from Alexander City, Alabama, just simply loved playing the gridiron classic. Whether he received the football or not, he voiced his opinion. If he was open on a slant route, he'd let you know if it was a good throw or not. Are you questioning his on-field production or his behavior on the sidelines and in the locker room?

Good talent can be overshadowed by a lack of discipline, but Terrell does not have that problem. Owens never had problems outside of football and was fundamentally sound. His concerns all lied within the football field or locker room. The underlying theme that is the main cause of his problem was Terrell's passion for the game of football.

All because he wanted to win more than he wanted to lose, which could be defined by one word: passion. That's one quality about a person which can't be taught or learned. You just either have it instilled or you don't; there's no half-stepping. And in Terrell Owens' case, that has been misunderstood for being selfish, which he has constantly demanded in football. This attitude upset most of his teammates, understandably, and more often than not divided the team's locker room. But, the other half of the team appreciated his ability to make plays virtually out of nothing.

His nickname was "T.O." for a reason. It didn't stand for "team obliterator," but for "tenacious opposer." Actually, it simply stood for his initials. As an opposer, that does not always merit the negative views. And when you think about it, how many players you know that have a nickname are inadequate players?

Not many, if any at all. If they had a nickname across the spectrum of their respective sport, they had great ability and were known for just that.

We are talking about a six-time Pro Bowler, three-time NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader, and a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team; someone who has amassed over 15,000 receiving yards, one of only five players in NFL history ever to attain this many. Owens happens to be second in NFL history, only behind Jerry Rice in receiving yards.

Owens caught 1,061 receptions for 15,721 receiving yards and 153 touchdowns in his career. They say numbers never lie, well these statistics must be memories of stories untold. And his worthiness into the Football Hall of Fame is up for debate? You're questioning if he is really deserving of this status?

Analysts love to critique his flamboyant demeanor and touchdown celebrations which have prompted penalties and fines by the NFL. But in regards to "T.O.," what do you remember the most about him: his play on the football field or his comments/unnecessary shenanigans?

Of course, his penalties may have dampened the team's rhythm, but they never took them out of the game. Ultimately, Owens' team was better with him on the field than without him. That's what you call a difference maker. You could dissect his game a plethora of ways, but overall he was a playmaker.

Deion Sanders (also known as Prime Time) was another playmaker and the definition of flamboyant. Incredibly theatrical, and look where that left him: in the Hall of Fame.

So what truly makes a Hall of Famer? What are the in fact ideal qualities needed, since statistics don't add up all the time? As figures can be calculated and misinterpreted to determine a particular point.

We definitely know the following are important: skill, dedication to one's craft, commitment to progressing each year, overall success on the field, a player's ability to make those around him better, and his ability to be successful in pivotal moments. Since football is a team game, it is truly difficult to suggest that you need a Super Bowl victory to be a Hall of Famer. Most players barely get one Super Bowl appearance, if any, so that just can't be the only factor.

Especially since there should be no such thing as first ballot, or second ballot. There should just be the credentials of being in the Hall of Fame that are needed, nothing more, nothing less. If a player, coach, or executive's resume lines up with the distinguished honor, why is the distinction from first to second ballot needed?

Terrell Owens will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2016. We'll patiently wait to see how the Hall of Fame Committee determines if he is voted in the Hall of Fame slated for next August.