In a heartwarming display of legacy and inspiration, Terique Owens, son of NFL legend Terrell Owens, etched his name into San Francisco 49ers history with his first touchdown catch during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 23, 2025. The 22-yard touchdown pass from Carter Bradley in the Niners’ 30-23 victory at Levi’s Stadium wasn’t just a play—it was a moment steeped in nostalgia and familial pride for Bay Area fans.
A Father’s Gift Before the Big Moment
Before the game, Terique received a special motivational gift from his father, Terrell Owens, a Pro Football Hall of Famer known for his electrifying career with the 49ers and beyond. According to Vic Tafur, senior writer for The Athletic, Terrell sent his son a video of his own first NFL touchdown, accompanied by a heartfelt message. “He said he was ready for my first one,” Terique shared, reflecting on the encouragement from his father.
The gesture clearly resonated. Terique, donning the No. 83 jersey, delivered a stunning performance, hauling in a 22-yard touchdown pass that sent ripples of excitement through the crowd. “It’ll be a crazy feeling to call him and talk about it,” Terique said post-game. “He didn’t call it, but he was just like, ‘I’m ready for yours.’ It’s kind of crazy I got mine tonight. I never would’ve expected it would be tonight, but I was ready for the opportunity.”
A Journey Against the Odds
Terique’s path to this moment was anything but conventional. At 25 years old, the young receiver’s NFL aspirations once seemed like a distant dream. He didn’t start playing football until his sophomore year of high school in Oakland, a late start by professional standards. His college career took him from Contra Costa College to Florida Atlantic and finally to Missouri State, where he recorded 28 receptions for 528 yards in his final season.
Terique’s journey with the 49ers began last season when he joined their training camp, only to be waived before re-signing to the practice squad. Despite never having played in a regular-season NFL game, his perseverance paid off in the preseason, where he caught two passes for 39 yards, including the touchdown that marked his arrival. Standing by his locker with the game ball, Terique reflected, “It’s an unbelievable feeling when I think about my path to get here. I started playing football late and had a long journey just to get here and get these opportunities, and I made the most of it.”
A Long Shot, But a Bright Future
As the NFL’s roster cutdown deadline looms on August 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. EDT, Terique faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the 49ers’ 53-man roster. The team currently lists 12 receivers, including Junior Bergen, Robbie Chosen, Jacob Cowing, Russell Gage Jr., Isaiah Hodgins, Jauan Jennings, Skyy Moore, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Malik Turner, Jordan Watkins, and Terique himself. While making the final roster may be a long shot, his performance could keep him on the practice squad, a stepping stone to future opportunities.
“I’m going into it knowing that I gave everything I got,” Terique said with confidence. “I feel like I put my best foot forward and I’m ready for whatever decisions are made.”
A Legacy Continues
For 49ers fans, seeing another Owens catching touchdowns at Levi’s Stadium is a nostalgic nod to Terrell Owens’ iconic tenure with the team. Terique’s touchdown wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a bridge between generations, sparked by a father’s belief and a son’s determination. As Terique continues his journey, the special gift of his father’s legacy will undoubtedly fuel his drive to carve out his own place in the NFL.