Owens takes shots at media, Canton during HOF speech at alma mater

Terrell Owens took the unprecedented step of conducting his Hall of Fame speech outside of the official enshrinement ceremony and did not disappoint his fans at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Owens arrived to the event in style, then proceeded to criticize sportswriters along with the Hall of Fame for constantly ostracizing him during his career and for his decision to hold his speech at his alma mater.

T. O. pic.twitter.com/0jE3uwDd2F

- Eric Adelson (@eric_adelson) August 4, 2018

"Many of you are probably wondering why we're here instead of Canton. I'd like to set the record straight. It's about the mere fact that the sportswriters aren't aligned with the mission and the core values of the Hall of Fame," Owens said via John Breech of CBS Sports.

"I'm a man of courage, courageous enough to choose Chattanooga over Canton," Owens added later, to a standing ovation.

It wasn't all bravado from Owens, one of the league's most polarizing players during his tenure for his provocative on-field celebrations, feuds with teammates and incendiary quotes.

"I am not a perfect man. I've made a lot of mistakes. Adversity introduces a man to himself. "Now at 43 years old, I like who I've become," Owens said, via Eric Adelson of Yahoo Sports.

Owens paid homage to Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, before ending his speech to applause.

"My legacy starts today. Thank you so much Chattanooga."

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.