NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens is never one to shy away from controversy, and his latest comments about officiating in the league have set the sports world on fire.
Owens strongly suggested that the NFL and its referees are favoring the Kansas City Chiefs, particularly star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, leading to speculation that the league is rigged in their favor.
Owens, widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, built a career on big plays, finishing with 1,078 receptions for 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns.
Known for his outspoken nature both on and off the field, he often provided the media with headline-worthy takes – whether it was about his quarterbacks, controversial celebrations, or off-field drama.
Now, days before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Owens is once again making waves with his latest claim: that officiating decisions have unfairly benefited Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Appearing on the “It Is What It Is” show, hosted by rappers Cam’Ron and Mase, Owens didn’t hold back when asked about the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
“I played the game. I’m watching the game, and I’m looking at all these calls that’s benefitting the Kansas City Chiefs. Look at the game before against the Texans. Mahomes is smart… causing the flag. He’s getting the benefit of the… he didn’t even get hit, 15-yard flag. Will Anderson barely hit him, another… that can stop the momentum of the game,” Owens said.
Owens argued that at that point, the Houston Texans were still in the game, but questionable officiating changed its entire trajectory in Kansas City’s favor.
“You can even go back to the last couple of Super Bowls, even when the Niners played the Super Bowl. Look at all the holding calls. If you watch that tape, bro, it was crazy,” Owens continued.
“They were getting clotheslined. They were not calling it. It was blatant calls that were hits … it’s unreal. I’ve never thought I would say that games were rigged … bro, it is unreal at the amount of calls that are not called against the Kansas City Chiefs that are called against everybody else.”
Owens’ comments echo a growing sentiment among NFL fans and analysts regarding the perceived bias in officiating favoring Kansas City.
During the AFC Championship Game, the Chiefs edged out the Buffalo Bills 32-29, but not without major controversy.
Multiple key calls made by referee Clete Blakeman and his crew had Bills fans and impartial NFL observers questioning whether officiating was disproportionately benefiting Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Similarly, in the divisional round against the Houston Texans, the Chiefs received a crucial unnecessary roughness penalty in their favor when Mahomes slid, despite minimal contact.
The call extended Kansas City’s drive and contributed to their eventual victory.
Statistics further highlight a potential imbalance.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that during the Chiefs’ last eight playoff games, their opponents had been penalized six times for roughing the passer, while Kansas City had not received a single such call.
Additionally, Chiefs’ opponents were flagged four times for unnecessary roughness, whereas Kansas City was called just once.
With Super Bowl LIX fast approaching, the debate surrounding NFL officiating and potential favoritism toward the Chiefs is only intensifying.
While Owens’ comments may be divisive, they add fuel to an already heated discussion about the league’s integrity and fairness.
What are your thoughts on Owens’ comments? … Where do YOU stand on the whole KC-bias debate???
