Terrell Owens Backs Kellerman, Throws Major Shade at Stephen A. Smith

Just when you thought sports media drama had peaked, Terrell Owens jumps into the ring, popcorn in hand, to add his two cents. The Hall of Fame wide receiver, never one to shy away from a good ol’ public spat, has thrown his support behind former ESPN analyst Max Kellerman, taking a pretty hefty shot at the ever-boisterous Stephen A. Smith in the process. It’s the kind of chaotic energy we live for, and honestly, it’s more entertaining than half the games on TV.

The whole saga reignited when Kellerman, who was famously ousted from ESPN’s “First Take” back in 2021, finally broke his silence on his departure. Speaking on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Kellerman didn’t just hint at the reasons for the split; he practically spelled them out in neon letters, suggesting Stephen A. Smith couldn’t handle the heat in their on-air debates.

This is where our hero, T.O., enters the chat. Owens, who has his own long-standing beef with Smith, gleefully shared a clip of Kellerman’s interview on X (formerly Twitter), adding his own spicy commentary: “He knows he can’t hold a candle to Max!!!

The burn is so severe, you can almost smell the smoke from here. Owens isn’t just stirring the pot; he’s cranking the heat up to inferno levels, and we are absolutely here for it.

What Did Kellerman Say That Fired Up Owens?

So, what exactly did Kellerman say to earn such a passionate endorsement from Owens? Well, he basically confirmed what everyone already suspected: Stephen A. Smith wanted him gone. But it was the why that really packed a punch. Kellerman, with a level of self-assurance that borders on glorious arrogance, claimed Smith simply couldn’t keep up with him in a debate.

“If you’re doing a debate show, and you’re a competitive person, why would you want me as a partner?” Kellerman mused, channeling his inner boxing analyst. “You want to go 15 rounds every day with Muhammad Kellerman? That’s just bad. It’s embarrassing.”

Comparing himself to Muhammad Ali? The man isn’t lacking in confidence, that’s for sure. But his point is clear: he believes he consistently outshined Smith, and that didn’t sit well with the show’s top dog. He also floated the idea that Smith saw a solo act as a more lucrative path, which, if you’ve seen the show since Kellerman’s departure, doesn’t seem too far-fetched.

Owens and Smith: A Feud for the Ages

Terrell Owens backing Kellerman isn’t exactly a shocker. T.O. and Stephen A. have been at odds for years, trading barbs across various media platforms like it’s a sport in itself. For Owens, this is less about defending journalistic integrity and more about a classic case of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” He sees an opportunity to take a jab at Smith, and like a prime receiver seeing an open field, he’s taking it and running.

Owens has a storied history of public disputes, not just with media personalities but with fellow former players like Michael Irvin and Cam Newton. It’s part of his brand. While his on-field legacy as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history is cemented—with over 15,000 receiving yards and 150 touchdowns—his off-field persona is that of an unfiltered, unapologetic pot-stirrer. And frankly, it’s what keeps him relevant and endlessly entertaining long after hanging up his cleats.

This latest episode is just another chapter in the never-ending drama that is the life of Terrell Owens. He’s not just watching the chaos unfold; he’s actively participating, fanning the flames with a grin. You have to respect the hustle.