May 21, 2008 - 11:04 PM
0 shoutsIRVING, Texas (Ticker) - Terrell Owens has earned as much notoriety for his sensational exploits on the field as his contract squabbles off it.
The combustible star receiver for the Dallas Cowboys is trying to change one of those perceptions.
In the third and final season of a $25 million year contract with the Cowboys, Owens on Wednesday said he is not concerned about his future with the team.
Attending organized team activities with the Cowboys, Owens cited his relationship with team owner Jerry Jones as the reason for his security.
"It's easy for me because of the relationship," Owens said. "I met with Jerry my first year and talked to him on the phone more so than any owner outside of this organization ever, from being in San Francisco and Philly.
"He's a guy that's very personable, he interacts and he talks with his players. And that's all you ever want. If we're going to be a happy family, involve everyone."
Owens had messy departures with both the 49ers and Eagles over contract demands, but it's possible he already has an understanding in place with Jones.
On Tuesday, the Cowboys lavished a pair of seven-year contracts worth a reported $95 million on Pro Bowlers Marion Barber and Terence Newman.
Owens has lived up to his end of the contract in his first two seasons with the Cowboys, hauling in 186 receptions and scoring 28 touchdowns while going over 1,000 yards both times.
"It's not a big deal. I don't even feel comfortable talking about it," Owens said. "It's not a big deal right now. ... I'm happy to be here."
Quarterback Tony Romo said the change in Owens' outlook has not come overnight.
"I think you are seeing a change in a guy, a transformation that has taken place over the last four or five years," Romo said. "We're pretty lucky to have it happen here. He's a good teammate. He actually cares about each one of us; he cares about getting better.
"He gets probably a bad rap because you don't get to see him every day. I'm pretty sure we'll be just fine with getting that taken care of."
