"Terrell Owens, an exceptional and polarizing player who loves the spotlight, might be ending his career in unceremonious darkness.

As originally reported by ESPN and confirmed by NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, the flamboyant and productive wide receiver recently had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. While ESPN's report states that Owens, a diligent caretaker of his body, could be back to operable health by November, it typically takes more than a year for any athlete to be fully functional after such a procedure.

Owens is 37. The road back gets even tougher when fighting an undefeated opponent -- age.

Owens wasn't going to be in high demand as things stand. Sidney Rice, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Santana Moss and even Plaxico Burress seemed destined to generate more free-agent buzz than Owens. Now? Teams have an even stronger excuse to stay away than his potential to disrupt team chemistry.

Owens will be called damaged goods. It's cruel, especially for a guy we saw make one of the most courageous comebacks in 2005 when he rehabbed a broken leg to return and showcase himself (nine catches for 122 yards) in a losing effort with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX."