TJ Houshmandzadeh News: Pro Sports Daily

Another loss leaves Houshmandzadeh stunned, frustrated

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November 2

Tacoma News Tribune

"As the frustration of a 2-5 season builds for all members of the Seattle Seahawks, it tends to be most visible on the most expressive of their players: Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Houshmandzadeh was the team's highest-priced addition of the offseason, landing a $40 million contract as a free agent. But his performance on Sunday – four catches for 24 yards – reflected the frustration he's voiced much of the season. "I am stunned," he said after the Seahawks' 38-17 loss to Dallas. "It is frustrating for me … period." Houshmandzadeh sometimes makes gestures of frustration when he and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck fail to connect, and he engages in animated discussions on the sideline. "I am ..."

Nice birthday present

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October 12

Tacoma News Tribune

"In terms of pure emotion, it was difficult to discern who had more – T.J. Houshmandzadeh or the crowd of 67,228 at Qwest Field, because both had been waiting for that moment for so long. With just under five minutes to go in the first half and Seattle leading 6-0, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck hit a wide-open Houshmandzadeh along the sideline for a 34-yard touchdown pass. Houshmandzadeh threw a nasty fake on 2006 Pro Bowl cornerback Rashean Mathis, who bit on a short route only to see Houshmandzadeh go by. "Rashean is a corner that likes to take chances," Houshmandzadeh said. "He took a chance and he was wrong." It was the much-anticipated first touchdown as a Seahawk for Houshmandzadeh ..."

Despite good numbers, T.J. Houshmandzadeh is disappointed with his performance

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October 5

Seattle Times

"The numbers - eight catches for 103 yards - indicated that it was the best game of receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh's young Seahawks career. But Houshmandzadeh, who signed a five-year, $40 million deal with Seattle in the offseason after eight years in Cincinnati, knows as well as anyone that sometimes the numbers lie. "Man, my catches came in garbage time, so it doesn't matter," said Houshmandzadeh after Seattle's 34-17 loss to Indianapolis on Sunday. "They weren't meaningful. They weren't when the game was a game. So it doesn't matter." And it was symbolic of the entire Seahawks offense, which never got going until long after the game was decided. The Colts led 34-3 before the Seahawks drove ..."

Chicago Bears defensive backs refuse war of words with Seahawks receiver

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September 25

Chicago Tribune

"Technically speaking, Seahawks receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has bragging rights over Bears linebacker Lance Briggs. Back in 2000, when Briggs was in his second year at Arizona and Houshmandzadeh was in his one and only year at Oregon State, Houshmandzadeh's Beavers pummeled Briggs' Wildcats 33-9. "I've been playing against T.J since college, so I know what type of competitor he is," Briggs said Thursday. "The guy can play." He can run his mouth too. Houshmandzadeh's brash comments that he will best the Bears' defensive backs 95 percent of the time Sunday and show up general manager Jerry Angelo for not signing him in free agency echoed Thursday throughout Halas Hall. "Sounds like a bitter ..."

WR eager to show what Bears missed

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September 24

Chicago Sun-Times

"It's probably good for the Bears that T.J. Houshmandzadeh picked the Seattle Seahawks in free agency over the Minnesota Vikings. That way, they'll face him just once this season. The veteran wide receiver remembers the phone calls he didn't receive from the Bears when free agency opened. ''Aw, man, the Bears ain't hollered at me,'' Houshmandzadeh said Wednesday on a conference call with reporters. ''Jerry Angelo probably didn't think I could play, so I'm going to show him Sunday.'' Houshmandzadeh already has done his homework on the Bears, noting that cornerback Zack Bowman attended Nebraska. ''Look, I'm going to be realistic with you guys,'' Houshmandzadeh said. ''I feel like I'm going to ..."

JUST CALL HIM HOUSH

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September 10

Tacoma News Tribune

"The talent is undeniable, the work ethic admirable and the physical toughness a given. But more than a few NFL observers raised eyebrows during the offseason after witnessing the type of swagger T.J. Houshmandzadeh exhibited after joining the Seattle Seahawks, perhaps thinking that when the team signed him to a five-year, $40 million deal, maybe Seattle got the bravado of Cincinnati's other playmaking receiver, Chad Ochocinco. Among Houshmandzadeh's more boastful claims during the team's run-up to training camp, he said he and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will go to the Pro Bowl as a tandem, guaranteed a top-five receiving season and considered boycotting the 2010 version of the Madden ..."

Houshmandzadeh's step up in Seattle: Now he's the No. 1 guy

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August 26

Green Bay Press Gazette

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh likes it here.And the Seattle Seahawks like having him here. "And that pretty much says it all," the wide receiver says after a recent training camp practice here outside the glistening team facilities surrounded by woods and water. "The views here are spectacular, as you can see. There's a lot to like." Houshmandzadeh, who spent eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, also likes the fact that he no longer labors under the shadow of a former teammate Chad Ochocinco. Yes, Ochocinco's presence helped clear resistance for Houshmandzadeh, and that's one reason he's the only receiver in the league to have caught at least 90 passes the past three seasons. But when he ..."

T.J. Houshmandzadeh brings high expectations to Seahawks camp

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August 4

Seattle Times

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh has caught more passes than anyone in the NFL over the past four seasons. He also grabbed more attention than anyone when Seattle opened its practice to spectators on the fourth day of training camp as fans quickly discovered their new receiver's 14-letter last name can be conveniently shortened to a single syllable. Housh. The nickname caught on quickly Monday morning among the 1,500 fans attending the first of the 12 open practices at Seahawks headquarters. Fans shouted it after every pass caught by the marquee free agent Seattle signed in March. Housh. It's the sound of hope after a season in which Seattle's wide receiving corps was reduced to bare bones and torn ..."

Houshmandzadeh emerges from Ocho Cinco's shadow

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March 4

Seattle Times

columnist Jerry Brewer

"With Ocho Cinco no longer ego-bathing in the limelight, obstructing his stardom, T.J. Houshmandzadeh is free to absorb an appropriate share of attention - and pressure - as the newest high-dollar Seahawk. In case you're fretting the hype might make him squint too much to catch his usual 90 passes, listen here about how he feels to have his name on the marquee. "That doesn't bother me," the Seahawks' new No. 1 wide receiver said. "Front and center? You've got to play. It doesn't matter. Tell the video people here to get you the tape of our last couple of years, and you'll see who was getting the majority of the double teams. "I'm going to get that for you next time I see you, and you watch ..."

Top-rated receiver goes with Seahawks

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March 3

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Ultimately, T.J. Houshmandzadeh's free-agent fling ended where it started -- with the Seahawks. Houshmandzadeh, who visited the Seahawks on Friday and Saturday, agreed Monday to a five-year, $40 million contract that includes $15 million in guarantees. The club will not comment on landing the top-rated wide receiver in this year's free-agent class until Houshmandzadeh has signed the contract. But the deal was confirmed by several sources, including his agent, Kennard McGuire, and Houshmandzadeh -- who explained his decision tothe Seahawks during an interview on ESPN. "I just felt like it was the best destination, it was the best team, it was the best choice for me," he said. Asked why, he ..."

Houshmandzadeh picks Seattle Seahawks over Vikings

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March 3

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Despite a spirited effort, the Vikings' bid to land coveted free-agent receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was foiled by a familiar foe: the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks exacted revenge three years after the Vikings wrested Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson from them by including a "poison pill" in a seven-year, $49 million contract. The Vikings persuaded Houshmandzadeh to leave Seattle on Saturday, escorting him to Minnesota via private jet, and they wined and dined him during a 24-hour visit. But despite a strong push from the Vikings, Houshmandzadeh left Minnesota without signing a contract, and the Seahawks landed him Monday after reportedly increasing their offer. The National Football Post, ..."

T.J. Houshmandzadeh will sign with Seahawks

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March 2

Seattle Times

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the top free-agent receiver, has agreed to sign with the Seahawks, according to ESPN. The five-year deal will pay Houshmandzadeh at least $15 million and as much as $40 million. Houshmandzadeh, 31, chose the Seahawks over Minnesota and re-signing with Cincinnati. Houshmandzadeh has caught more than 90 passes in three straight seasons. The Seahawks were led in receptions last season by rookie tight end John Carlson, who caught 55 passes."

Vikings continue to court receiver Houshmandzadeh; decision could come today

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March 2

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"After he arrived on a private jet Saturday evening, T.J. Houshmandzadeh continued to be wined and dined by the Vikings on Sunday. Houshmandzadeh toured Winter Park, the team's headquarters, as well as parts of the Twin Cities, and he visited with Vikings players, coaches and staffers. Yet by Sunday night, the Vikings had not signed Houshmandzadeh, considered the top wide receiver available in free agency. "No decision tonight," agent Kennard McGuire said in a brief e-mail Sunday night. McGuire didn't elaborate. Although he told the Cincinnati Enquirer on Saturday that he planned to make a decision Sunday night, Houshmandzadeh apparently needed more time and wanted to speak to his wife, ..."

Seahawks make a deal, wait for word

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March 2

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"The Seahawks will have to wait until Monday morning for T.J. Houshmandzadeh's decision on his free-agent destination. As will the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals and everyone else interested in where the top-rated wide receiver in this year's free-agency class will land. Houshmandzadeh had planned toa team by Sunday night, but the decision was postponed, his agent, Kennard McGuire, said late Sunday. In the meantime, the Seahawks signed their top free-agent priority Sunday: Colin Cole, a 335-pound defensive tackle who played the previous five seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Not the big-name player Houshmandzadeh is, but the big-bodied player the Seahawks needed in the middle of ..."

Houshmandzadeh sleeps on his decision

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March 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings have made their pitch to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Now all they can do is wait. After meeting with team officials for 5 1/2 hours Sunday at Winter Park, the top wide receiver on the NFL's free-agent market told his agent he needed to sleep on his decision. He remained in the Twin Cities on Sunday night and presumably will make a decision today. The three-team race for Houshmandzadeh includes the Vikings, Bengals and Seahawks. The financial factor likely will play a significant role in his decision. Houshmandzadeh, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Bengals, is believed to have received more lucrative offers from both Cincinnati and Seattle."

T.J. decision on hold

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March 2

Cincinnati Enquirer

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh was determined to make a decision by Sunday night on his future. But after a five-plus hour meeting with the Vikings, that decision has been delayed until Monday according to his agent, Kennard McGuire. Houshmandzadeh is weighing offers from three teams - the Bengals, Vikings and Seahawks. After a meeting at Vikings' headquarters that lasted over five hours, he is in Minneapolis overnight. The Bengals have been in discussions with McGuire and have an offer on the table higher than the deals of Plaxico Burress (five years, $35 million with $11 million guaranteed) and Hines Ward (five years, $33 million). The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the Vikings and ..."

T.J. decision close

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March 1

Cincinnati Enquirer

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh will know about his future by the end of the weekend. In a text message to The Enquirer, the Bengals' free agent wide receiver said he expects to make a decision "Sunday evening" about whether to remain in Cincinnati or go to a new team. The Bengals and Houshmandzadeh's agent, Kennard McGuire, have been in discussions over the last three days and the Bengals have an offer on the table. The Bengals' free agent wide receiver will visit Minnesota tonight after meeting with Seattle yesterday. He might also visit with the New York Giants, but that has not been confirmed. After a hectic first 36 hours of free agency, Houshmandzadeh is one of the big names remaining, along ..."

Sources: Houshmandzadeh to meet with Seattle

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February 27

Foxsports.com

"Seattle could be addressing its need at wide receiver with Cincinnati free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Two sources told FOXSports.com that Houshmandzadeh — one of the NFL's top receivers the past five seasons — is headed to Seattle today for a meeting with Seahawks officials. Houshmandzadeh has averaged 89 catches for 1,012 yards and seven touchdowns in five seasons as a Bengals starter. But he also will be 32 in September, which may scare some teams from offering the lucrative long-term contract Houshmandzadeh is seeking. The Seahawks failed to have a wide receiver crack the 500-yard mark in 2008 — the first time that had happened in a non-strike season since the franchise's inception in ..."

T.J. No. 1 target for Giants

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February 25

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh of the Bengals is the top free agent on the New York Giants' wish list, according to The Sporting News. The NFL's free agency period begins Friday, when teams will start combing the market for players essential to their 2009 season. While Houshmandzadeh is a reliable receiver, TSN noted, "there is no way to find a comparable replacement to Plaxico Burress, as 6-5 receivers with speed and a huge wingspan are almost impossible to find. Burress faces a serious legal battle and possible jail time as a result of illegal gun charges.""

T.J. No. 1 target for Giants

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February 25

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh of the Bengals is the top free agent on the New York Giants' wish list, according to The Sporting News The NFL's free agency period begins Friday, when teams will start combing the market for players essential to their 2009 season. While Houshmandzadeh is a reliable receiver, TSN noted, "there is no way to find a comparable replacement to Plaxico Burress, as 6-5 receivers with speed and a huge wingspan are almost impossible to find. Burress faces a serious legal battle and possible jail time as a result of illegal gun charges." Houshmandzadeh also is reportedly coveted by the Eagles, Ravens, Titans, 49ers, Dolphins and Seahawks."

Bengals franchise kicker Graham; will T.J. leave?

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February 17

Dayton Daily News

"Welcome back Shayne Graham. Goodbye T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The Cincinnati Bengals tagged Graham as their franchise player on Monday, Feb. 16, clearing a path for Houshmandzadeh to bolt when the NFL's free agency period begins Feb. 27. The franchise tag gives Graham the option of signing with the Bengals for a one-year salary equal to the average of the five highest-paid kickers in the NFL last season. This year's price for a franchise kicker is $2.483 million, while the price for a franchise wide receiver is $9.884 million. The Bengals save $7.401 million by choosing Graham over Houshmandzadeh. "Shayne has consistently performed at a high level for us, and we expect that same performance in ..."

Bengals not likely to tag Houshmandzadeh

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February 12

Dayton Daily News

"The dark cloud looming over the Cincinnati Bengals has continued to cast a shadow over the organization this offseason, and will likely do so until after free agency when some of the cloudiness is expected to clear. However, the forecast is calling for stormy conditions when the NFL's free agency period begins Feb. 27. The Bengals organization will be faced with some tough decisions during this time, but none tougher than deciding what to do with the team's brightest star wide receiver in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is set to hit the open market. The team's choices are indeed limited. It's either sign the receiver to a long-term deal before the deadline, place the franchise tag on the player ..."

Search high, not low, to elevate Eagles' wide-receiver corps

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February 11

Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Rich Hofmann

"T.J., I LOVE YOU.There is a part of me that really hopes the Eagles sign you, the part of me where I desperately need a column on a Wednesday afternoon in November and have no great ideas and then you show up at your locker and we all say "hello" and then you fill up our notebooks for the next 10 minutes, pretty much without taking a breath. You possess a great skill, that notebook-filling skill. It would be well worth the burden of having to type "Houshmandzadeh" on deadline for the next few years.But, T.J., I don't know. Maybe the next time you call Mike Missanelli, maybe you could stand on a box. Maybe then.They need somebody bigger than 6-1, which is 1 inch taller than Kevin Curtis, ..."

T.J. skeptical about return

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February 6

Cincinnati Enquirer

"From T.J. Houshmandzadeh's perspective, it sounds like his days in Cincinnati might be drawing near a close. "I really don't know. I can't speak for them but I haven't heard from them which would lead me to assume that I'm out of there," Houshmandzadeh said on Thursday. With free agency set to begin three weeks from today, Houshmandzadeh could be one of the top players on the market and among the most prized wide receivers. Houshmandzadeh led the Bengals last season with 92 catches for 904 yards and four touchdowns. In 2007, he tied for the league lead in receptions with 112. He gained 1,143 yards and 12 TDs. But despite the personal production for the last couple seasons, it's still been ..."

Houshmandzadeh intrigued by Eagles?

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February 5

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Pending free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh had some interesting things to say about the Eagles yesterday during an interview with Mike Missanelli on ESPN 950. Houshmandzadeh, considered the top free-agent receiver on the market, said he could potentially be interested in playing in Philadelphia. "If the Eagles are interested in me, let's put it like this. If they'll be interested in me, I'll be interested in them," he said when asked if the Eagles would be his top choice. Houshmandzadeh, 31, had 92 catches for 904 yards last season, but keep in mind he was dealing with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback after Carson Palmer went down with an injury. When asked about Donovan McNabb, ..."

With no 'fair' offer, T.J. waits

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December 27

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis on Friday denied a report that the team would not use its franchise tag on wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh. The NFL Network had made the claim on Wednesday night, citing a league source. Lewis told Bengals.com Friday it was "an untrue report." Houshmandzadeh told the Web site the team hasn't told his agent whether he would be tagged. Regardless, a lot could happen between now and the Feb. 22 tag deadline. Franchise tags often create a contentious long-term contract negotiating environment, so by saying it won't tag a player, a team shows a good faith attempt to sign him long term. If contract talks fail, however, the tag could become a viable option ..."

T.J. won't get tagged

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December 27

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Pro Bowl wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh will not get the Bengals' franchise tag this offseason, according to NFL.com's Adam Schefter. Schefter says Cincinnati will instead try to sign Houshmandzadeh to an extension before his contract expires in late February. Offensive tackle Stacy Andrews was last season's franchise tag recipient, netting him a $7.455 million salary. But Andrews injured his knee in the Browns game Sunday, so the Bengals probably won't re-tag him this year because the injury will diminish his attractiveness on the market, Schefter said. "Don't look for Andrews' tag to go on Houshmandzadeh," Schefter said on his NFL.com blog, citing "a league source." Houshmandzadeh, 31 ..."

T.J.: We'll win at least 2

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October 30

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh told NFL.com's Adam Schefter that Cincinnati will win at least two games this year. "If the season ends and we don't win a game," Houshmandzadeh told Schefter, "I will walk from my house to the NFL Network studios." Houshmandzadeh lives in Cerritos, Calif. Schefter wrote that's 27 miles from the NFL Network studios."

T.J.'s stats don't ease pain

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October 24

Cincinnati Enquirer

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh has what most NFL wide receivers would covet: He's second in the league in receptions, leads all wide receivers in third-down receptions and is coming off a Pro Bowl season. It's a dream scenario, right? Not when it's overshadowed by an 0-7 Bengals record that makes Houshmandzadeh "kind of embarrassed" to go out in public. "I think we've got a lot of talent on this team but I think every team thinks they have a lot of talent when they look at their guys," Houshmandzadeh said. "I don't know. I don't know, man. It's tough." It's been tough for most of his eight seasons with the club. The Bengals have gone 50-69 in the regular season since his arrival in 2001, with a lone ..."

Bengals winless, but Houshmandzadeh among league's top receivers

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October 6

Portland Tribune

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh hasn't been asking people to call him Ocho Quatro, but he's established himself as the leading target on the winless Cincinnati Bengals. Houshmandzadeh caught two touchdown passes Sunday from Carson Palmer as the Bengals fell to 0-5 with a 31-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Houshmandzadeh has 31 catches for 351 yards this season, while teammate and fellow Oregon State product Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson has 14 receptions for 159 yards. Houshmandzadeh is tied for third in the NFL in catches. Dallas tight end Jason Witten leads with 35, and Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall has 34. Houshmandzadeh, Arizona wideout Larry Fitzgerald and New Orleans running back Reggie Bush ..."

Palmer, Houshmandzadeh hit stride

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September 22

Cincinnati Enquirer

"After two lackluster games, the Bengals' pass offense, quarterback Carson Palmer and the team's receiving corps came to life Sunday in the overtime loss to the Giants. T.J. Houshmandzadeh had his third career game with 12 receptions, and his 146 yards were the third most of his career. He also had his first touchdown reception of the season and 34th of his career, from 17 yards down the middle of the field. "Last week, when the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour, it's tough to find a rhythm with somebody," quarterback Carson Palmer said. "T.J. and I definitely had a rhythm tonight. He did a good job of doing his own thing and getting open in a couple of situations. "We had a botched snap ..."

T.J. says he's still optimistic

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September 9

Cincinnati Enquirer

"T.J. Houshmandzadeh said the offense "sucked" in the Bengals' season-opening loss. He was asked Monday if his assessment held up after watching film - and it did. But the wide receiver also spoke positively about the future. "It was bad, but it's weird, man. I think 16 teams go through this today," Houshmandzadeh said. "You look at the film and you say, 'Man, we had a lot of opportunities.' We all messed up, you know. I made mistakes. Everybody made mistakes, and it just seems like when you make a mistake, your mistake is a big part of the play. "I'm disappointed but I'm still optimistic. We have 15 games remaining and I think we'll be all right." Houshmandzadeh said the next step, of ..."

T.J. just taking things as they come

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July 30

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Even when he was on the bubble to stick with the Bengals as a seventh-round draft pick because of injuries, T.J. Houshmandzadeh said he knew he belonged in the NFL. Now - with four seasons as a starter behind him, in which he has 353 receptions, 32 for touchdowns - Houshmandzadeh's belief in his ability hasn't wavered. But it hasn't exploded, either. He's the same - confident, not cocky - even after a Pro Bowl season in 2007 in which he tied with New England's Wes Welker for the NFL lead with 112 receptions. "I'm cool, the same thing, man," Houshmandzadeh said when asked about his goals for 2008. "It's not going to change. You have to come out here every year and at least try to do better. ..."

Houshmandzadeh takes hands-on camp approach

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July 16

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Nathan Byrd is no Bengals fan; he prefers the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys. But there are a few Bengals players that the 13-year-old looks up to. One is Pro Bowl wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Tuesday afternoon, Byrd caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Houshmandzadeh while playing in a 7-on-7 game in which Houshmandzadeh was the quarterback. "It felt wonderful," said Byrd, who plays running back and quarterback for Sycamore's junior high team. "He gave me a couple of high-fives and told me that he likes how I think.""

T.J. what Bengals need

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July 16

Cincinnati Enquirer

columnist Paul Daugherty

"Old Man River is up there every July, rolling on about the urgency to win football games. You are a young Bengal, you hear Willie Anderson, but you don't listen. The words don't reach your heart, so you roll your eyes and tell Big Willie to "sit his (self) down," as T.J. Houshmandzadeh recalls it being phrased. Time passes, the losing accumulates. Before you know it, you become Big Willie. "Willie has a point," Houshmandzadeh is saying. "This is my eighth year. I've been to the playoffs one time. You realize you want to win more than anything. We'll see." Houshmandzadeh was at Sycamore High today, hosting a kids football camp."