AOL Fanhouse Blog: How Chad Johnson Differs From Terrell Owens

by Michael David Smith

Yesterday I complained that Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens can never just make a big play without doing something stupid afterward. I noted that while the NFL cracks down too hard on players who celebrate on the field, that's no excuse for Owens breaking league rules and getting penalties.

One commenter then asked me a good question: "Why is it that you call out T.O. but say you're a big Chad Johnson fan, and enjoy the way he celebrates?"

To me, this headline on a column by Frank Hughes in today's News-Tribune gets it exactly right: Owens provokes fans, while Johnson makes them grin. It really is that simple.

Johnson and Owens are both great receivers. Johnson and Owens both engage in touchdown celebrations that draw attention to themselves. But Johnson's effect seems to be making the fans laugh, while Owens' effect seems to be making the fans angry. There's no accounting for taste, and some fans might think Owens is funny and Johnson is infuriating. But for me, Johnson seems like a good guy and Owens seems like a jerk.