NFL head coaches prefer Chad Johnson over T.O.

July 10, 2008 10:00 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Which Pro Bowl-caliber player would you not want on your roster?

This offseason ESPN.com did an anonymous survey of NFL head coaches that explored a variety of topics, including smartest offensive and defense player, dirtiest player and owner with the best reputation.

Another question we asked NFL head coaches was which Pro Bowl-caliber player would they not want on their roster?

Of the 20 head coaches who responded, 14 voted for Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens, who was the runaway winner. Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals was a distant second with three votes.

But the question is why Owens, and why such a large margin?

When it comes to winning, there is no comparison between Owens and Johnson.

Owens led three different teams to the playoffs and has a Super Bowl appearance with the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson has just one winning season his entire career in Cincinnati and is 0-1 in the postseason.

Their styles of play vary but both are effective. Their numbers have been comparable the past several seasons.

Yet, a majority of NFL head coaches would rather have Johnson on their team over Owens, which is interesting. It is clear that Owens rates much higher on the distraction scale with coaches.

Player Pos. Team Votes
1. Terrell Owens WR Dallas Cowboys 14
2. Chad Johnson WR Cincinnati Bengals 3
3. Randy Moss WR New England Patriots 1
3. Drayton Florence CB Jacksonville Jaguars 1
3. Adam Jones CB Dallas Cowboys 1