The Philadelphia Eagles traded short term “success” for long-term failure. They did this when they brought in Terrell Owens.
Sure, people change; sure, people can turn their lives around and become a team player. But when he refused to go to Baltimore after he was traded, you had to see that something was awry.
He begged to go to Philadelphia. They happened to need an extremely talented receiver to complete their “Super Bowl Puzzle.” They signed him; puzzle finished. They sailed through the regular season, losing Owens to an injury late in the season. He made it back just in time to experience his first Superbowl loss. And he was still all about himself.
The offseason arrives and Owens continues to rant on his amazing-ness. The need for a raise. How important HE is. He makes more catches. He runs his mouth some more.
The Eagles sink (not only because of him, but partially). Terrell keeps talking about Terrell.
The Eagles cut Owens. He’s out. Something about being detrimental to the team. And Terrell is still talking about Terrell. And the Eagles are tanking, now losing three straight.
Do you think they would have traded the Superbowl appearance last year for something more tangible down the road? I think they would.
Do you mortgage your future for short-term pleasures? For those little things that may not be so beneficial down the road? I think we’re all more guilty of this than we’d like to imagine.