“RIP”: 49ers Legend Terrell Owens Confesses Regret as NFL Community Mourns Death

The 1996 offseason marked a turning point for Terrell Owens. Drafted in the third round out of Tennessee-Chattanooga, he should have been riding the excitement of his NFL future. Instead, grief reshaped him. His high school friend, Cedric Kendrick, died when a train struck the car he was in. Just a week before the incident, Kendrick had asked Owens if he wanted to hang out, but Owens blew him off. That was the last time they spoke.

And over the years, Owens has lost several close friends and family members. In 2012, this prompted him to reflect on his feelings about life. “Life and death. At some point we’re gonna leave this world. Do I know when? Absolutely not.” Unfortunately, the former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has lost yet another close friend.

Taking to Instagram, Owens wrote: “I wish I would have just told you THANK YOU. The city is gonna miss you bro. 🙏🏾 I left you some shades for that Main Event.” The post was dedicated to his dear friend, Damon Crayton, who passed away on August 21, at the age of 52.

That day, Owens took to his social media and shared a video of his friend from his hometown. In the clip, Crayton was seen sitting inside a car and cracking jokes. However, the seemingly fun video turned out to be a farewell message to his friend. Owens wrote in the caption, “REST IN PEACE MON! Damn bro! Gone too soon. Man, this hurts. A week ago, I lost my aunt, and now you. I’m glad I was able to capture this moment 4th of July weekend. I’ve lost in you, a hometown friend and one of the biggest “TO” fans ever.

“I’m gonna miss the laughs and the genuine love you had for me. I’m at a loss for words. To your girlfriend Kim, thank you for letting me stop by the hospital Sunday night to see him before I came back to LA early Monday morning.”

Born on August 11, 1973, Crayton was only a few months older than Owens. Sadly enough, he died just days after his 52nd birthday. Owens never shared the cause of his friend’s death, but he did share how much Crayton and their friendship meant to him.

His obituary read: “Visitation was held on Thursday, August 28th 2025 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Holloway Funeral Home and Cremation Services (1635 10th Pl, Alexander City, AL 35010). A funeral service was held on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Perfect Peace Baptist Church (2324 6th St, Alexander City, AL 35010).”

Sadly, Owens also lost a family member earlier this month. His aunt Bink.

The 4th of July weekend was also the last time he met Aunt Bink. Sharing the news of her demise on Instagram, on August 7, Owens wrote, “It’s never a good sign when your phone rings at 5:06am. My heart and soul aches right now. 💔 Little did I know that the 4th of July would be the last time I would see you. 😢 Aunt Bink you’re gonna be missed. Heaven for sure has gained an angel. Rest In Peace 🕊️ Mama, don’t stress, everything is going to be okay. I LOVE YOU. 🤎”

Terrell Owens received immense support from friends and fans

As Owens’ fans witnessed him going through a difficult time, they shared some encouraging words in the comment section. One fan wrote, “Praying for God’s comfort over your sorrow.” Another social media user mentioned, “My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences to YOU and ALL His Loves.”

There have not been any past references from Owens about his late friend. But that reel, which captured the liveliness of Crayton, only showed how much TO is affected. One can only imagine and pray. “May the Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen the family is my prayer.”

Messages kept flooding in—“Rest from all of your labor throughout forever,” one said. Another reminded him, “He’s in the greatest hands he can be in […] The Most High has it.” Even public figures like Keion Henderson, Mark Jackson, and Matthew Hatchette joined in with their own words of support.

Death is inevitable, yes, but moments like this show how deeply a community can rally around someone in grief. Stay strong, TO, for Crayton is resting in power!