IRVING – Former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells referred to Terrell Owens as "The Player" and "Your Highness."
There were other times when Parcells didn't want to address questions regarding Owens.
Wade Phillips was different.
"Terrell Owens, I did say his name, Terrell Owens," Phillips said. "He's part of the Dallas Cowboys family, so he's part of my family."
Not everything was family-oriented with Owens in 2006.
Owens was fined for arriving late to practice, admitted to falling asleep in position meetings, complained about not getting the ball enough and got into a heated discussion with passing game coordinator Todd Haley.
Owner/general manager Jerry Jones has said he's committed to Owens returning for the 2007 season, something he relayed to prospective job candidates during the interview process.
"I've said he's back, he's here, and he's under contract. It's very clear to me how highly he's thought of," Jones said.
But is Owens committed to the Cowboys?
His stall inside the Cowboys' locker room is empty. The only other player's empty stall belonged to quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who isn't expected to return.
Owens was the only player who didn't have a nameplate above his locker.
Owens was unavailable for comment Thursday, but after the season, he said he cleared out his locker because he wasn't sure the Cowboys wanted him back.
The receiver said he wants to return, but because of the unpredictability of the NFL, he wasn't taking any chances.
The Cowboys owe Owens a $3 million roster bonus in June.
IRWIN THOMPSON/DMN
Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens' locker (center) sits empty at Valley Ranch.
Owens led the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions, but he finished the regular season with a career-high 17 drops. He led the Cowboys in receiving yards (1,180) and catches (85) but felt he could have done better.
On March 1, Owens is scheduled to undergo a second surgery to reattach a tendon on his right ring finger .
Phillips said his main goal is get his playmakers the ball, and if that happens, he could have a great relationship with Owens.
"I don't treat players, I work with them," Phillips said. "Every player is different and you treat every person different."
