Owens takes part in 1st practice with Seahawks

“Just to get around that atmosphere and to know that I was at the top at one point … it’s almost like I have to rebuild my career, start over,” Owens said.

Owens did have a few highlights during his first day. He beat rookie Jeremy Lane down the sideline and caught a perfect toss from Matt Flynn for a 35-yard reception, juggling the ball briefly before pulling it in to his stomach as he fell to the ground. He followed that with a quick slant across the middle on another strike from Flynn.

“Once you get out there and you snap the ball and you’re going against the defense, you just see a helmet running out there,” Flynn said. “You’re not thinking this is T.O. or whatever, you get out there and see a receiver and getting open.”

The concern with signing Owens is that it goes against most of the moves Seattle (No. 22 in AP Pro32) has made during the first two years of Carroll and general manager John Schneider being in charge. They made a dramatic point to get the Seahawks locker room younger and on giving those youthful players a chance even if they lacked major experience.

There’s also the well-documented baggage from Owens‘ past. Owens repeatedly said he’s different from the receiver that made headlines for his disruptions in some previous stops.

“The last two years have been life-changing for myself,” Owens said. “I don’t want to try and sit up here and emphasize how much I’ve changed. I think you’ll kind of see that as these days go along. It’s more about actions speak louder than words, and I think you’ll see that more than anything.”

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