Although only 6'3", Owens possessed long arms and extraordinary leaping ability, averaging nearly 28 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

It was not long before Owens gained recognition on the gridiron for his unique receiving skills, becoming famous for leaping "Alley Oop" receptions of high passes by quarterback Y.

Tittle, under heavy pressure from a Chicago Cardinals pass rush, attempted to throw the ball away through the back of the end zone.

[4] Rookie Owens, one of the nation's top rebounders as a college basketball player, leaped high for the ball and grabbed it, pulling it down for a touchdown.

[6] Owens was used sparingly in 1962, filling a reserve role for Hall of Fame wide receiver Raymond Berry.

[5] The 30-year old Owens seemed on track to play one more season with the Giants in 1965, being listed on the team's preseason roster,[10] but on Tuesday, August 10 he abruptly announced his retirement from the NFL, citing business opportunities with the public relations department of the J.C. Penney Company[11] — a firm which he had worked for in such a capacity during the off-season in the latter part of his playing career.

[1] He later made his home in Manteca, part of San Joaquin County, where he launched a successful children's reading program.

At the time of his passing he was remembered by 49ers CEO Jed York as a valuable community asset and "tremendous ambassador for our team".