Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens received court papers during an autograph event at his alma mater Friday, November 6, in a federal defamation case over his public comments following the death of Mississippi college student Nolan Wells.
Attorney Edward Paltzik, who represents the plaintiffs, shared video of the encounter at the Mocs Bookstore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The footage shows a person handing Owens documents as he attended a meet-and-greet, according to Front Office Sports, which also interviewed Paltzik. The lawyer said Owens had previously avoided service, a claim Owens has not publicly addressed in the reporting reviewed.
The encounter came one day after Prime Video premiered the new documentary Terrell & T.O., which revisits Owens’ NFL career and life beyond professional football.
What The Lawsuit Alleges
The fathers of Benjamin Warren Hudson Jr., Eli Jax Pitalo, and Morgan Seymour filed the civil lawsuit October 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The complaint alleges defamation per se and false-light invasion of privacy arising from an Owens post about the death of their friend, 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells. The plaintiffs seek monetary damages. Front Office Sports examined the complaint.
Wells disappeared during a July 4 outing to Horn Island on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
Searchers recovered his body July 6, per Fox 10 News. Owens shared a September 26 social media post calling for the three friends’ arrests and linking to a video that accused them of misconduct, according to the lawsuit and Front Office Sports. The complaint alleges the post intensified harassment and threats against the three young men. The court has not determined those allegations.
A Jackson County grand jury declined to indict anyone after reviewing evidence in Wells’ death. The panel said investigators found no credible evidence of criminal conduct and described the circumstances as consistent with drowning. Medical examiners, however, listed the cause and manner of death as undetermined. Wells’ family has challenged the investigation’s conclusions.
Owens had previously offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Wells’ death. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who advises Wells’ family, expressed appreciation for that offer in July, Front Office Sports noted. That history provides context for Owens’ later public comments, although it does not resolve the defamation claims.
Owens responded on November 8 directly to Paltzik on X after the attorney shared the service video: “Hey Edward. 😂 Not worried. 👍🏾🤷🏾♂️ God is good.” The lawsuit remains pending.
Hey Edward. 😂
Not worried. 👍🏾 🤷🏾♂️
God is good. https://t.co/Lq2euVX1qh— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) November 9, 2026
Owens’ Dallas Career And The Cowboys’ Next Game
Owens played for Dallas from 2006 through 2008, recording 235 catches for 3,587 yards and 38 receiving touchdowns, according to his NFL career statistics. He later played for Buffalo in 2009 and Cincinnati in 2010 and entered the Hall of Fame in 2018.
Since his playing career, Owens has pursued media appearances and business ventures. His official website now promotes a podcast with comedian Chris Spencer, merchandise collections, and the documentary. Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and team owner Jerry Jones appear in the film.
The Cowboys enter the coming weekend at 4-5 after beating the Indianapolis Colts 27-23 on November 8. Dallas next hosts the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, November 15, at 3:25 p.m. CT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, according to the team’s schedule.
Provided by Dallas Express
