Photo courtesy the Alzheimer’s Association

It wasn’t a football field, but freshly minted Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens was comfortable and confident in the spotlight at the Sixth Annual National Alzheimer’s Gala, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association Wednesday at the National Building Museum.

T.O. received the association’s first Young Champions Award for increasing awareness of the disease, which he’s done through PSAs and activities such as Memory Walks in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Owens’ grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1996, and though she hasn’t been able to enjoy his success on the field, she’s been an inspiration for Owens.

“She’s definitely been my source of strength, my determination,” Owens said.

For those wondering how close the always controversial player came to joining the Redskins during the offseason, Owens said it never really came to that point.

“I think there was some interest, whether it was hot, cold, or lukewarm, there was an opportunity there,” Owens said. “But once I got to Buffalo and spoke with [that] staff, it turned out to be a deal by the end of the day.”