Terrell Owens might be one of the most misunderstood players in the NFL. Now, the Buffalo Bills wide receiver re-examines his life and bares it all on VH1's "The T.O. Show," which debuted last night. ESSENCE.com caught up with the outspoken, six-time NFL All-Star to discuss living in front of the cameras, ditching his bad-boy image and his softer side.

ESSENCE.COM: You've had cameras following your every move for almost a year now. Was there ever a moment when you just wanted your privacy?
TERRELL OWENS: Actually, I've been having a lot of fun. At the same time, acting is something that I really want to try to get a handle on. I'm not a stranger to the camera but if I'm going to be into that world, I have to get comfortable with being in front of a camera. I know my football career can't last forever so I'm just trying to prepare myself.

ESSENCE.COM: Do we get a glimpse of the real Terrell Owens and not just the "bad boy" who makes headlines?
OWENS: You're going to to experience a different side of me, outside of my sports element and completely different from the media perspective, which isn't always positive. I'm a father. I'm human. You'll see that I have a soft side. I think people look at me as just this great football player, but I'm also a good person off the field. Now, I'm an honest, straight-from-the-hip kinda guy too and that can get me in trouble sometimes.

ESSENCE.COM: What's the one misconception about yourself that you'd like to clear up?
OWENS: I've been labeled as a selfish guy but I'm far from that. I'm a committed, determined and passionate guy. I do a lot of positive stuff; plus I donate my time to different charities but you've never seen that until now.

ESSENCE.COM: What has been your most favorite day of taping?
OWENS: Last April, over the Easter weekend, I went back home to Alabama and spent time with my grandmother.