Terrell Owens won’t be there this summer when he’s inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Instead, he’ll be “elsewhere.”

Owens dropped a bombshell Thursday by announcing on his website he’s declined his invitation to attend the induction ceremony Aug. 4.

Begging Owens to reconsider was none other than Steve Young, a 2005 Hall of Fame inductee who threw a winning touchdown pass to Owens (“The Catch II”) in a 1998 wild-card win over Green Bay.

“The damage to the relationship could be permanent. You don’t want that,” Young said on ESPN about Owens impact on fellow Hall of Famers. “So I beg him to reconsider because the longevity of all the people that want to respect him and that he should respect as well. Forget about, ‘I’m mad at the voters, I’m mad at the system.’ The damage that could be done by not going could overwhelm him over a period of time.”

Elected in his third year of eligibility, Owens said he is “truly humbled” and “honored” to be part of this year’s class that includes fellow wide receiver Randy Moss, linebackers Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher and Robert Brazile, safety Brian Dawkins, guard Jerry Kramer, and contributor Bobby Beathard.

“After visiting Canton earlier this year, I came to the realization that I wish to celebrate what will be one of the most memorable days of my life, elsewhere,” Owens said without detailing his alternative plan.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame called Owens’ “No” RSVP unprecedented. Get 49ers news in your inbox. Sign up now for the free 49ers HQ newsletter.

“We are disappointed but will respect Terrell’s decision not to participate in the Enshrinement,” Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker said in a statement. “While unprecedented, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the nearly 5,000 volunteers and the entire community are committed to celebrating the excellence of the Class of 2018 that will kick off the NFL’s 99th season.”

Former 49ers and Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders also appealed to Owens, tweeting: “Let’s sit down and talk about this so the world can know where u coming from. I believe I know where u coming from and I want them to understand u before the stones are thrown your way. This is a 1st and it will have a future affect on many. #ThinkaboutThat #Truth.”

Added Young: “It’s shocking, especially in context for what it feels like to be there and the guys that you surround yourself with and the meaning it has personally and just for the team and the respect of all the people that got you there. … The relationship with the Hall of Fame for him has been difficult, because they delayed his time getting in. I’m sure there’s resentment and scar tissue about it, but I beg him to reconsider.”

Baker declined further comment “as we do not want to detract from this great honor being enjoyed by the seven other members of the Class of 2018.”

Owens launched his 15-year NFL career with the 49ers from 1996-2003. His 15,934 receiving yards rank second in NFL history behind Jerry Rice and his 153 touchdown receptions rank third behind Rice and Moss.

Owens attended the Warriors’ Game 3 win in the NBA Finals on Sunday, a day after appealing to 49ers general manager John Lynch via Twitter to sign him and end a seven-season hiatus/retirement.

Owens’ statement Thursday on the Hall of Fame:

“I am so grateful for all of the support my family, friends, and certainly my fans, have shown me throughout my entire career in the National Football League. When it was announced that I was going to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the response received from my fans was overwhelming, and I am truly humbled. I am honored to be included among this group of fellow inducted individuals.

“While I am incredibly appreciative of this opportunity, I have made the decision to publicly decline my invitation to attend the induction ceremony in Canton. I have already shared this information with the Hall. After visiting Canton earlier this year, I came to the realization that I wish to celebrate what will be one of the most memorable days of my life, elsewhere. At a later date, I will announce where and when I will celebrate my induction.

“I would also like to thank the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals for the time I was granted with each organization. I am thankful for the relationships forged and the lessons learned while part of each team.

“I wish to congratulate all past, current and future inductees. It is quite an honor to be part of such elite company. This honor is something that I will cherish forever.

“Sincerely, Terrell Owens”