PHILADELPHIA — Terrell Owens had the microphone and all the attention from a crowd filled with teammates, NFL stars and a few celebrities at his birthday bash.

Owens didn’t use the opportunity to take shots at Donovan McNabb or anyone else in the Philadelphia organization. With at least 19 Eagles in the room, why would he?

Instead, the All-Pro wideout professed his love for the city of Philadelphia and his teammates — though they’re really his ex-mates now.

‘‘That’s the side of Terrell that unfortunately people who aren’t close to him don’t get to see,’’ Kim Etheredge, Owens’ publicist, said Tuesday. ‘‘That’s how he is when he’s in his element, surrounded by family and friends.’’

Perhaps Owens chose his words carefully because of the grievance the NFL Players Association filed on his behalf against the Eagles last week, claiming the team breached Owens’ contract by trying to get back part of his signing bonus and by leaving him inactive for the rest of the season.

However, the party was invitation-only and reporters weren’t on the list — though one got in — so Owens could’ve said whatever he wanted without worrying much about any repercussions.

Maybe time away from football softened Owens and made him consider changing his ways. Then again, a defiant Owens vowed he’ll return, saying: ‘‘I ain’t ever going to let anyone change me.’’

He won’t get an argument from any of the people who helped him celebrate his 32nd birthday Monday night at Jay-Z’s 40-40 club in Atlantic City, N.J.

‘‘Just do what you do,’’ Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse said he’d advise Owens. ‘‘Be you.’’

Kearse was among at least 19 Eagles, including players on injured reserve and the practice squad, who turned out to party with Owens, one day after the reigning NFC champions were eliminated from playoff contention with their sixth loss in seven games.

Running back Brian Westbrook, cornerback Lito Sheppard and wideout Todd Pinkston — each on IR — were there. Other starters included tight end L.J. Smith, guard Shawn Andrews and defensive end Trent Cole. Veteran defensive linemen Hollis Thomas and N.D. Kalu also went.

‘‘Personally, he never did anything to me,’’ Smith said. ‘‘He invited the whole team. That says a lot. He’s a great teammate.’’

Added Kearse: ‘‘He’s a wonderful teammate.’’

Not everyone would agree. Owens wore out his welcome in San Francisco after eight seasons and lasted just 1 1/2 years in Philadelphia, despite his superior talent and skills.

Still, he has plenty of supporters on the Eagles and around the league. Some question whether the team is divided with one group that supports Owens and another that backs McNabb and management.

Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who lobbied coach Andy Reid to get Owens back on the team after the suspension, has insisted many players like both Owens and McNabb.

None of the Eagles at the party seemed concerned that management would have a problem with them going.

‘‘Last time I checked, I’m an adult,’’ Kearse said.

The team had no comment Tuesday.

Owens was suspended last month for a series of infractions and critical public comments about McNabb and the organization, dating back to his offseason demands for a new contract. An arbitrator later upheld the Eagles’ decision to deactivate him for the remainder of the season.