Detroit Lions' Jessie Lemonier Former Linebacker Dead At 25

Jessie Lemonier -- a former outside linebacker for the Detroit Lions -- has passed away, the team announced Thursday morning. He was only 25 years old.

Details surrounding Lemonier's death are not yet known.

The Lions broke the sad news with a statement, saying they're "shocked and saddened" by Lemonier's death.

"Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon," the team said on social media.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

Many paid their respects to the late Lions player in the comments ... including Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson who shared the post with praying hand emojis.

Lemonier was an undrafted free agent out of Liberty University ... where he became the third player in Flames history to record 10 or more sacks in a season.

The Los Angeles Chargers picked him up after the 2020 NFL Draft and Lemonier played in 6 games before he was waived in August 2021.

He then signed with the Lions' practice squad a month later and was promoted to the active roster. He appeared in 7 games and had 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Lemonier also had a short stint with the Arizona Cardinals.

It seems like Lemonier was positioning for a career in the United States Football League as he recently signed with the Houston Gamblers in December 2022.

He was traded to the USFL's defending champions Birmingham Stallions and their season was scheduled to start this April.

R.I.P.

Jimmy John's Sandwich Co. Trolls Dan Orlovsky ... 'Watch Out For The Back Of The End Zone'

sandwich shade
Twitter / @LauraRutledge

A Jimmy John's employee hilariously trolled former Lions QB Dan Orlovsky for notoriously running out of the back of the end zone during a game 14+ years ago ... reminding him of the gaffe while the analyst simply attempted to order lunch.

It was 2008 ... Orvlosky was the quarterback in Detroit, and the Lions were on the road in Minnesota, playing the Vikings at Mall of America Field.

Orlovsky and the Lions were backed up in their own territory. Orlovsky dropped back to pass, but was pressured by star DT Jared Allen, who began chasing Dan.

Orlovsky panicked once he saw Allen pursuing, and proceeded to run out of the back of the end zone, resulting in a safety, and giving birth to one of the funniest plays in NFL history.

On Monday, ESPN's Laura Rutledge posted video of Orlovsky being trolled ... saying someone at the popular sandwich chain, Jimmy John's, rehashed the iconic (or painful, if you're Dan) moment.

"Watch out for the back of the end zone," the sandwich's packaging read, much to Dan's chagrin. "How they gonna do our guy like that," Laura asked jokingly.

Meanwhile, Dan's other colleague, Mina Kimes, seemed to think the troll job was hysterical.

To his credit, Orlovsky did crack a smile ... and also got the last laugh, clapping back ... "I like Subway better."

Classic.

Lions Star Taylor Decker Rips FedEx For Losing Baby's Milk Company Vows to Help

FedEx is vowing to help Detroit Lions star Taylor Decker ... after the star tackle accused the delivery giant of losing a delivery of breast milk meant for his newborn baby and initially refusing to make amends.

It started when 29-year-old Decker ripped FedEx on Friday ... saying the company lost a big shipment of frozen milk for his 3-month-old baby girl, Daisy Faye Decker, and then refused to pay him back, infuriating the OT.

"Shoutout FedEx for losing a perishable 24-hour shipment of a month supply of milk for my newborn, and responding that there is nothing they can do, and will not reimburse me. What a joke", Taylor wrote on Twitter.

Well, the complaint was blasted out to Decker's 114K followers, which seemed to get the attention of the folks at FedEx HQ ... who told us they're in contact with Decker and are trying to "resolve the issue."

Decker says it's not as easy as just running to the store and replacing the milk ... it's his wife's breast milk that the couple froze and shipped to Arizona for the offseason.

Before taking to social media to air his grievances, Taylor says he drove across Phoenix to 4 different FedEx locations, trying to track down the milk.

Taylor was drafted with the 16th overall pick in 2016 ... and has been a staple at tackle in Detroit. Decker's baby Daisy was born on October 18, 2022.

Packers Star Quay Walker Sorry For Shoving Lions Trainer ... 'I Was Wrong!!!'

Packers star Quay Walker is apologizing for shoving a Detroit Lions trainer during "Sunday Night Football" -- calling his actions both "stupid" and "wrong."

The Green Bay defender put his hands on a Detroit official who was trying to tend to an injured player late in the game at Lambeau Field ... and the rookie linebacker's actions were so disturbing, referees actually ejected him from the game.

The 22-year-old first-round pick was panned for the move -- particularly after the Buffalo Bills had just credited one of their trainers with helping save Damar Hamlin's life earlier in the week -- and on Monday morning, Walker issued an apology for his actions on his Twitter page.

"I want to apologize publicly about what happened Sunday night," said Walker, who led the Packers in tackles this season. "I reacted off of my emotions again and take full responsibility of making another stupid decision."

"Since then I've questioned myself on why did I do what I did when the trainer was doing his job!! I was wrong!!"

Walker -- who was actually ejected earlier this season against the Bills for shoving a Buffalo assistant in a similar fashion -- also explained his actions that followed the ejection ... saying he was kicking himself in the stadium tunnel after he had "messed up again."

"[I] was wrong for what I did and couldn't believe I did it again," Walker said. "To the Detroit lions and to the entire training staff including the person I did that too. I'm sorry."

Walker says he will accept whatever punishment will come his way.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, meanwhile, called the incident "unacceptable" ... and said he holds his players to a "much higher standard."

Both LaFleur and Walker will now have all offseason to think about the move -- as the Packers were eliminated from postseason play following the 20-16 loss.

NFL Thanksgiving Day WAGs ... Bon Appétit!!!

NFL football on Thanksgiving Day is one of the best traditions there is -- but before we dive into the games (and food), let's meet the lovely wives and girlfriends of the athletes hitting the field on Thursday.

The Bills and Lions are set to kick things off in Detroit -- Josh Allen's GF, Brittany Williams and Stefon Diggs' GF, Tae Heckard, will certainly be rooting for their men to link up for some big plays.

Jordan Poyer's wife, Rachel Bush, will be hoping her man has a feast defensively against Jared Goff ... as he's cheered on by his fiancée, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Christen Harper.

Dak Prescott has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season -- his GF, Natalie Buffett, will watch as her man's 7-3 Cowboys play the Giants at Jerry World on Thursday.

Saquon Barkley and the Giants will be hoping to spoil the Cowboys' Thanksgiving, which would assuredly put a smile on the face of Anna Congdon, his longtime girlfriend and mother of his kid.

Meanwhile, Mac Jones and his girlfriend, Sophie Scott, will have to wait to stuff their faces with Thanksgiving delights ... as the Pats QB plays the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in the late game.

The schedule starts at 12:30 E.T. ... and remember, don't cheat yourself, treat yourself!

Bebe Rexha Planning Turkey Day Feast After NFL Performance

NO DAYS OFF
TMZSports.com

Turkey? Check. Sweet AND mashed potatoes? Check, check. Mac and cheese?! You better believe it!!

Pop star Bebe Rexha tells TMZ Sports she'll have ALL the Thanksgiving dinner fixins ready to go after she performs at the Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills game on Thursday ... and she made sure to bring her mom along for the feast!!

The "I'm Good" crooner spoke with us at LAX prior to heading to the Motor City for her gig at the Turkey Day game ... and she says despite being on the road, she's not going to miss out on the traditional grub.

Bebe says she's already ordered all the dishes to have a complete dinner ... setting it up perfectly to chow down right after she leaves the stage.

Of course, not everyone who works the Turkey Day games is as lucky -- FOX sideline reporter Erin Andrews previously told us she usually only has a PB&J sammich in the hotel after she wraps up her duties on Thanksgiving.

TURKEY TAKEOVER
TMZSports.com

Bebe thoughtfully sends EA an invite to her Turkey Day gathering ... but unfortunately, she'll be in Dallas to report on the Cowboys game.

Break a leg, Bebe -- and then eat a turkey leg!!

Jared Goff Sells Cali Home For $6.4 Million ... See Ya L.A.! ✌

Jared Goff is officially closing the book on Los Angeles ... 'cause the Detroit Lions quarterback just sold his California home for $6.4 million -- a discount from his original ask!

The 5,369-square-foot home sits on 1.42 acres in Hidden Hills (home to the Kardashians) -- 30 miles west of downtown L.A. -- comes with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a large kitchen with wine cellar, game room, and a 3-car garage.

The backyard has breathtaking mountain views ... and there's a custom pool and spa, fire pit, barbeque area, and a private mini-golf course.

There's also a 1,075-square-foot guest house that Goff used as an entertainment room.

The 27-year-old signal-caller bought the home in 2018 for a little over $4 million while suiting up for the L.A. Rams ... but when Goff was traded to the Lions in March 2021, the QB put the house on market.

The initial listing price of the home was $7.49 million. Jordan Cohen of Re/Max One represented Jared and the buyers.

Congrats to the new homeowners!

Eminem Hits Lions Practice ... Jared Goff Freaks Out!!!

Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions played host to a special visitor at practice last week -- Eminem himself -- and Jared Goff completely fanboyed at the sight of the real Slim Shady!

NFL Films captured it all on their "Hard Knocks" cameras ... showing the rapper joking around on the sidelines of the team's workout, all while Detroit's star QB was in awe.

Goff could be heard on the camera's mics saying to his teammates, "You see Slim over there? Shady? He might be on my list of, like, 'Holy s***!'"

Em appeared to be having a great time ... and even sarcastically said one of Goff's deep balls was "almost" as good as his.

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At one point, Eminem -- who famously grew up in Detroit -- even said he'd suit up for the Lions if they needed him.

"I’ll lace up whenever," Eminem said. "Like, I’ll go to every game. I’ll stand on the sideline and if you guys need to put me, put me in."

"Any position I’m good. Actually, any position I’m great."

This isn't the first time Em showed the Lions some love and vice versa ... in 2018, Marshall Mathers was named the team's honorary captain and helped with the coin toss on Monday Night Football.

The full "Hard Knocks" episode with Em and the Lions airs Tuesday night.

Ex-NFLer Stanley Wilson Jr. Arrested For Breaking Into Home ... Allegedly Took Bath In Fountain

Ex-NFL player Stanley Wilson Jr. has been arrested once again for breaking into a home -- this time, he is accused of taking a bath in an outdoor fountain after ransacking the place.

LAPD sources tell TMZ Sports the former Detroit Lions cornerback broke into a $30 million Hollywood Hills property on two separate occasions -- most recently on August 24, when he is accused of moving and damaging items.

During his second alleged break-in at the residence, we're told Wilson took a bath in the outside fountain with soap he found from inside ... causing $5,000 worth of damage.

LAPD arrested Wilson both times -- he was charged with two felony counts of vandalism and one count of second-degree burglary

We're told there are no ties between Wilson, the property, or the homeowners.

This isn't the first time Wilson broke into someone's home ... in June of 2016, he was shot in the abdomen while trying to break into a Southwest Portland residence while naked. He was also arrested again in Portland in January 2017 for allegedly walking around a neighborhood naked.

One month later, Wilson was sentenced to 10 days in jail for the 2016 incident ... plus three years probation and mandatory drug treatment. He also had to pay restitution for damages to the home and write an apology letter.

Just five days after his sentencing, he was arrested again in February of 2017 for breaking into another home while naked.

Wilson Jr. -- the son of former Bengals RB Stanley Sr. -- was a 3rd-round draft pick by the Lions and played two seasons before tearing his Achilles in 2008, ending his NFL career.

He logged in 89 total tackles, 8 pass deflections and 1 forced fumble.

Aidan Hutchinson Lions Star Rookie's Sister ... Wins 'Miss Michigan' Title!!!

New NFL star Aidan Hutchinson ain't the only Hutchinson having a helluva 2022 ... his sister, Aria, just took home the "Miss Michigan" crown!!!

The sibling of the Detroit Lions rookie -- who was taken with the #2 overall pick in last month's NFL draft -- officially earned the title at a ceremony in Michigan on Saturday.

She'll now compete for the title of "Miss USA" later this year.

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"Years in the making. Years of discovery, evolution, and dreaming of this moment," Aria wrote of the accomplishment on her social media page on Monday.

"Can't begin to convey my gratitude for everyone who's supported me on this journey. I can't wait to use this title for good, helping and inspiring as many people as possible. What a gift this is!"

At the ceremony over the weekend, the 23-year-old was visibly emotional as she received her tiara ... appearing to well up with tears while she was on the stage.

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The moment is just the latest great one for Aidan and Aria ... who, after celebrating Aidan's NFL draft, also celebrated their graduation together from the University of Michigan!

Congrats to both ... and to their proud parents!

Jameson Williams Lions Won The NFL Draft!!! ... Calls It After Round 1

THEY GOT IT RIGHT
TMZSports.com

No need to read NFL draft grades or Round 1 recaps anymore ... Jameson Williams says the Detroit Lions are the clear winners of the event!!

TMZ Sports got the former Alabama superstar in Las Vegas just hours after the Lions took him with the 12th overall pick ... and he told us he believes Detroit won the draft by selecting him and Aidan Hutchinson in the first round on Thursday.

"I think so!" Williams said.

The Hutchinson pick at #2 overall was a no-brainer -- most had the Michigan defensive end as the best player in the pool -- but the Lions had to do some serious maneuvering to draft the speedy Williams.

Detroit dealt picks to Minnesota to move all the way up to 12 ... nabbing the wideout before the Philadelphia Eagles could.

And, Williams clearly believes the moves cemented the Lions as the day's biggest winners.

As for his future in Detroit, Jameson tells us he hasn't spoken with Jared Goff yet ... but says he's feeling good about playing for the Lions and connecting with the QB on some deep-ball magic in the future.

Rejoice, Detroit. Rejoice.

Jared Goff GF Goes Crazy Over Lions' First Win ... During S.I. Bikini Shoot

"It's over?! Wait, shut up. Shut up!"

Jared Goff's model girlfriend Christen Harper had a priceless reaction to the Detroit Lions getting their first win on Sunday ... pausing her Sports Illustrated bikini photoshoot to celebrate the accomplishment!!

The Lions are now 1-10-1 after a 29-27 thriller at home against the Minnesota Vikings ...  finally getting in the win column after several heartbreaking losses throughout the 2021 season.

Harper -- Goff's GF since 2019 -- was in disbelief when she heard the news from a beachy location ... getting emotional as she watched the game-winning touchdown on a phone.

"You guys, this is their first win! You guys, this is crazy," Harper said in the video.

"This is going to make me cry ... That is the best."

As we previously reported, Harper first became an S.I. swimsuit model after entering the outlet's highly competitive "Swim Search" ... where people from all over the world audition to be part of an upcoming issue.

Harper was officially named an S.I. Swim rookie for 2022 in September ... and now that the Lions have avoided a winless season, this couple's got a lot to celebrate!!

Congrats!!

Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff Dedicates 1st Win To Oxford Shooting Victims

MORE THAN A WIN
Detroit Lions

The fallout from the Oxford High School shooting was at the forefront of the Detroit Lions' collective minds Sunday -- which made for an emotional moment after their big win.

The Lions won their first game of the season on Sunday in a thriller of a match against the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to this, their record was 0-10-1, meaning they hadn't won a single game all season.

THIS GAME IS FOR YOU
Detroit Lions

Turns out, their victory meant more than just what appeared on paper ... and the team's QB, Jared Goff, made that clear in the post-game interview  -- making sure to point out that the game was dedicated to those affected by the deadly tragedy ... which claimed 4 lives.

Check it out ... he gets pretty emotional talking about what happened this week, saying sometimes certain moments are bigger than just sports ... and this was one of them.

The Lions coach, Dan Campbell, echoed that with his own remarks ... bestowing the game ball to the township of Oxford, and reading off the names of the deceased, among others.

Authorities allege the shooter was 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley ... whom they suspect brought a gun from home, one which was purchased by his parents. Speaking of them, they too have been arrested and charged in connection to the deaths -- this after going on the run.

Genie Bouchard Cheers On NFL 'Bae' From Cancun ... In Tiny Bikini

Mason Rudolph didn't get the victory for the Steelers on Sunday -- but don't worry, he's still clearly winning off the field ...

Here's the Pittsburgh QB's GF, Genie Bouchard, cheering on her man all the way from Mexico ... in a tiny bikini.

The tennis player posted the spicy pic in the middle of Pittsburgh's game against the Detroit Lions, writing, "When bae is playing but ur in Cancun."

She added a heart emoji while tagging Rudolph.

Of course, the support didn't equal a win for Mason on the field -- he struggled in the Steelers' 16-16 tie against the Lions -- but we're sure it was appreciated nonetheless.

We broke the story, Genie began dating Rudolph over a year ago ... and hasn't been shy about her affinity for the Steelers since.

She's been spotted at Rudolph's games -- and after going IG official with the signal-caller in February -- she's rocked Pittsburgh gear while traveling too.

Rudolph might need more love from GB going forward -- Ben Roethlisberger's status for next week is up in the air after his positive COVID test -- here's to hoping Genie keeps providing it!

Terrelle Pryor Rips 'Terrible' Jared Goff ... Kaepernick And I Would Be Better!!!

Terrelle Pryor says Jared Goff is so bad ... he's convinced both he and Colin Kaepernick would be better options for the Lions right now.

The former wide receiver -- who began his career as a quarterback -- blasted the Detroit signal-caller in a now-deleted social media post, calling Goff straight-up "terrible."

"Myself and Kaepernick can go on field this second and do better," Pryor said.

The 32-year-old, who hasn't played in a regular-season game since 2018, unleashed the shade while Goff was struggling against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In the eventual 16-16 tie at Heinz Field, Goff threw for just 114 yards ... and completed just 14 passes while taking 4 sacks.

"Jared Goff is terrible," Pryor said, adding the joke "(Charles Barkley voice)."

It doesn't seem Detroit is in any rush to sign either Pryor or Kaepernick to replace Goff -- but Lions head coach Dan Campbell has hinted the past few weeks a change at quarterback is a possibility.

As for Goff, he really doesn't have much ammo to fire back at Pryor with -- he's now 0-15-1 in games he's played without Sean McVay.

And, you thought your Monday blues were rough.

Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell Breaks Down In Tears ... After Team's Fifth Loss

LOSING SUCKS
Detroit Lions

Lions head coach Dan Campbell turned into a puddle of emotions following Detroit's latest loss ... breaking down in tears in front of media members.

The Lions dropped their fifth straight game Sunday, falling 19-17 to the Minnesota Vikings ... and Campbell wasn't pleased at all about it in his postgame meeting with reporters.

The first-year headman cried ... saying he was disappointed over yet another L and felt awful for his players.

"You want it for yourself as an organization and for all of us but you want for those players," Campbell said, wiping away tears. "I mean, they're out there busting their ass and you know, it's tough."

Campbell added, "When you see your players give all that they have and you lose that way, it’s tough. You don’t want that for them, but we’ll be better for it."

The loss was tough for Campbell considering the Vikings pulled off a miraculous win in the same manner that the Ravens had done to Detroit earlier this season.

Minnesota put together a crazy field goal drive to close out the game -- similar to the way Lamar Jackson and Baltimore did against the Lions back in Week 3.

"It's tough to be 0-5," Campbell said. "It's tough to lose like that again but I was proud of them, man."

This is the first time since 2015 that the Lions have started 0-5 ... but they'll have a chance to get their first win next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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