Cincinnati Bengals

If Orlando Brown Jr. needed one quarterback to lead his team on a game-winning drive ... he tells TMZ Sports he's not taking Patrick Mahomes OR Lamar Jackson.

No, the four-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman says he's riding with Joe Burrow instead!!!

"I'm going to go with my current QB," the Bengals left tackle said. "I'm taking my man Joe Scheisty."

Brown, of course, knows all three quarterbacks very well. He started his career in Baltimore, and protected Jackson for three seasons -- before he was traded to Kansas City to block for Mahomes.

This past year, he left in free agency to join Burrow in Cincinnati ... and he's clearly grown fond of what Joey B can do in crunch time.

"I feel like Joe Scheisty is going to get it done," he said.

Don't get it twisted, though ... Brown ached over the decision -- adding, "That's tough, man!"

Bill Belichick's run in New England might be over, but his time as a winner certainly ain't done yet ... at least, that's according to his ex-running back Corey Dillon, who tells TMZ Sports The Hoodie's going to find success at his next stop.

The Pats and Belichick mutually agreed to part ways on Thursday ... and some have wondered if the 71-year-old might be done coaching for good.

But, when we spoke with Dillon just hours after the decision became final in New England ... he assured us his former boss won't be quitting winning in the NFL any time soon.

"I think he's still got a lot left in the tank," Dillon said.

The former tailback -- who spent three seasons playing for Belichick and won one Super Bowl -- said he has no idea where Belichick will coach next, but he's sure he'll find a new gig and record more wins shortly ... something that will make Dillon emotional.

"Am I sad as hell to see him coaching for another team?" Dillon said. "Absolutely, man. That's going to be the worst."

As for Bill's legacy in New England, Dillon tells us there should be no debate over whether Tom Brady was responsible for all of his big wins ... explaining, "It was all of us, man. We all made that thing work."

"I couldn't get it done without Tom Brady," he said. "Tom Brady couldn't get it done without Bill. Bill couldn't get it done without us. [Robert] Kraft couldn't get it done without everybody."

Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are applauding Jake Browning's ability to fill Joe Burrow's shoes this season ... telling TMZ Sports the Bengals backup made it an "easy transition" for the whole team.

The former Washington quarterback's number was called after the team's franchise player went down with a wrist injury back in November ... and found some success under center, going 4-3 and helping Cincy finish the season with a winning record.

We spoke with the Bengals' top two targets this week about Browning ... and both guys had nothing but positive things to say about him.

"Jake came in and did his job, honestly, man," Chase said. "Him just being poised enough to get in there and have to piggyback off what Joe's doing or what he has done, it's not easy."

"Him having two elite receivers to play with is just going to make it even easier for him."

Higgins also pointed out how Browning got reps with the first stringers when Burrow went down with a calf injury in training camp ... and he did a helluva job rebuilding that chemistry mid-season.

"I felt like it was an easy transition for him and for us."

Chase added Burrow's impact was still felt even though he wasn't on the field ... as his presence alone "brings joy to guys' faces."

We also spoke with Chase about a fellow superstar LSU Tiger -- Jayden Daniels -- and he said he was thrilled to see the Heisman winner hold it down in Baton Rouge this year.

As for whether he had a better season than Burrow, Chase said there's one big thing that separates the two.

The NFL is shining a light on Damar Hamlin's recent charitable efforts -- the Buffalo Bills safety was just selected as the Community MVP for Week 18 after giving back to his hometown during the holidays.

Hamlin received the honor for his 4th annual toy drive that went down last month ... where he distributed more than 2,000 toys, hundreds of books, and 50 bikes to hundreds of kids in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

Hamlin has been helping out those in his area since before his NFL days, but this one was extra special -- it was the first toy drive since he suffered cardiac arrest against the Bengals on Jan. 2, 2023.

Hamlin said one of his first memories waking up after the incident was seeing the $9 million raised for his fundraiser. With the exceeded amount, Hamlin did his own personal Santa Claus impression, donning the big man's classic red suit and spreading some holiday cheer.

In a year that began with turbulence, this was one of the brightest moments for Damar ... which he explained when speaking about the drive.

"I just couldn’t wait for this," Hamlin said. "I've received so much love, so many blessings. I just couldn’t wait to pay them all forward."

The full $9 million raised after Hamlin's medical emergency won't just help his toy drive -- he said it will also go toward improving his community through CPR education, sporting events in the summer, and turkey drives.

Taylor Swift está terminando el año viendo a su novio, Travis Kelce, jugar al fútbol, cerrando un año lleno de emociones tanto en el escenario como en el campo de juego.

La estrella del pop estuvo una vez más en el estadio Arrowhead el domingo para ver a los Chiefs de Travis jugar un último partido en casa contra los Bengalíes de Cincinnati y como ya es tradición, se pudo ver a la cantante en el palco vip.

Parece que estaba sola esta vez, mientras que la semana pasada estuvo acompañada por su madre y su hermano, quien se unió a ella para el gran juego de Navidad en la ciudad.

Swift se veía muy elegante para el partido. Vestía de negro y lucía una chaqueta blanca Chiefs letterman mientras se dirigía a las gradas. Es evidente que va a pasar el Año Nuevo allí en Kansas City.

Como dijimos, Taylor asistiendo a los juegos se ha convertido en algo común este año, desde que ella y Travis hicieron pública su relación hacia el comienzo de la temporada, ha ido en persona a verlo varias veces e incluso en ciudades totalmente diferentes.

Taylor ha sido vista gritando por su hombre, ya sea maldiciendo por una mala decisión o celebrando con apretones de manos.

Mientras que ella y Travis se separaron brevemente durante el Día de Acción de Gracias -cuando ella viajó a Brasil para algunos shows como parte de su gira "Eras"- han pasado la mayor parte de las vacaciones juntos. Por lo que parece podría tratarse de una relación seria.

Por el lado de la NFL, podemos decir que la liga los ha amado como pareja, especialmente cuando Taylor aparece en persona, ¡ya que las audiencias se han disparado en la mayoría de sus juegos!

Algunos fans acérrimos de fútbol se han mostrado algo molestos con la atención Taylor comandos - pero bueno, es entretenimiento al final del día ... y aquí es donde los mundos chocan por grandes $$$.

De todos modos, es bastante seguro decir que ella probablemente ha tenido el año más grande de cualquier persona en el mundo del espectáculo.

Taylor Swift is ending the year watching her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, play football -- capping off what's been a whirlwind romance full of memories ... not to mention NFL appearances.

The pop star was once again in the building at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday to catch the K.C. Chiefs play one last home game against the Cincinnati Bengals ... and just like she usually does, she rolled up in a golf cart down below and made her way to her luxury box suite.

Looks like she was cruising solo this time around, whereas last week ... she had some company in her mom and brother, who joined her for the big Christmas game there in town.

T-Swift was looking pretty stylish here for the NYE matchup ... dressed in all black, aside from a sweet white Chiefs letterman jacket she was rocking as she made her way up to the stands. If it wasn't obvious by now, she'll be spending New Year's there in Kansas City.

Like we said, Taylor attending games has become a bit of a pastime this year -- ever since she and TK went public with their relationship toward the start of the season ... she's gone in person to watch him several different times, and sometimes in totally different cities too.

At each stop, Taylor has been seen rooting and screaming her heart out for her man ... oftentimes memorably, whether it's cursing at a bad call or celebrating with handshakes.

While she and Travis were apart for a bit during Thanksgiving -- when she jetted on down to Brazil for a few shows as part of her 'Eras' tour -- they've spent the majority of the holidays together ... and their bond is going strong. From the looks of it, this could be the real deal.

From the NFL side ... you best believe the league has loved them as a couple, especially when Taylor shows up in person. The ratings have ballooned at most of her games ... as she seems to have drawn in a whole new audience who might've otherwise not watched.

Some diehard football fans have become annoyed with the attention Taylor commands -- but hey, it's entertainment at the end of the day ... and this is where worlds collide for big $$$.

Anyway, it's pretty safe to say she's probably had the biggest year out of anyone in showbiz.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is getting a true taste of freedom ... at her favorite fast food restaurants!

The recently sprung ex-con hit up a Burger King in DeQueen, Arkansas Friday night, stopping to take a pic with one of her supporters.

Gypsy looks relaxed and happy, just days after her release after serving 7 years behind bars for the murder of her mom.

It's not her first fast food adventure post-prison ... earlier in the day she hit up a McDonald's, waiting patiently in the drive-thru line for a burger.

Gypsy has been experiencing freedom in some pretty basic ways ... going shoe shopping, taking selfies -- things like that.

We're told this weekend she's headed to Kansas City for the Chiefs game against the Cincinnati Bengals on New Year's Eve. We're guessing football isn't the motivator ... she's a huge Taylor Swift fan and hopes to meet her.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard está literalmente disfrutando cómo se siente su nueva libertad, ¡en sus restaurantes favoritos de comida rápida!

La recientemente ex-convicta fue a un Burger King en DeQueen, Arkansas el viernes por la noche y se tomó una foto con uno de sus seguidores.

Gypsy se veía relajada y feliz, a pocos días de su liberación después de cumplir una condena de siete años tras las rejas por el asesinato de su madre.

No es su primera aventura en un restaurante de comida rápida después que salió. Más temprano en el día había ido a un McDonald y había esperado pacientemente en la fila de autoservicio para una hamburguesa.

Gypsy ha estado experimentando la libertad de algunas maneras muy simples, como ir a comprar zapatos, tomarse selfies y cosas por el estilo.

Nos dicen que este fin de semana irá a Kansas City para el partido de los Chiefs contra los Bengals en la víspera de Año Nuevo. Estamos adivinando que el fútbol no es su principal motivación, ella es una gran fan de Taylor Swift y espera conocerla.

Si Chad Johnson tuviera un voto para decidir al jugador más valioso de la NFL, iría por Tyreek Hill. Chad le dijo a TMZ Sports que la lesión que sufrió el jugador el pasado lunes demostró que no hay nadie más valioso que él en la liga.

El Cheetah fue obstaculizado en la primera mitad del juego de los Miami "MNF" contra Tennessee después de que fuera arrastrado por un oponente, y mientras estaba siendo atendido por los entrenadores, la ofensiva normalmente explosiva de los Dolphins de repente pareció acabada.

Tua Tagovailoa recibió un montón de derribos y la buena racha que el equipo se había acostumbrado a ver se evaporó de la nada.

Johnson nos dice que nada de eso es una coincidencia y asegura que todo demostró que Tyreek es el que hace al equipo de los Dolphins de este año.

"Esta es la razón por la que es parte de la conversación sobre los jugadores más valiosos", dijo Johnson. "Sé que este reconocimiento es un premio para los mariscales de campo, pero lo que viste [el lunes] por la noche, durante dos trimestres con la ausencia de Tyreek, representa lo importante que es para ese equipo".

Aunque Hill, que ahora tiene 97 recepciones para 1.542 yardas y 12 TDs esta temporada, eventualmente regresó en la segunda mitad, los Dolphins cayeron ante los Titanes por 28-27.

Johnson cree que la lesión de Hill estará bien en el futuro, aunque el entrenador en jefe del equipo de Miami Mike McDaniel dijo el viernes que el receptor está puesto en duda para el partido de este fin de semana contra los Jets, mientras continúa recuperándose.

If Chad Johnson had an NFL MVP vote, he says it'd go to Tyreek Hill ... telling TMZ Sports the injury the wideout suffered this past Monday night showed there's just no one more valuable than him in the league.

The Cheetah was hindered in the first half of Miami's "MNF" game against Tennessee after he was dragged down by an opponent -- and while his leg was being tended to by trainers ... the Dolphins' normally explosive offense suddenly looked stale.

Tua Tagovailoa took a bunch of sacks -- and the long gains that the team had grown used to seeing evaporated out of nowhere.

Johnson tells us none of that is a coincidence ... saying it all showed Tyreek is the one who makes this year's Dolphins team.

"This is why he belongs in the MVP conversation," Johnson said. "I know the MVP is a quarterback award, but what you saw [Monday] night, for two quarters with the absence of Tyreek, is how important he is to that team."

While Hill -- who now has 97 catches for 1,542 yards and 12 TDs this season -- ultimately returned in the second half, the Dolphins fell to the Titans, 28-27.

Johnson said he anticipates Hill's injury will be fine moving forward -- although Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said Friday the receiver will be questionable for this weekend's game against the Jets as he continues to recover.

Pacman Jones pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct in a Kentucky courtroom on Thursday in his airport meltdown case -- and after he submitted the plea, the ex-NFL star apologized to the cops he screamed at during the outburst.

Jones appeared before a judge in Boone County to issue the plea after reaching a deal with prosecutors.

As part of the plea agreement, officials dropped the other two charges he had been facing in the case -- alcohol intoxication and making a terroristic threat.

The judge sentenced Jones to 30 days in jail but suspended imposition of the sentence ... meaning if Jones keeps nose clean for the next two years, the former football player won't have to serve any time behind bars.

After the hearing, Jones provided a statement on the case on his X page -- writing, in part, "I am not proud of my conversations with the police that day."

"I am truly aware that police have a very difficult job and deserve to be treated with respect and appreciation ... The police were professional with me and deserved my respect in return. I genuinely apologize."

Remember, Jones was first arrested in the case while at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on Sept. 11, after he got into a spat with airline employees over the electrical outlets in his seat on the plane.

Jones claimed he complained about his outlets not working -- and in response, airline officials decided to boot him from the flight.

Once Jones got off the jet, he blew a fuse ... with body cam footage showing him yelling at officers.

In his statement Thursday, Jones said he simply "let my frustrations from the plane bubble over into my conversation with the officers."

Trevor Lawrence's wife says dozens of Jaguars fans have reached out to throw their support behind her and her hubby after the star QB was injured Monday night ... flooding her social media inbox with positive messages.

Marissa Lawrence shared a screen recording of some of the DMs she says she received just after Trevor appeared to badly injure his ankle in the fourth quarter of Jacksonville's home tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Almost all of the messages seemed to contain some kind of prayer for Trevor ... something Marissa said she was super grateful for.

"Really overwhelmed by people's kindness and love," she said in the clip of the fans' messages. "Just wanted to share something positive and thank everyone truly for your prayers and support."

Trevor went down in a heap of pain as he was trying to lead the Jaguars to a win ... and on Monday, head coach Doug Pederson said his 24-year-old signal-caller was dealing with a high-ankle sprain.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh says a woman is so obsessed with him, she changed her last name to "Houshmandzadeh" in an effort to get closer to him ... and now, he wants a court to order her to stay the hell away from him.

The former NFL star spelled out the allegations in a request for a temporary restraining order in Los Angeles ... claiming a 53-year-old woman named Annette Marie Houshmandzadeh has been making life miserable for him and his family since at least 2015.

In the docs, the ex-Cincinnati Bengals wideout says Annette used to go by Annette Selkirk, but legally changed her surname to "Houshmandzadeh" after developing "a bizarre and extreme obsession" with him and his family.

T.J. says he actually had a restraining order placed on the fan in 2015 -- though when it expired in 2019, he says she continued her harassment of him.

T.J. claims the woman has been posing as the mother of his kids online, making contact with his wife, as well as sending harassing mail and personal items to his home.

T.J. also says in the docs that he once received a letter from Annette in which she stated she had "several bullets inscribed with the names of each member of the Houshmandzadeh family."

Diontae Johnson is owning up to his lack of effort in the middle of the Steelers' matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals ... saying he addressed the situation with his teammates and vowed to do better moving forward.

The 27-year-old wide receiver faced a ton of backlash for seemingly giving up in the middle of a play during Pittsburgh's 16-10 win on Sunday ... with game footage showing him appearing uninterested in going for the ball after Jaylen Warren fumbled in the first quarter.

Johnson spoke with reporters about the now-viral lowlight on Wednesday ... and he's looking to get past the whole ordeal.

"I addressed the situation with my teammates," Johnson told the media. "They know how I feel and how I feel about the situation. I'm not perfect. All I can do is move forward and just keep playing football."

Johnson -- who was pissed he messed up on a potential touchdown catch on the previous play -- explained he does not want to be judged based on one moment ... and he promised to prove it with his play from here on out.

12:22 PM -- Joe Burrow just met with media members to discuss the injury ... and he said he felt "a pop" while he was throwing the touchdown pass to Joe Mixon.

As for the brace he had on his hand when he landed in Baltimore earlier this week, he told reporters it was simply a compression sleeve to keep some of his other "bumps and bruises" in check.

"This is a completely different thing," he said.

Burrow added that he's planning to still be around the team the rest of the year despite being out for the remainder of the season.

The Cincinnati Bengals will have to try to win a Super Bowl this season without Joe Burrow.

The team just announced its star quarterback suffered a significant wrist injury that will keep him from playing the rest of this year.

According to Cincy head coach Zac Taylor, Burrow appeared to sustain the ailment just before throwing a touchdown pass to Joe Mixon in the second quarter of the team's Thursday Night Football game against the Ravens.

Burrow tried to play through the pain ... but cameras inside of M&T Bank Stadium showed he just simply couldn't grip a football -- and sat out the rest of the contest, which the Bengals lost, 34-20.

Taylor said his 26-year-old star will "likely" need surgery to fix the issue.

The team, meanwhile, could find itself in hot water over it all ... as the NFL is reportedly investigating whether or not the Bengals knew about a potential problem with Burrow's wrist leading up to the big "TNF" matchup.

Burrow was seen getting off the team plane in Baltimore wearing some kind of brace on his hand -- yet he was not listed on the team's injury report heading into the game.

Regardless, losing Burrow is obviously a huge blow for Cincinnati ... as the signal-caller is widely considered one of the five best quarterbacks in the game right now.

The Bengals -- now 5-5 -- will turn to Burrow's backup, Jake Browning, to try to save their season.