D.J. Hayden Former NFL Player Dead At 33 ... Horrific Crash In Houston

Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden -- who was a first-round pick in the 2013 draft -- was reportedly killed in a horrific car crash in Houston that claimed six lives.

The devastating accident happened at 2 AM on Saturday according to Houston Police Department's Assistant Chief Megan Howard and it involved an Acura SUV and a Chrysler 300 that ran a red light on Fannin Street.

"It appears to be going very fast, high velocity," Chief Howard said during the press conference. "At the scene, there were a total of four individuals pronounced deceased."

Chief Howard said another four were sent to the hospital ... sadly, two of them died later.

"We have a total of five males deceased, one female deceased," Chief Howard said.

According to Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle, one of the deceased is former NFL player Hayden who played for the Raiders, Lions, Jaguars, and Washington.

Prior to the NFL, Hayden played two seasons (2011, 2012) at the University of Houston ... and during his senior year, he had a near-fatal injury when the inferior vena cava in his heart was torn after a hit during practice.

He survived the incident and was drafted as the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

D.J. logged 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles in his nine-year career.

Another football player was also killed in the crash ... defensive back Zach McMillian who also played for the UH Cougars.

He was only 33.

RIP

Ex-Raiders RB Napoleon McCallum To Nick Chubb ... 'You Gotta Weigh Your Future Life'

THERE'S STILL HOPE
TMZSports.com

Napoleon McCallum -- the ex-Raiders running back who nearly lost his leg after suffering a devastating knee injury during a game in 1994 -- is advising Nick Chubb to consider all of his options before coming back to the football field full-time.

The former Oakland tailback tells TMZ Sports ... if he had the chance to sit and talk with the Cleveland star following the 27-year-old's injury last Monday night -- he'd be sure to get that message across to him.

"I understand it's hard to leave," McCallum said of what he'd say to Chubb. "You just gotta weigh your future life and all the great things that you can do with family and friends."

VERY SERIOUS INJURY
TikTok / @drdavidabbasi

McCallum's injury was far more serious than Chubb's -- he ruptured an artery and severed a nerve in addition to tearing his ligaments on a run play against the San Francisco 49ers -- but he nonetheless knows at least part of the road Chubb will have to go down in order to feel normal again.

For McCallum, the end of that journey meant never playing football again ... an outcome he seems to think Chubb should at the very least consider.

"I just wish him the best," he said.

As for how McCallum is feeling all these years after hurting his knee ... he tells us he just had both of his legs operated on during COVID -- and is actually doing "great" now.

Tom Brady Play For Raiders In 2023??? Troy Aikman 'Wouldn't Rule Anything Out!!!'

May 2023
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
TMZSports.com

Now under center for the Las Vegas Raiders ... Tom Brady?!?

Troy Aikman tells TMZ Sports he could imagine a scenario in 2023 where that situation is a very real thing ... saying he wouldn't put it past Brady to suit up for the team he's about to be a part owner of.

"I don't want speak for Tom," the Dallas Cowboys legend told Babcock, but "I wouldn't rule anything out."

Aikman's reasoning is simple ... he says because of the way Brady keeps himself in shape -- and his great relationship with head coach Josh McDaniels -- he could see it all happening.

Plus, Brady owning a piece of the team wouldn't hurt the chances, either.

"I would bet that just nothing is off the table," Aikman said, "as far as what may occur during the season or what Tom's role may be."

Of course, the Raiders already have Jimmy Garoppolo signed to a big contract ... and Aikman said he strongly believes Brady is "done playing."

"But," the Hall of Famer added, "you just never know."

Aikman also spoke with us about Aaron Rodgers' move to New York ... and he said he thinks the change of scenery from Green Bay could really impact the quarterback positively.

He also said he's stoked to be able to broadcast Rodgers' first-ever game as a Jet when NY takes on Buffalo during the NFL's season-opening "Monday Night Football" matchup in September.

TOP VALUE PLAYER
TMZSports.com

"Every network wanted that game, every network wanted Aaron Rodgers," he said. "We got him right out of the box."

Derek Carr Signing With Saints ... 4-Year, $150 Million Deal

UPDATE

10:05 AM PT -- Derek Carr's new four-year deal with the Saints is for $150 million, Ian Rapoport reported Monday.

Derek Carr has found a new home ... the former Raiders quarterback is signing with the New Orleans Saints after spending the past nine seasons with Oakland/Las Vegas.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport broke the news Monday morning ... saying the Saints are giving the 31-year-old NFL veteran a new, four-year deal.

Carr confirmed the news in a tweet -- sharing a video of a raucous scene at the Superdome, while writing, "Who dat."

Carr -- a four-time Pro Bowler -- was released by the Raiders last month after being benched at the end of the season. The signal-caller finished his Raiders career with a 63-79 record.

Carr had flirted with several teams following his release -- including the New York Jets -- but ultimately landed with the Saints ... who Rapoport reported Monday were always the favorite for the QB.

Carr will be the Saints' latest attempt to replace Drew Brees ... since the future Hall of Famer's retirement, they've tried combinations of Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill without much success.

Originally Published -- 8:27 AM PT

Franco Harris Last Interview ... No Signs Of Trouble Hours Before Death

THE LAST INTERVIEW
Not Just Football With Cam Heyward

Franco Harris sat down for what was likely his last interview on Tuesday -- just hours before his untimely death -- where the Steelers legend talked about how happy he was to make it to the 50th anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception."

"50 years. C'mon, that's a long time, but I'm still around to enjoy it, so that's good," 72-year-old Harris said with a big smile.

We're told the interview was done around 2:30 PM Eastern on December 20, 2022 ... for "Not Just Football With Cam Heyward," the Steelers star's Omaha Productions produced show.

50 YEARS LATER ...
Not Just Football With Cam Heyward

Of course, Harris' death was announced on Wednesday ... and it shocked the country.

During the chat, Harris and Heyward reminisced about one of the greatest plays in sports history. Franco talked about what he was supposed to do during the play, what he remembers after catching the ball (nothing!), and what transpired after the incredible catch (including when he wound up alone in a restaurant with the entire Raiders team.)

Outwardly, absolutely nothing seemed off about Franco ... and like usual, he appeared to be in a great mood.

Franco was set to be honored this weekend across the NFL ... as the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception is on December 23. Harris' #32 was also set to be retired ... and he was expected to be at Acrisure Stadium.

In the wake of his death, everyone from current and former NFL superstars to presidents Biden and Obama have expressed sorrow over the loss.

John Madden NFL Honoring Legend Again Huge Thanksgiving Tradition Begins

The NFL is paying tribute to the late John Madden once again ... this time, it announced it's starting a huge Thanksgiving Day tradition to honor the legendary coach and broadcaster.

The inaugural "John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration" will kick off on the Thursday holiday later this month ... with the NFL saying it has several tributes planned in Madden's memory.

Before each of the three games slated for Turkey Day -- the Bills vs. Lions, the Giants vs. Cowboys, and the Patriots vs. Vikings -- a recording of Madden talking about football and the holiday will be played.

The league also said in its announcement Friday that each network broadcasting the trio of games will pick a "Madden Player of the Game" following the contests, and the NFL Foundation will give each recipient a $10,000 check in their name to a youth or high school football program of their choice.

In addition, the NFL said each player participating in Thanksgiving Day games will have a Madden sticker on the back of their helmet ... while a Madden logo will be painted on the 25-yard line of all three fields.

"No one cared more or contributed more to our game than John Madden," league commish Roger Goodell said Friday. "Honoring his memory and impact on the NFL is important, and Thanksgiving Day brings all of the elements significant to John to life -- family, football, food, and fun."

John, who initially gained fame for his role as Raiders head coach and later became the face of the most popular football video game ever, passed away last December.

He was 85 years old.

Ray Guy NFL Legend Dead At 73

NFL Hall of Famer Ray Guy -- the most legendary punter of all time -- has passed away. He was 73 years old.

Guy became the first pure punter to ever be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft ... going 23rd overall to the Oakland Raiders in 1973 after a stellar career at the University of Southern Mississippi.

He went on to win three Super Bowls with the Raiders in 1977, 1981 and 1984.

Guy's résumé is as good as it gets -- he was a 6-time first-team All-Pro selection, 2-time second-team All-Pro, 7-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL's 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

Guy was famous for his long-hanging punts ... which allowed the Raiders to run downfield in coverage before opposing teams were able to get off a return.

The Ray Guy Award -- named after the icon -- is presented to the best punter in college football every year.

Guy was enshrined in Canton in 2014 -- the first punter to receive the honor. During his speech, he famously said, "Now the Hall of Fame has a complete team."

RIP

Marshawn Lynch Car Had Missing, Flat Tires ... During DUI Arrest

Marshawn Lynch's car appeared undrivable by the time cops arrived and busted him for DUI on Tuesday ... with one tire completely missing, and at least one other flattened.

TMZ Sports has obtained pictures of the 2020 Shelby GT500 cops believe Lynch was driving prior to his arrest ... showing the front-left wheel's rim resting on the pavement, with no tire in sight.

Witnesses tell us they saw Lynch parked at the scene around 5:45 AM -- roughly two hours before his arrest -- and claim at one point, the running back exited his car to sit on the curb with the driver-side door wide open.

We're told Lynch remained at the scene until cops arrived ... who ultimately determined he was impaired and arrested him for driving under the influence.

We're told Lynch left a trail of damage on the road until his car reached its resting point ... with visible marks on the pavement and curbs. As we previously reported, sources say Lynch was driving into roadside curbs prior to the arrest.

Lynch was taken to jail and booked for DUI -- he's also facing charges of failure/refusing to surrender proof of security, unregistered vehicle and failure to drive in a travel lane.

His court date has been set for December.

Marshawn Lynch Arrested For DUI ... Mug Shot Released

UPDATE

12:44 PM PT -- Lynch's mugshot has been released ... and he appears to be struggling to keep his eyes open.

Ex-NFL star running back Marshawn Lynch was arrested in Las Vegas on Tuesday ... after cops claim he was driving under the influence.

LVMPD says 36-year-old Lynch was pulled over near the Las Vegas Strip on Fairfield Avenue and West Utah Avenue around 7:25 AM on Tuesday. Sources tell TMZ Sports he was driving into curbs on the side of the road before the traffic stop.

After speaking with Lynch, cops believe he was driving under the influence ... and was taken to jail.

Lynch did not submit to a breathalyzer, but we're told he had his blood drawn.

Marshawn played for 12 seasons in the league ... winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks in Feb. 2014.

Lynch -- who played for the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders during his career -- is a 5-time Pro Bowler and 2-time NFL rushing touchdown leader.

In the regular season, he had 10,413 rushing yards, 85 rushing TDs, 2,214 receiving yards and 9 receiving TDs.

Off the field, Lynch co-owns the Beasts of the Fan Controlled Football league ... and Bay Area Panthers in Indoor Football League.

It's not the first time Lynch has been arrested for DUI -- in 2012, he was busted after cops determined his blood alcohol level was above the .08 limit while driving in Oakland.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 12:02 PM PT

John Madden Honored With 'Madden 23' Cover ... Five Months After Death

John Madden is receiving yet another huge honor following his death ... EA Sports just revealed the Hall of Famer will grace the covers of the "Madden 23" video game this year.

The game -- the most popular football one ever made -- will feature three different versions ... and officials at EA Sports say all three covers will honor various points of Madden's life.

The "All Madden Edition" artwork was released by the video game giant on Wednesday ... showing a young Madden smiling with a football in his hand.

The covers will mark the first time the former Raiders coach and legendary broadcaster has been the main art on the front of the game since 2000.

In his place the past 22 years, the game's biggest stars -- including Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson and Rob Gronkowski -- have graced the covers of the game.

In addition to announcing the cover art, EA Sports also revealed Wednesday it's dedicating a field at its headquarters in Northern California to the legend who died in December.

Madden is expected to be honored in several other ways in this year's game -- EA Sports officials are slated to announce more features in the coming days and weeks.

#BOOM!

Daryle Lamonica Raiders Legend Dead At 80

The NFL has lost a member of its family -- Raiders legend Daryle Lamonica died Thursday morning, officials confirmed to TMZ Sports.

He was 80 years old.

"The Raider Nation will forever miss his easy-going nature and warm smile," the Raiders said in a statement after his passing. "Our deepest condolences are with his wife Mary, son Brandon, the rest of the Lamonica family, teammates, and friends."

The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office tells us the former quarterback passed away at his Fresno home ... and the death "is considered to be one of natural causes."

Lamonica played 12 seasons in the NFL, spending four seasons with the Buffalo Bills and then eight with the Raiders, where he became a legend.

After starting in only 4 games for Buffalo, Lamonica, aka "The Mad Bomber," started 84 games for Oakland ... and went a whopping 62-16-6.

Lamonica, who received his nickname for his ability to throw the deep ball, retired after being selected to 5 Pro Bowls.

In 1967, Lamonica won Player of the Year honors ... after leading the league in touchdowns (30) and guiding the Raiders to a 13-1 record.

Lamonica won the AFL championship that year, clinching the team's first Super Bowl berth. The team went on to fall short against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II, 33-14.

Lamonica -- drafted by the Bills out of Notre Dame in 1963 -- finished his playing career throwing for 19,154 yards and 164 touchdowns.

R.I.P.

Raiders' Jon Gruden I Was 'Tricked' Into Wearing Wrong Hat ... My Bad

Jon Gruden's hat debacle on "Thursday Night Football" was the result of a practical joke played on him in the locker room -- so says the Raiders head coach.

Gruden caught hell on social media once fans realized he was wearing an "Oakland Raiders" hat on the sideline -- epic fail considering the Raiders just moved to Las Vegas!!

Social media clowned the 57-year-old for the error ... and the roar clearly grew so loud -- JG became aware of the cap problem in the 1st quarter and switched hats soon after.

"I apologize for not having the right hat on," Gruden told reporters. "Somebody played a pretty good trick on me."

So, who is this mysterious trickster? Gruden didn't name names -- but someone's ass is in the hot seat.

MY BAD
Las Vegas Raiders

The thing is ... Gruden's headgear ended up being the LEAST of his worries against the Chargers -- 'cause the Raiders took an L they desperately couldn't afford to take.

Las Vegas' playoff hopes essentially rode on the game against LA ... but its defense struggled all night and the team lost in overtime, 30-27, to Justin Herbert's crew.

Gruden apologized for THAT as well ... telling reporters, "It's on me."

Rough night for Coach, huh?

Jon Gruden To Frank Caliendo ... Do Your Gruden Impression W/ Me!!!

DOUBLE COVERAGE

Knock on wood if you think this is hilarious!!!

Jon Gruden commissioned an impromptu Jon Gruden impression from Frank Caliendo at an Aerosmith concert recently ... and the video is laugh-out-loud funny.

FYI -- Caliendo has been doing an insane JG impression for YEARS ... and even famously did the bit for Gruden's Raiders at their training camp this past summer.

So, when Gruden was sitting next to the comedian in an arena waiting for the show to begin ... he whipped out his phone and created 25 seconds of magic with the guy.

JG starts the video by saying, "Yes, I'm sitting here at the Aerosmith concert with my good friend, Jon Gruden. How's it going, Jonny?!"

That's when Caliendo takes it away ... SOUNDING EXACTLY LIKE JON!!!

Frank, though, cracks up throughout the whole impression ... and his explanation for why is hilarious.

"1. Gruden recorded this on his phone," Frank said. "2. He didn’t tell me he was going to do it- and that's why I'm laughing so much. 3. I asked him to send it to me so I could post it. 4. He did... so that should tell you how great he is."

It's unclear why the two were at the concert together ... but this needs to happen more, ASAP!!!

Derek Carr Hits Moonshot Home Run Off Toddler Son ... 'Sorry Not Sorry!!!'

SWINGIN' FOR THE FENCES

DEREK CARR HAS ZERO CHILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Oakland (Las Vegas?) Raiders quarterback posted video of him taking his toddler son DEEP to left field in a friendly soft-toss game ... and the video is straight savagery!!!

Carr got in the father-son bonding time Wednesday ... and despite showing no mercy on his 3-year-old, he didn't even apologize!!!

"Sorry ... not sorry ..." the QB wrote of the epic hack.

Of course, it's all fun and games for DC ... he's known as a GREAT father to his three boys -- and he's constantly posting about parenting his kids the right way.

And, hey ... sometimes kids gotta learn to lose to get better, right?!?

As for Derek and his fam's future ... they're going to be heading off to Vegas shortly -- the Raiders are set to complete their move from the Bay Area to Nevada this offseason.

Which begs the question ... can Carr get a bigger yard to contain his home run swing there???

'Last Chance U' Star Ronald Ollie Signs With CFL Team ... Toronto Argonauts

Ronald Ollie -- star of the hit Netflix show, "Last Chance U" -- is getting another chance at a pro football career ... he's signed with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, the team announced Monday.

The 23-year-old defensive lineman had a shot with the Oakland Raiders in 2019 -- but was cut in training camp after coaches said he looked lazy and unmotivated. His stint with the Raiders was also captured on a docu-series, "Hard Knocks."

Because of the way Ollie was portrayed on the show, most people thought his football career was over ... but he's got raw talent and the Argonauts think they can develop him.

As we previously reported ... the 6'2", 300-pounder had been courted by the XFL and was invited to enter the inaugural draft for the 2020 season, but it's unclear what ended up happening with that.

Ollie was a stud at East Mississippi Community College during the 2014 season and was named All-State 2nd team defense. He was also one of the most likable guys on "Last Chance U."

He went on to play at Nicholls State for 2 seasons, racking up 74 tackles, 7 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. He can ball.

As for Ollie, he's clearly stoked for the opportunity in Canada -- saying "Toronto What's Good!!"

Good luck!

Derek Carr Booed Off Field After Raiders' Loss Trash Thrown Everywhere!

The Black Hole turned on Derek Carr in a HURRY Sunday, 'cause after the Raiders lost to the Jags -- the QB was booed off the field ... all while fans hurled trash into the endzone!

The wild scene all went down in the final Raiders game ever at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum ... where fans were clearly pissed that the team blew a 16-3 lead to Jacksonville.

As Carr was leaving the grass ... fans rained down boos on the 28-year-old -- and once he made his way into the locker room -- things turned chaotic.

Video from the scene captured fans throwing trash and food all over the place ... and one reporter claims she even saw a woman gushing blood from her forehead.

A man was also taken off the field by stadium security ... and the whole thing was an awful look for the Raiders in their last game in the Bay Area before their move to Las Vegas.

Of course, hours before the disappointing 20-16 L ... things were much happier -- 'cause Marshawn Lynch handed out shots of tequila to the crowd!!

Pics of the ex-Oakland star running back in the parking lot were pretty epic ... Lynch was giving out shot glasses like water!!

Good luck topping all that next year, Vegas.

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