NFL's Kerry Rhodes -- Injured In Car Crash

Ex-NFL star Kerry Rhodes was involved in a car wreck in Los Angeles this afternoon ... TMZ Sports has learned.

A source close to the former NY Jets safety tells us another driver abruptly pulled out in front of him, causing him to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting her.

He didn't crash into any cars, but ended up running into the side of an apartment complex. His airbag was deployed.

We're told police responded to the wreck and took a report.