Andrew Luck 'Fun' To Be Pummeled ... By Terrell Suggs!!
Ever seen a person giddy to be smashed to the ground by a 6-foot-3, 265-pound man??
Well, now you have ... 'cause Andrew Luck says he was downright HAPPY to have been destroyed by Terrell Suggs during the Ravens-Colts tilt Monday night.
"I told Anthony [Castonzo] on the sideline, I said, 'Man, it was sort of fun to get hit by Suggs right there!'" Luck said.
Terrell Suggs sacks Andrew Luck to end the Colts drive. Luck tells him that it was a good hit. pic.twitter.com/i0Wdut7F9S
@DuaneLively
The Indianapolis QB hasn't gone crazy ... he's just been out for the past year nursing a shoulder injury -- and when he came up from the hard tackle and felt no pain, it was a happy moment.
"I was like, 'Oh, I landed on my right elbow.' It was sort of reminiscent of how I injured my shoulder a couple years ago. And, I didn't feel anything."
"I didn't give it a second thought. So, I think that's actually a big deal for me."
It was just about the only happy moment for Luck against Baltimore ... he ended the night just 6-for-13 with a brutal interception.
But ... for a guy who's taken just a handful of legit game snaps since January 2017 -- he'll happily take it.
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Ray Rice Flaunts Shirtless Bod In Jamaica Abs-olutely Still NFL Ready!
Ray Rice is putting the NFL on notice ... 'cause dude just popped up shirtless in Jamaica -- and he looks like he could abs-olutely still give a team some carries this season!!
Remember ... Ray's been outta the league since he was suspended indefinitely in 2014 for striking his then-fiance (now wife) Janay Rice in a casino elevator.
But, the ex-Ravens superstar has said repeatedly he wants another chance to play ... and by the looks of things -- the 31-year-old's certainly still in shape to do it.
Of course, if the NFL doesn't give him a ring ... white sandy beach vacations with bikini-clad Janay ain't the worst way to call it a career ... right, Ray?!
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NFL's Steve Smith Reveals Depression Battle 'Felt Trapped, Inferior'
On the field, Steve Smith Sr. appeared to be the most confident NFL player on the planet -- but privately, the WR was struggling with depression and admits he felt "trapped, inferior and alone."
The ex-Ravens and Panthers star went public with his mental health issues on NFL.com -- revealing he REALLY began to "take ownership" of the situation when he retired following the 2016 season.
Smith says, despite his carefree demeanor, he never really enjoyed any of his football accomplishments and often felt "mentally, physically and emotionally broken."
Smith says he first tried counseling in 2013 -- but didn't really take it seriously.
But, since he hung up his cleats, Smith says he's been able to focus on his mental health and has learned a lot about himself.
"I find myself, as an extreme introvert defined by my counselor, looking for excuses on how to avoid large crowds and retreating during public appearances, big events and even family gatherings," Smith says.
"Being in public is a constant struggle, not because I don't want to attract attention or think I'm 'important,' but because of my inner battle."
"This is all proof that I still face my demons often, but I'm gradually learning how to cope with them."
Smith says he has a message to other people suffering from mental health issues -- ask for help.
"You're not alone. Believe me."
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Robert Griffin III Buy My Massive Texas Pad ... for $2.6 Million!!
Everything really IS bigger in Texas ... just check out Robert Griffin III's massive house on the lake, which just hit the market for $2.6 million, TMZ Sports has learned.
The 7 bed, 7 bathroom crib -- located right on Lake Conroe outside Houston -- is totally tricked out with a game room, theater, wine grotto and wet bar, pool with a swim-up bar and a private dock.
The mansion is located just a few hours from where RG3 grew up in Copperas Cove ... but now that the dude's got a new job in Baltimore, he's ready to part ways with the pad.
In case normal pics ain't your thing, there's a virtual tour you can take to scope out all the bells and whistles.
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Robert Griffin III Ready for Ravens QB Battle ... 'I'm Working Hard'
RG3 doesn't seem too worried about fighting for a job against Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson -- telling TMZ Sports he's got no fear when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens' upcoming QB competition.
Let's keep it 100 ... there's a good chance Robert Griffin III will be cut before the season begins -- but, when we saw the 28-year-old in L.A., he seemed ready for the challenge.
We also asked Robert if he feels he's returned to his 2012 form (when he dominated the league) -- but RG3 explained, "At this point in my career, I don't want to talk about [2012] anymore."
Fair enough ...
Robert says his new focus is making the Ravens' regular-season roster and tells TMZ Sports he's been bonding REALLY well with the other QBs.
As for his old team -- the Cleveland Browns -- we asked if he thinks the squad has a shot at chalking up a W this year (which they haven't done since he was the QB) ... and he gives a very definitive answer.
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Lamar Jackson I'm Excited to Learn from RG3
Lamar Jackson is STOKED to be on the same team as another Heisman Trophy winner -- telling TMZ Sports he can't wait to LEARN from RG3.
After Jackson was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd pick in the draft, Lamar was hanging with his family in Dallas and celebrating the moment.
There's talk that there could be some tension between Jackson and Robert Griffin III because of their similar playing style -- but Lamar doesn't see it that way at all ... describing RG3 as more of a mentor.
Jackson also says Kobe Bryant sent him a signed Lakers jersey as a show of support before the draft -- and now, he can't wait to return the favor ... and hook Mamba up with some signed Ravens threads.
Pretty great stuff.
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Colin Kaepernick U.S. Military Official Cautioned Ravens ... On Signing QB
At least one high-ranking U.S. military official counseled the Baltimore Ravens about signing Colin Kaepernick ... and made it very clear he is NOT a fan of the QB.
TMZ Sports has learned ... when Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was considering signing Kaepernick to the team before the 2017 NFL season, he sought advice from some trusted friends.
We've learned at least one of those friends is a high-ranking member of the U.S. military who essentially told Harbaugh to seriously consider if Colin's national anthem demonstration fell in line with the team's core values.
The official didn't outright say, "Don't sign Kaep" -- but advised the team to give Colin a set of specific guidelines he needed to follow if he wanted to keep his job.
Translation -- if he kneels, he's fired.
Ultimately, the Ravens decided NOT to go with Kaepernick -- instead signing journeyman backup QB Thad Lewis, who hadn't thrown a pass in the NFL in 4 years.
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Ex-NFL Star Jamal Lewis Peyton Manning Changed My Life ... Showed Me Hard Work
Jamal Lewis played with a bunch of legends on the Ravens ... but says Peyton Manning -- his 1-year teammate at Tennessee -- was the guy who showed him how to be a pro.
The ex-NFL star told us he went full Allen Iverson when he showed up at UT, not giving a damn about practice ... and it almost got him benched.
Then, 1 practice sesh with Peyton changed everything.
"Every single play was just like he was in the game ... full tilt," Lewis told TMZ Sports. "That's a trait that I adopted and I took on, and it helped me get to where I am."
FYI, Jamal helped Baltimore win a Super Bowl as a rookie, and threatened Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season rushing record a few years later.
These days, he's an exec for trade show company Metro Exhibits ... and told us he's killin' the game with all his clientele (sans Steelers fans).
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Ex-Ravens Pro Bowler I Would've Ran After Alonso ... For 'Dirty Hit' on Flacco
Joe Flacco's old teammate says he would've gotten payback on Kiko Alonso for his hard hit that resulted in the QB's concussion ... telling TMZ Sports he "would've ran after" the Dolphins LB right after the vicious blow.
We spoke with Vonta Leach -- who won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2013 -- about Alonso's tackle during the the 1st half of Thursday Night Football ... which he believes should've resulted in an ejection.
The 3-time Pro Bowler admits he's upset more players didn't rush to defend their franchise quarterback.
Watch the clip.
Kiko Alonso with a vicious hit on Joe Flacco pic.twitter.com/C5lnfP6mZ5
@uSTADIUM
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Terrell Suggs Kaepernick Is Being Blackballed 'Stay Strong, We're With You'
Terrell Suggs says he's CERTAIN Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed by NFL teams over his national anthem protest ... but tells TMZ Sports he's offered his full support to the QB.
Ravens' Matt Elam Busted for Weed and Oxy
NFL player Matt Elam was arrested Saturday night in Miami for possession of pot and pills.
The Ravens safety was pulled over after flying past an unmarked police car, and when cops searched his Range Rover ... they found a Gucci bag with 126 grams of weed, and 6 oxycodone pills. Elam was booked for marijuana possession, possession with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance and reckless driving.
The former first round draft pick is being held on $15,500 bail.
Elam is slated to become a free agent in a couple weeks, and based on the Ravens' reaction to his arrest ... it doesn't sound like they'll be bringing him back.
NFL's Steve Smith Blasts Josh Brown ... You Deserve a Beatdown!
Baltimore Ravens superstar Steve Smith is coming out swingin' at NY Giants kicker Josh Brown -- saying the guy needs his ass beat down after new domestic violence details came to light.
"You know what if your ex-wife was my daughter yo ASS would be on IR," Smith wrote.
"What a shame NFL acts like it cares."
As we previously reported, Brown is not only accused of beating up his ex-wife -- but admitted "abuse" in documents released by law enforcement.
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Terrell Suggs 'Ex Is Clearly Scorned' ... I Love My Kids
NFL superstar Terrell Suggs says his children are his world and he would NEVER neglect them or treat them poorly -- despite scathing allegations from his estranged wife.
TMZ Sports spoke with Terrell's rep, Denise White ... who says the claims made by Candace Suggs in a social media video are flat out untrue.
FYI, Candace -- who's in the middle of a nasty divorce with Terrell -- claimed the Baltimore Ravens star is refusing to pay for clothes for their 2 young kids and forces them to go to school without lunch money.
White tells TMZ Sports ... "Terrell takes magnificent care of his children. He is a caring and present father."
"We normally would not respond to such a rant by an ex clearly scorned."
"Terrell is disappointed that his ex would take to social media to try and paint a picture of him as a father who somehow does not take care of his children."
"His children remain his focus and the #1 priority in his life. Terrell is a great father and that can and should never be questioned."
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Ravens Rookie All-Pro Autograph Hound I Want One From Every Teammate!!!
Ravens rookie Kenneth Dixon isn't gonna let being in the NFL stop him from being a fan of the NFL ... saying his first order of business in the league is to get autographs from EVERY ONE of his teammates.
That's over 55 guys.
The running back from Louisiana Tech revealed this to us at LAX recently ... saying he loves the NFL so much he's gonna get every John Hancock he can while he's a part of it.
Kenneth also revealed his one rule for brand new roommate Keenan Reynolds ... and it's one we don't think the West Point grad is gonna have trouble living up to.
Check out the clip.
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Ray Rice Not Giving Up NFL Dream ... Despite Mentor Role
Just because he's giving life advice to NFL rookies doesn't mean Ray Rice has given up on his NFL dream -- with multiple sources close to the RB telling us he's still hoping to play this season.
Over the past few days, 29-year-old Rice returned to the Baltimore Ravens to advise the rookies about the importance of being a good person. He also spoke with the football team at Western Michigan.
Many people saw the moves as an indication he was finally ready to let his NFL dream go -- instead, exploring a career as a life coach or motivational speaker.
But we're told that's just not the case.
Our sources tell us Rice has been training like crazy -- keeping his body in NFL shape in case a team decides to kick the tires.
As one person put it -- "his primary focus is on himself, his family and educating others but he would still like to finish what he started."
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Ray Rice Returns to Ravens ... To School Rookies
Ray Rice is back in with the Baltimore Ravens -- not as a player, but as a teacher.
Rice met with his former team's new class of players on Wednesday, and Ravens officials say ... "He clearly had the attention of our rookies."