Dallas Cowboys

Travis Frederick -- the Dallas Cowboys star center with Hall of Fame potential -- shockingly announced his retirement Monday ... this just 2 years after he battled a serious disease.

The 29-year-old fought through Guillain-Barre Syndrome -- a rare disorder that weakens the immune system -- in 2018 ... and the disease affected him so badly, he missed all of Dallas' games that year.

But the 6'4", 320-pound O-lineman returned to start all of the Cowboys' 16 games in 2019 ... and was even selected to the Pro Bowl.

Travis said in a statement Monday, however, he felt like his play had dipped ... and because of that, he's calling it a career.

"Each day I faced a struggle: I could no longer perform at my highest level," Frederick said. "Playing 'well' is not what I expect of myself and is not what my teammates deserve."

"Because of this, I know my days as a football player are done."

Travis says his time away from the Cowboys, fighting off his illness two seasons ago, opened his eyes to life after football ... and made his decision this week easier.

"Facing the potential end of my career because of my illness forced me to imagine life after football," Travis said. "I had to prepare for my career potentially ending ... After months of contemplation, I not only accepted that moment, but I also surprisingly found myself welcoming the moment."

Travis was the Cowboys' first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft ... and he went on to have a monster career, being selected to FIVE Pro Bowls in six seasons.

Amari Cooper is a VERY rich man today -- dude just agreed to a $100 MILLION deal with the Cowboys ... but could he have gotten EVEN MORE to spurn Dallas for its rivals?!!?

Yes ... because according to multiple reports -- the superstar wideout turned down "significantly" more cash from the Washington Redskins on Monday!!

As for why ... Coop's made no real attempt to hide it -- he loves Dak Prescott and Dallas -- and the fact that he logged more than 1,000 yards in his 2nd season with the Cowboys didn't hurt either.

Of course, $20 MIL per season -- with $60 MIL guaranteed -- wasn't exactly a hometown discount ... only 3 receivers in the history of the league have topped those numbers -- Odell Beckham ($65M), Julio Jones ($64M) and Michael Thomas ($60.5M).

As for all those Dallas fans who had to sweat until the deal was officially agreed to on Monday ... this wasn't THAT hard to see coming.

Remember, TMZ Sports broke the story ... just days after Cooper's first season with the Cowboys ended, he got a diamond pendant immortalizing his 1st games in Dallas.

Yeah, you don't do that just to leave for the rival a year later.

DeMarcus Ware gave playing with the Cowboys a whole new meaning Sunday ... the ex-Dallas star got a lap dance from a shirtless dude in rodeo gear -- and the vid is hilarious!!

The future NFL Hall of Famer took in the "Dancing With The Stars: LIVE!" show in Grand Prairie, Texas ... and at one point during the event, he was invited on stage for a special performance.

FYI, Ware was on season 27 of the 'DWTS' show -- famously dancing with pro Lindsay Arnold -- and she was the one that pulled him up from the crowd.

But, what happened next was TOTALLY unexpected for the 6'4", 260-pound former pro-bowler ... 'cause he got grinded on by a shirtless dancer dressed as a cowboy!!

You can see in the clip ... Ware was completely shocked -- but he took the whole thing in stride, playing along with it after the initial surprise!!

Afterward, Ware told the crowd the whole thing was a set-up from Arnold.

"Oh, my God," DeMarcus said. "I cannot believe she put me on stage. She said she was going to play a prank on me, and she got the guys to dance and I am so embarrassed right now! Very, very embarrassed!"

Dez Bryant says he's physically and mentally healthy to play in the NFL again -- insisting his time away from the game has helped ... but now he's ready to ball out again!

"I miss the game," Dez told BSO while sitting courtside at the Dallas Mavericks game Wednesday night ... "I did get injured but I'm not even worried about that."

"It was just more so up here [mentally] than anywhere and I got that in check and I'm just ready to put on a show."

31-year-old Dez hasn't played a snap in an NFL game since suiting up with the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. He later signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints but tore his Achilles during a workout before his first game.

Bryant has been training like a maniac ever since -- even working out with Super Bowl MVP  Patrick Mahomes, who sat near Bryant at Wednesday's game.

Dez says his comeback isn't really about proving the haters wrong -- but more about getting back to doing what he loves.

"I don't give up ... that's just who I am."

Tony Romo's staying put at CBS ... and the network's rewarding him handsomely by making him the highest-paid NFL analyst in TV HISTORY!!!

The former Dallas Cowboys QB is reportedly set to earn a whopping $17 million per season. The two sides struck a deal Friday ... before ESPN got its chance to lure Romo, who is regarded as the NFL's best analyst, perhaps ever.

The New York Post was first to report the figure. The outlet's also reporting the deal's for "significantly more than five years," which could mean the entire deal may be worth more than $100 MILLION. The Sports Business Journal says CBS Sports confirmed locking Romo to a new deal but would not comment on terms.

Romo, who was in his final year of a 3-year deal, reportedly made $4 million last season. Over at FOX ... its lead NFL analyst, Troy Aikman, reportedly makes around $7.5 million per season. John Madden was previously the highest-paid analyst with a deal that paid him $8 million per year. And if you factor in an adjustment for inflation, that would still only put Madden's number at $14 million per year.

For a little more perspective ... Romo's highest single-season earnings in the NFL came in 2013 when he made $26.5 million, which included his signing bonus. He made over $127 million in 14 seasons with the Cowboys.

Sneakerheads are gonna love this ... Dez Bryant just got a custom pair of Air Jordan 1s from one of the top shoe artists on the planet -- complete with 24-karat gold paint!

The NFL wideout hit up SWithADot -- who's worked with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Miley Cyrus and more -- and asked for a special pair of kicks, unlike anything he's ever seen.

S delivered in a big way -- spending more than 133 hours creating a hand-painted masterpiece for Dez. The shoes were delivered to Bryant earlier this week.

Each shoe has a hand-painted image of Bryant -- which took 35 hours per portrait to complete. Plus, we're told S used real 24-karat gold paint to make the kicks shine!

So, how much are these things worth? A lot. We're told shoes like these from S can usually run up to $10,000 per pair.

Dez is obviously stoked -- he raved about the shoes as soon as he got them (following a workout on Thursday).

"For damn sure I'm getting back on that field!"

Dez Bryant is GUARANTEEING he ain't done in the NFL yet ... telling TMZ Sports he's working like a mad man to return to the league next season.

... and the former All-Pro wide receiver says a reunion with his ex-Dallas Cowboys squad is the goal!!

"[The Cowboys] are my first choice," Dez told us outside of TAO in L.A. on Sunday night. "If the opportunity is there, I'mma take it!"

Bryant is clearly serious about this all ... the 31-year-old has been posting his recent workouts on social media -- and he's looking pretty good for a guy who hasn't played a pro down since 2017.

Remember, Dez had a shot to play for the Saints in 2018 ... but he tore his Achilles in a practice with the squad just hours after signing with them.

Bryant also said he battled anxiety and depression after the injury ... but now, the former NFL superstar clearly feels he's ready for a return.

"You know I gotta stay ready, man," Dez told us. "I gotta stay ready."

Dez also spoke with us about Antonio Brown's recent troubles ... and says he's going to support AB no matter what.

Zack Martin ain't going to love this ...

Jerry Jones told Aaron Donald, after a steak dinner in Miami on Thursday, he was devastated when the Rams drafted the DT just 3 picks before the Cowboys took Martin in 2014!!!

"First of all, you broke my heart," Jerry told the L.A. superstar at Prime 112 steakhouse in Miami ... "They took him before we could take him!"

Of course, the draft ended up alright for Dallas ... Martin has made SIX Pro Bowls since Jerry drafted him, after losing out on Donald -- but it's pretty clear JJ wanted AD badly!!

"I'm going to tell you something right here," Jerry said, as he took Donald's hand. "You raise your hand to this guy. Now, this is the definition of a War Daddy. This is, 'Be a War Daddy!' right here!"

Jerry's son, Stephen Jones, clearly felt the same way ... 'cause when he grabbed AD at the restaurant, he told his dad, Donald is "the best player in the NFL!"

Don't worry, Rams fans ... Aaron ain't going to bolt for Dallas anytime soon -- he just signed a $135 MILLION contract that's locked him in to Los Angeles for the next half decade!!!

By the way, we also asked Jerry if he'd put Jimmy Johnson in the team's Ring of Honor now that his ex-Cowboys head coach is going into the Hall of Fame ... and all Jerry would tell us is, "Aren't we proud of him in the Hall of Fame?"

WARNING: This will make ya a little teary-eyed ...

Dallas Cowboys legend Drew Pearson learned Wednesday he was snubbed from the Pro Football Hall of Fame yet again ... and his reaction to the news will break your heart into pieces.

Drew -- Roger Staubach's favorite target in the 1970s -- had as good a chance as ever of being elected into the Hall this year given its expanded class of 20 TOTAL inductees.

But, when the names were called over a two-hour period and Pearson -- who held a party for the announcements -- didn't make the list ... it was devastating.

Drew rubbed his forehead and fought back tears ... and it was super emotional.

Later, after the news had really sunk in ... a frustrated Drew told his family and friends, "They broke my heart. They broke my heart and they did it like this! They strung it out like this!"

Pearson had every right to be upset ... he's one of the best receivers EVER -- earning three All-Pro awards and winning a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1978.

He's most famous for catching what is widely known as the NFL's first-ever successful "Hail Mary" in a playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings in 1975.

The names that were called during Wednesday's announcements included Jim Covert, Winston Hill, Harold Carmichael, Duke Slater, Ed Sprinkle, Steve Sabol, Alex Karras, Bobby Dillon, Donnie Shell, George Young, Cliff Harris, Mac Speedie and Paul Tagliabue.

Terrell Owens is dead wrong ... Dak Prescott -- NOT Tom Brady -- should be the Cowboys starting QB ... 'cause he's a flat-out better quarterback.

Chill, that ain't coming from us ... those are the sentiments of HOF signal caller Warren Moon, who's adamant, bringing TB12 to Big D is the wrong move.

Remember, during a recent radio interview, T.O. said Jerry Jones should sign Brady -- a free agent -- and hand him the starting job.

But, Moon tells TMZ Sports he ain't down with Owens' plan.

"I don't think it's a bad idea for anybody to sign Tom Brady cause I think he can still play, but I just don't think it's a good fit for the Cowboys right now because of the way that Dak Prescott has developed, and he's only gonna get better," WM tells us.

The Cowboys had a disappointing season as a team -- they missed the playoffs -- but Dak put up big numbers ... throwing for over 4,900 yards with 30 TD's and only 11 picks.

Prescott's stats -- with the exception of 3 less interceptions -- were significantly better than Brady's ... and according to Warren, that's not some fluke ... DP's numbers were better 'cause he's a better QB.

"[Dak] definitely played physically better than Tom," Moon says.

"Tom still has those mental gifts that you can't compare because he's got so much experience behind him, and he knows how to play in the biggest games, and that's something you gain when you bring in a Tom Brady."

"But, physically, Dak can really throw the football. He knows how to spread it around. He can run the ball and use his legs. So, I think physically he's a better quarterback than Tom right now."

Terrell Owens says now that the Dallas Cowboys have fired Jason Garrett ... they only need to do 1 more thing to get back to Super Bowl glory -- DITCH DAK FOR TOM BRADY!!!

TO made the shocking statement on the "Joe, Lo & Dibs" show on 95.7 The Game on Tuesday ... claiming Jerry Jones is just one TB12 away from getting Dallas its 6th ring.

"They have a quarterback that's a free agent in Tom Brady. That's the next move."

Owens says he has a rationale behind his wild thinking ... saying the fact that Prescott STILL doesn't have a contract speaks volumes to the way Jerry Jones feels about the QB.

"He hasn't extended Dak's contract. So, that leads me to believe he truly doesn't believe in Dak. If he had, then I think he would have already got a contract extension."

Of course, Owens' recommendation to Jerry will probably never go down ... Dak seems destined for the franchise tag this offseason, while Tom would likely retire before leaving New England to play in Dallas.

That was fast!!!

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with Mike McCarthy to be their next head coach ... just roughly 15 hours after they officially canned Jason Garrett from the role.

Of course, the hire -- reported by FOX Sports' Jay Glazer -- was immediately hit with backlash ... especially considering the 'Boys only looked at McCarthy, Marvin Lewis and Jeff Fisher for the role.

But, Mike does at least come to Dallas with a nice resume ... the former Green Bay Packers head man was 125-77-2 in his 13 years with the Pack -- including a win in Super Bowl XLV.

McCarthy, though, received plenty of criticism for his time in Green Bay ... with most down on the guy for only winning one ring with Aaron Rodgers under center.

In fact, Mike was canned by the Packers last season after he and A-Rodge reportedly rifted on and off throughout their final years together in Wisconsin.

McCarthy will become just the 8th head coach Jerry Jones has hired since he bought the team back in 1989 ... joining a list that includes Jimmie Johnson, Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips and Garrett.

Talk about piling on ...

Dez Bryant BLASTED Jason Garrett after the Dallas Cowboys fired the coach Sunday ... with JG's ex-superstar saying, "I don’t have no sympathy for coach Garrett losing his job."

"The cowboys just became real contenders."

The dig seems to have come out of nowhere ... Garrett helped draft Dez in 2010 and made him into one of the league's best receivers shortly after.

But, it seems there's clearly some animosity there ... 'cause Dez doubled down on the Garrett criticism after some fans fired back at the receiver on Twitter.

"Man it’s so much I can say..." Dez wrote. "I’m being nice."

What's weird is Bryant seems to be on GREAT terms with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones -- remember, the two kicked it together in a private box for a Beyonce's concert in 2018, despite being cut by the team after the 2017 season.

Maybe Bryant thinks it was Garrett who drove him out ... not Jones. But again, everyone knows the buck ultimately stops with JJ.

It's finally officially over for Jason Garrett in Dallas ... the Cowboys have finally fired the head coach in a move EVERYONE saw coming from a mile away.

There were rumblings about Garrett's termination for weeks -- especially after the Cowboys went 8-8 this season and failed to make the playoffs.

And, even though the team was reportedly interviewing high profile candidates like Mike McCarthy and Marvin Lewis to take over, the team hadn't officially relieved Garrett of his duties ... until now.

Moments ago, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer said the team had finally sacked Garrett ... clearing the way to make a hiring move.

Garrett was 85-67 during his 10-year run with the team ... and only made the playoffs 3 times despite having some seriously talented players.

Post Malone has a lot of plans for the new year -- and it sounds like it involves more ink on his mug ... this after debuting a brand new tat his mom may or may not approve.

The singer was in NYC Tuesday showing off his new face tattoo, which was glistening in the sun after a fresh shave. A journalist tracked him down and asked him about it -- apparently, Post's had this one in the brain chamber for a while and finally pulled the trigger.

It also sounds like it hurt like hell, considering how intricate it is. He tells the camera man there'll be more body art to come in the new year too ... also, he loves his ma.

Post also touched on his recent acting gig, and what might follow in front of the camera in the 2020s. Don't get too excited though ... he insists he's not going full Hollywood, mostly because he's got a face for radio and villainy (especially now). His words, not ours!

PM gets into a few other topics, including best albums of the year and what lies ahead for the Cowboys and head coach Jason Garrett. He's pretty diplomatic on both ... classic Post.

Dallas Cowboys stud Antwaun Woods says getting busted with a ton of weed actually HELPED him dominate against the Rams ... saying the arrest "absolutely" motivated him.

Woods was a BEAST on the defensive line in the Cowboys' 44-21 rout over L.A. on Sunday ... and on Wednesday, Woods claimed getting arrested earlier this month contributed to that.

"I just wanted to get all the negativity out of the way and just put something positive on my life," Woods told reporters.

As we previously reported, Woods was pulled over in Frisco, Texas on Dec. 3 after cops say he was doing 77 MPH in a 60 zone.

During the stop, cops say they smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from Woods' car ... and when they searched it, they found a lot of weed.

According to the police report, Woods had 2 glass mason jars and a small gold cylinder container full of weed, along with several pieces of drug paraphernalia.

In video of the arrest obtained by TMZ Sports, you can see the cop straight-up tell the 26-year-old, "Listen, you've got too much marijuana, okay?"

The stop happened just two days before the Cowboys' loss to the Bears, but Woods didn't play in the game because of a previous knee injury.

But, in his first game back against Jared Goff and Todd Gurley over the weekend, he logged 5 tackles -- a HUGE figure for a nose tackle -- and was grateful to still have the opportunity to play after the arrest.