Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow is facing a heavy blitz of criticism ... after a new bombshell report claims he raked in millions from a wealth seminar aimed at Christians that left several attendees burdened with heavy debt after getting a hard sell.

Christian wealth-building company Life Surge -- which reportedly pays Tebow $2 to $4 million to speak at their events -- is being accused of pressuring its attendees to splurge on investment programs that cost up to $50,000 ... according to Mother Jones.

While tickets cost $20 to $97 ... attendees are encouraged to take part in the pricey "SurgeU" programs ... where they are pitched on shelling out big bucks to learn how to build wealth through investments and real estate.

Alphonso Smith Jr. -- a former NFL player and standout cornerback at Wake Forest University -- has died ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ Sports ... the former cornerback died by suicide on Wednesday at a housing community in Florida.

Alphonso's final Facebook post highlighted his unstable emotional state before his death.

In the post, Alphonso wrote, "Do not cry for me! I tried everything in my power to fight the demons behind the ones that someone put into ME! I did not want to be that WAY! I know I have disappointed so many folks. This is a DEMON in me! But not only me! It’s EVERYONE! I have HURT so many! I needed help & did not get it!"

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed linebacker Jonathon Cooper is spending some time away from the team after his latest arrest ... telling reporters the team is taking the matter "seriously."

The coach took the podium minutes ago ... and kicked it off by saying Cooper was "excused" from minicamp to work on himself.

Payton said the team has had several meetings to discuss what to do moving forward ... as there is a high expectation when it comes to player conduct. He also stated the club has been in contact with the league offices and local authorities.

Jonathon Cooper found himself in handcuffs for the second time in a week after he was arrested Thursday night ... this time for allegedly harassing the woman he was involved in an altercation with during his June 4 arrest.

Jail records show the 28-year-old Broncos OLB was arrested at 10:07 PM ... and booked into the Douglas County (CO) Jail.

It's unclear exactly what allegedly unfolded, but Cooper is now facing four additional charges -- two domestic violence counts, harassment based on repeated phone calls, and violating a protective order -- in addition to the domestic violence and criminal mischief charges he was already hit with by prosecutors.

Denver Broncos star Jonathon Cooper went before a judge to address his recent arrest ... with his attorney entering a not guilty plea and requesting a prompt resolution in the case.

Cooper -- who was expressionless in a black shirt and pants -- was present in a Douglas County courtroom on Monday ... where his lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, emphasized the importance of getting the matter taken care of so the linebacker can get back to his day job.

Cooper did not speak during the brief appearance. A motion hearing is set for early next month.

Jonathon Cooper allegedly threw his girlfriend, lifted her by her neck and punched a wall near her face during the dispute that led to their arrests ... with Jade Fiegen sharing her side of Thursday night's incident in docs obtained by TMZ Sports.

As we reported, Fiegen told police she threw Cooper's phone against the wall during an argument over alleged infidelity at the Denver Broncos star's residence.

She claimed that as she tried to leave the apartment, she took Cooper's phone and unlocked it to read messages he shared with other individuals, but he approached her and grabbed her by the neck with one hand and lifted her off her feet and up against the wall.

Craig Morton -- the former Denver Broncos quarterback who led them to their first Super Bowl appearance -- has died.

He passed on Saturday surrounded by his loved ones in Mill Valley, California, according to the Broncos.

A cause of death was not immediately revealed.

Tim Tebow just shared some heartbreaking family news ... revealing his father, Bob, has passed away at 78 years old after a battle with Parkinson's.

The former Heisman Trophy recipient delivered a touching tribute to his dad on Friday ... saying, "Heaven ushered in a hero of the faith last night as my Dad was welcomed home!"

While Tebow acknowledged his friends, family and fans will say "sorry for your loss," he has a different perspective ... as Bob was a "hero of the faith" who is now "home."

A Denver Broncos legend is telling fans not to sweat Sunday's AFC Championship Game -- because Jarrett Stidham is ready for the big stage!!!

Two-time Super Bowl champion Rod Smith spoke with TMZ Sports this week about Stidham stepping up at quarterback after Bo Nix fractured his ankle ... and he's confident in the backup.

"I really honestly believe if this doesn’t go our way, he won’t be the reason," Smith said.

"His first completion, watch what happens to the crowd. They're going to freaking go nuts and he's just going to build. It’s going to feed into his confidence and he goes out there and plays an excellent football game."

The Denver Broncos may be home underdogs without their starting quarterback … but don’t expect them to make any excuses with coach Sean Payton calling the shots.

Former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Terron Armstead -- who spent nine seasons with Payton in New Orleans -- tells TMZ Sports he believes the Broncos remain unfazed entering Sunday’s AFC Championship game.

“He embraces challenges and it goes down into the entire team,” Armstead said. “He doesn’t let nobody use built-in excuses. It’s like, ‘You’re dealing with a shoulder injury, so it’s OK if you lose this rep.’ No, that’s not OK,” Armstead told Babcock.

That’s why Terron believes the news of Bo Nix fracturing his ankle was released immediately after the game ... rather than waiting for the injury report.

Payton was ready to start the challenge, naming Jarrett Stidham starter … and now “it’s Stiddy season,” according to Armstead.

That never-back-down philosophy wasn’t always something he appreciated, though. He said he didn’t like Payton much early on because he was tough to play for.

Now?

“I can’t be more thankful for the guy,” Armstead said. “I love Sean Payton for life.”

Broncos fans might be saying the same thing if Denver defeats the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Armstead also shared a funny exchange between them from when he retired. Peyton called to congratulate and suggested he consider coaching because he would be “incredible” in the league.

“Sean, thank you, but get off my phone,” Armstead replied, explaining that he’s not willing to work until three or four in the morning like the rest of Peyton’s staff.

We also had Armstead join the TMZ Live stream … talking Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, Aaron Rodgers, Fernando Mendoza and more.

Brandin Cooks is still fired up over the uber-controversial potential-catch-ruled-interception ... and he’s not holding back!

The Buffalo Bills wide receiver (momentarily) reeled in a deep ball in overtime of Sunday’s Divisional Round matchup with Denver, which would've put the Bills in field goal range -- except Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian yanked the ball away.

Referees controversially ruled it an interception in favor of McMillian ... but Cooks disagrees, telling NFL Network he caught the ball, full stop.

“At the end of the day, it was a catch,” Cooks said. “Not just what it looked like, but what it felt like. You see examples throughout the league all year and in previous years, and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute. If that was a catch, then there’s no-brainer that this was a catch.’”

Bo Nix is breaking his silence after breaking his ankle at the end of his AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills ... saying, "What started as one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been a part of ended with some of the most devastating football news I’ve ever received."

The second-year quarterback took to Instagram Wednesday afternoon after undergoing surgery Tuesday in Alabama ... writing, "This is not how I imagined my season would come to an end."

"I can’t express how much this team and organization mean to me and how much I believe in them. I couldn’t be more proud of our guys."

Don't go penciling in the Patriots for the Super Bowl just yet ... 'cause former star Broncos safety Justin Simmons says backup QB Jarrett Stidham's play will be every bit as good as Bo Nix's!

"This isn't a shot at anyone," Simmons told TMZ Sports. "There's going to be no drop off."

Of course, 25-year-old Nix went down on the second-to-last play of their overtime thriller against the Bills on Saturday ... thrusting 29-year-old Stidham into the spotlight, with a trip to Super Sunday on the line.

Denver Broncos star Bo Nix was surrounded by support after he learned his season was over ... with his wife sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the young quarterback after beating the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

Nix's wife, Izzy, shared the image to her social media followers on Monday ... which shows the second-year signal-caller sitting on the floor with his right cleat removed.

As reported, Nix fractured his right ankle on the second-to-last play of the game ... meaning he will not be able to suit up for the remainder of the Broncos' Super Bowl run.

NFL officials did NOT blow the critical interception call during overtime of the Bills vs. Broncos game -- it was called correctly, full stop -- according to Dean Blandino, the league's former head of officiating.

"The Cooks' play I thought, ultimately, they got it right," Blandino, FOX Sports rules analyst and former Vice President of Officiating (2013-2017) told TMZ Sports.

Dean explained why, saying ... "Cooks' is going to the ground. He's gotta hold onto the ball when he lands. I thought the ball came loose immediately, McMillian ended up with it."