Denver Broncos

Byron Allen is callin' dibs on the next available NFL team -- telling TMZ Sports that after losing out on the Broncos this year, he's "highly confident" he'll "get the next one."

We got the TV mogul out in Beverly Hills just days after he officially lost his bid to buy Denver's NFL franchise to Rob Walton, and he told us he ain't sad about it at all.

In fact, Allen was in a playful mood about missing out on the $4.65 billion purchase ... saying, "When you lose to the richest family in the world, it's not a bad day in the office."

Allen says he's now already turned his sights onto the next available team -- explaining he's absolutely undeterred by how the Broncos sale ended up.

"Listen," the 61-year-old said. "Buying an NFL football team is a process and we had the pleasure of being a part of that process. We didn't get this one, but I'm highly confident we'll get the next one."

Allen said owning a team is very important to him -- telling us that becoming the first-ever Black controlling owner in the league is a huge goal of his.

Allen credited Robert Kraft and Roger Goodell for giving him the tools necessary to one day accomplish that feat ... and added that he's in no hurry whatsoever to give up on the dream.

Former NFL star Aqib Talib's brother, Yaqub Talib, is a wanted man in Texas -- this after cops say he was involved in a fatal shooting at a youth football game this weekend.

The Lancaster Police Department fired off an announcement Sunday saying that they were looking for Yaqub in connection to the death of an adult male Saturday ... who was shot and killed during an argument at the conclusion of a match that parents were angry about.

The man is said to be a coach for one of the teams ... there's a name circulating online, but we'll refrain from ID'ing him at this time until the family and/or cops confirm. In any case, he succumbed to his injuries ... which police say was a direct result of a discharged firearm.

There's video of the alleged shooting which eyewitnesses claim shows a man pull out the gun and fire. We're told people in the crowd identified the man wearing all-black and a bucket hat as possibly being one of the Talib brothers -- but it's hard to make out who this person is, or if they have a weapon at all. What is depicted ... a scuffle/apparent shooting.

Lancaster PD says they've identified the suspect in this case as Yaqub, and note there's an active warrant for his arrest. It's unclear what charge, exactly, they wanna bring him in on ... but some say this looks to be outright murder. We've reached out to LPD for clarification.

A former mugshot of Yaqub was attached to the press release, and Lancaster is asking for any and all help in finding him. BTW, Aqib was also there for this tragic killing.

His attorney tells TMZ ... "Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life. He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy."

Aqib famously played for the Bucs, the Broncos (with whom he won a Super Bowl ring) and several other teams over the years. He was not named in Lancaster PD's release.

Roger Goodell could be on Aaron Rodgers' Line 1 very soon ... 'cause Shannon Sharpe says he expects the NFL commish to call the Packers star after the QB admitted to using psychedelics earlier this week.

"I'm sure the NFL is probably going to give him a call and say, 'That's not a good look,'" the Hall of Fame tight end said Thursday.

If you missed it, Rodgers said on the most recent episode of the "Aubrey Marcus Podcast" that if he hadn't had a psychedelic experience in South America after ingesting the ayahuasca plant -- which contains DMT -- he might not have won the NFL's MVP award the past two seasons.

Rodgers raved over the plant brew's psychoactive effects ... saying he "had a magical experience" that helped lead him to become a better person and football player.

Sharpe says he has no issues with Rodgers' trip -- though he told us out at LAX he's fairly confident the NFL probably ain't feeling the same way.

"I don't know the NFL is too happy about him taking hallucinogenics," Sharpe said ... before adding, "I'm sure the commissioner is going to reach out and have a conversation with him."

Sharpe says it's unclear to him if the NFL could ultimately punish Rodgers over it all.

But, again, the former Broncos star reiterated he's glad it all worked out for A-Rodge.

Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton is taking his talents to the NFL -- the 7-time world champion is joining the Denver Broncos ownership group!!

The Walton-Penner family -- which bought the team for a record $4.65 billion back in June -- announced the big news on Tuesday ... saying they're "delighted" to bring Hamilton on board.

"He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a fierce advocate for global equality, including in his own sport," Rob Walton said in a statement.

"With over 100 race wins, Lewis is considered the most successful F1 driver of all time. His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organization."

Broncos star quarterback Russell Wilson certainly seems thrilled with the addition ... tweeting out, "Congrats @LewisHamilton. Winning is a Habit! #LetsRide."

Lewis also addressed the news ... saying, "Excited to join an incredible group of owners and become a part of the @broncos story."

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to impact the sport and work with a world class team. I'm ready to get started and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports."

Hamilton is tied with Michael Schumacher for most world championships in F1 ... and is currently 6th in the 2022 standings.

Peyton Manning is taking his talents to the stage yet again -- the NFL legend has been tapped to host another awards show ... it was just revealed he and Luke Bryan will lead the 2022 CMAs in November!!!

The Country Music Association and ABC confirmed the news on Monday morning -- saying Manning and Bryan will be hosting the 56th annual awards ceremony on Nov. 9.

"When I was asked if Peyton Manning was someone I would consider co-hosting with I didn’t hesitate," said Bryan, who hosted the show alone in 2021.

"We have become great friends through the years and what he brings to the table is gonna make it even more of a blast."

The former NFL quarterback joked he got the co-host spot because of his vocals ... sharing a video on his social media page of him singing along on a stage recently with Bryan.

"My @cma Awards audition tape must have been a hit!" Manning said.

This will be Manning's first time ever hosting the Country Music Awards show -- though it certainly ain't his first on-stage rodeo. You'll recall, Manning also hosted the ESPYs in 2017.

The show will go down in Nashville -- a familiar area for the former Volunteers QB -- and he said he's pumped for it all.

Former Denver Broncos defensive back Brendan Langley is breathing easier today ... his airport assault case has been dismissed, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to a court official, the case was dropped on Wednesday.

Langley's attorney, Halim Dhanidina, tells us the reasoning is because officials determined Langley "used force that was reasonably necessary" during the now-famous May altercation at Newark Liberty International Airport.

"We are grateful for the Court’s decision which puts an end to this ordeal that began nearly two months ago when Mr. Langley was assaulted then wrongfully arrested and charged for exercising his rights under the law," said Dhanidina, who works for Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP.

As we reported, Langley was initially arrested and charged with simple assault after he socked a United Airlines employee during a May 19 argument at the airport's ticket counter.

Langley -- who hit the guy so many times, he forced him to bleed -- said afterward through his attorney that he was simply defending himself. Langley's rep told us that the United employee had harassed the former NFL player, called him names, and got physical first.

Langley, a Broncos third-round draft pick in 2017, had just signed on to play wide receiver for the Calgary Stampeders, who initially decided to suspend him indefinitely over the fight. No word yet if they're now reinstating him following Wednesday's decision in court.

Walmart heir Rob Walton, fresh off buying the Broncos for a record $4.9 BILLION, just added a new partner to the ownership group ... former United States Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, the billionaire announced Monday.

"We're pleased to welcome former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to our ownership group."

"A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make the sport stronger and better," Walton wrote.

Rice -- a diehard Cleveland Browns fan -- served as the 66th United States Secretary of State under then-President George W. Bush from 2005-09. In 2013, Rice was selected to be 1 of 13 members of the College Football Playoff selection committee, where she served until her term expired in 2016.

Despite the fact Rice's appointment to the committee was met with skepticism initially, it's clear Walton's group felt that experience, along with the fact her dad was a football coach (oh, and Rice is incredibly smart) made her the ideal candidate to join the organization.

In fact, Condoleezza had a connection with the area long before she became an owner of Denver's football team. When Rice was 12 years old, her family moved to the Mile High city. CR eventually went on to attend the University of Denver for college and graduate school.

Political accomplishments aside, Rice is best known for her avid love and support of the Browns ... and her bond with the orange and brown franchise is so strong that in 2018, rumors surfaced that Cleveland was reportedly considering hiring her to be the team's new head coach.

Of course, that didn't happen, and both the Browns and Rice shot down any rumors that Condoleezza would be stepping into call plays for her favorite NFL team.

Russell Wilson is clearly doing all he can to make sure he ain't the last NFL QB to come out of his household ... revealing Monday he's training Future Zahir to be a signal-caller too!

The Denver Broncos QB posted video of a recent workout sesh he had with Ciara's 8-year-old son ... and you can see, the kid appears to be a natural!

As Russ dictated how he wanted the boy to manipulate the pocket, Future Zahir complied with ease -- and then delivered a dart to the 33-year-old NFL star.

Russ also showed he's giving some quarterbacking lessons to the son of famous choreographer Jamaica Craft as well.

"Post workout work with the young fellas!" Russ said of the drills. "Future & Kingston young legends. Watch out @NFL."

Craft was appreciative of the time Wilson was spending with her son, penning a sweet thank you note to him on her IG.

"Kingston was learning from a living legend!!!!" she said. "Let’s Go God! So appreciative."

FYI, Wilson and Future Zahir -- Ciara's 1st child with rapper Future -- have been dabbling in QB drills for a couple of years now ... and in 2020, the 9x Pro Bowler called him his "best teammate" and a "QB in the making!"

Guys and gals, take notes ... Russell Wilson and Ciara just put on a clinic for how to celebrate an anniversary -- getting in a romantic dinner in Italy AND personalized fireworks for the occasion!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the couple -- who have been across the pond for the last few days -- hit a swanky restaurant on Lake Como on Thursday to celebrate their sixth year of marriage.

The two looked very much in love as they dined ... but we're told they had to jet out of the place in somewhat of a hurry -- as they had a fireworks show to get to.

According to witnesses at the scene, the fireworks -- which lasted several minutes -- were shot out of a boat that had a sign reading, "Happy Anniversary."

Russ had made it known he was stoked for the day prior to the romantic evening ... writing in an emotional Instagram post, "God has blessed us for the past 6 years of Marriage with our 3 beautiful children and an overflow of laughter, love, & life."

"Cheers to forever. Happy Anniversary my love @Ciara ❤️ I Love You Mrs. Wilson."

Russell Wilson had a crowd of new grads and their families in stitches over the weekend ... after he thanked them and other officials for finally not introducing him as "Ciara's husband."

Russ made the joke as he was delivering the commencement address for the 2022 Dartmouth College graduating class in New Hampshire on Sunday ... right after he was referred to as a Super Bowl champ and NFL star.

"Thank you very much for that introduction," Russ said. "Usually I just get introduced as 'Ciara’s husband,' so that was cool."

Russ took the quip even further ... adding, "And, let me start by answering the question that is on so many of your minds: Yes, she’s here too."

Russ' speech was captured on video ... and Ciara was spotted by cameras sitting in attendance and laughing big at the witty remarks.

"Yeah," he said. "Level up, level up."

Russ was tapped to give the speech 45 years after his father, Harry Wilson, graduated from the school ... and, following the opening funnies, Russ offered plenty of kind words about the university and what it did for his father and his family.

The Denver Broncos QB also spoke to the graduates about the impact his father had on his life following his time at Dartmouth ... and challenged them to reflect on what they want their legacies to look like after leaving the school as well.

The NFL will have to wait for its first black team owner -- the Denver Broncos just sold for a record $4.65 BILLION to Walmart heir Rob Walton and his family ... which is sad news for Magic Johnson and Kanye West.

The Broncos and the Walton-Penner family announced the deal late Thursday night ... which is believed to be the biggest deal for a North American franchise in sports history.

Walton -- who has a reported net worth of $59 BILLION -- will also take the throne as the richest owner in the league BY FAR -- David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, has a net worth of $16.7 bil.

As we previously reported, the Lakers legend was part of a group led by Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Josh Harris ... although it's unclear how far along their bid made it in the process.

The agreement also means Yeezy's Donda Sports will not be part of a historic sale ... after Antonio Brown previously told TMZ Sports the company was "extremely serious" about buying the Broncos back in March.

It's worth mentioning -- it's unclear if Donda ever actually brought a bid to the table.

Walton spoke about securing the deal ... saying, "Having lived and worked in Colorado, we've always admired the Broncos."

"Our enthusiasm has only grown as we've learned more about the team, staff and Broncos Country over the last few months."

He added ... "We look forward to earning the confidence and support of the NFL as we take the next step in this process. When the necessary approval procedures are met, our family is excited to share more with Broncos fans, the organization and the community."

Ciara twerked on a Bronco ... but we're not talking about her husband!!

The singer and Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model held a random dance party at a gas station this week ... shaking it with all her friends as her upcoming single, "J.U.M.P." played in the background.

Russell Wilson's wifey put herself through the open sunroof and propped her leg up on top of the car ... as two dancers posted up on the doors, and one more took the front of the whip.

"It's time to pull up and make that thang J.U.M.P 😎," the "Level Up" artist said on Instagram.

While the short clip is surely an attention-grabber, some followers pointed out the steep gas prices listed behind the group ... with comedian Jasmin Brown saying, "Them gas prices chile 😵‍💫😭 I like this song tho 😍"

Another user added ... "$6.70 A GALLON 💀"

It's been a hot streak for CiCi -- she just graced the S.I. cover and the Wilson fam just made the move from Seattle to Denver.

Jerry Jeudy is breathing easier today ... TMZ Sports has confirmed prosecutors are dropping the criminal case against the NFL star.

A spokesperson for the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office tells us officials formally filed a motion to dismiss all of the charges against the Denver Broncos wideout on Tuesday morning.

The filing comes just three weeks after the 23-year-old was arrested following an incident with the mother of his 1-month-old child.

Jeudy had been accused of withholding property from the woman who officers at the time claimed was trying to leave his presence on May 12 in Arapahoe County. He was booked on charges of 2nd-degree criminal tampering w/a domestic violence enhancer.

Throughout the case, though, Jeudy's attorney -- Harvey Steinberg -- had argued the receiver should have never been arrested. On Tuesday, he celebrated the D.A.'s decision in a statement to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.

"Nothing rose to the level of a crime," Steinberg said. "I like Jerry and he is a good person and this is a minor bump in the road of what I think will be a sterling career."

If Jerry Jones for some reason ever got the itch to sell the Dallas Cowboys -- he said he could get more than $10 BILLION for the team!!!

Jones made the eyebrow-raising claim to Peter King last Friday ... saying he truly believes his franchise is worth that much cash.

But, breathe easy, Cowboys fans ... he said a sale will never go down.

"Let me make this very clear," Jones told King. "I'll say it definitively. I will never do it. I will never sell the Cowboys. Ever."

Jones' comments were spurred by the upcoming sale of the Denver Broncos. The Colorado org. is in the process of getting a new owner -- and the price tag that's been kicked around for the team is $4.5 billion.

Because of the Cowboys' global popularity, Jones clearly believes his team is worth more than double that figure ... and told King that he expects that number to potentially grow even more exponentially over the next few years.

"The NFL, in my mind," Jones said, "the visibility, the volume, the overall passion, you frankly can’t get it anywhere else. That’s why all these people want a piece of it.”

The alleged victim in Jerry Jeudy's criminal tampering arrest wants the case thrown out -- telling a judge she's never felt threatened by the NFL star and he never put a finger on her.

The Denver Broncos wide receiver and the mother of his 1-month-old child appeared in court in Colorado on Friday ... where she pleaded with the judge to dismiss the 23-year-old's domestic violence criminal tampering case.

As we previously reported, the alleged incident went down at around 10:15 AM on Thursday ... when Jeudy was accused of illegally keeping property from the mother of his child, according to the Arapahoe County sheriff.

The ex-Alabama star was arrested and spent the night in jail ... before appearing in court Friday morning.

The judge imposed a mandatory protection order on Jeudy ... but the alleged victim did NOT request a no-contact order.

Jeudy is set to be released on personal recognizance.

The NFLer's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, told reporters after the court appearance his client should not have been arrested or incarcerated.

"Bad things happen to good people and that's what I think this case is," Steinberg said.

Jeudy's next court date is set for May 31.

Denver Broncos star receiver Jerry Jeudy was arrested in Colorado on Thursday ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

A rep for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office tells us the 23-year-old was taken into custody between 11:30 AM and 12 PM and is currently in jail.

The allegations against Jeudy are unclear ... the spokesperson said the former Alabama superstar is still being processed in the booking phase.

The ACSO spokesperson, though, did say Jeudy was arrested following a call for service.

Jeudy was picked in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Broncos ... and has recorded 90 receptions, 1,323 receiving yards and three touchdowns in two seasons with the team since.

He and Courtland Sutton are expected to be the top targets for Russell Wilson in Denver's offense this season.