Fernando Mendoza will be the first pick in the NFL Draft, but the Heisman Trophy winner isn't the consensus among everyone ... according to Lions star Terrion Arnold, who says Ty Simpson is actually Him!
"You know, I'm biased, but I think [Ty's] the best," the 23-year-old cornerback told TMZ Sports ahead of Thursday's draft.
FYI, Arnold and Simpson played two seasons together at Alabama, 2022 and 2023. During their last year together, Terrion was a star -- an All-American -- while Ty was still only a backup QB.
"[He's] somebody that's really seen the game from all angles. Like, when it got hard, Ty didn't run. He was in the smoke. He put his head down. He worked. He waited for his opportunity. And when his time came, he was prepared for it. So he's somebody that you know is going to be prepared for the moment."
There's uncertainty over where T.S. will be drafted, with different mocks having him going anywhere from the 13th pick (to Terrion's team, the Lions) ... or sliding all the way to the early 2nd round.
Arnold, the 24th overall pick in 2024, had some words of wisdom for everyone who will be drafted over the next few days.
"My advice is just run your own race," Terrion says ... pointing out some players have immediate success, while others don't. Ultimately, no one else matters.
"Go out there and try to be a better version of yourself and just be in a competition with yourself. I feel like, man, the possibilities are endless."
Arnold has been busy training and prepping for the season, while also doing a ton in his community.
Terrion Arnold's team is responding to reports the Detroit Lions cornerback is tied to a robbery and kidnapping incident that occurred in Florida earlier this month ... telling TMZ Sportshe had no "involvement whatsoever."
Arnold's lawyer -- Timothy Jansen -- provided a statement on Friday ... making it clear that NFLer's hands are clean despite being named in Judge Logan Murphy's order to hold one of the alleged conspirators on pre-trial detention.
"He did not participate in, nor was he present for, any conduct related to the alleged offenses. There is no evidence in police reports, text messages, or witness statements that implicates Mr. Arnold in any way."
Ratings for Snoop Dogg’s Netflix NFL Christmas Game Day “Holiday Halftime Party” drop next week, but judging from the reactions, it’s gonna draw in HUGE numbers!!!
Snoop's 10-minute performance intersected the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings matchup in Minneapolis, and he didn’t shortchange the showmanship in the late, great Prince’s city.
Snoop Dogg’s full NFL Christmas Halftime show on Netflix 🏈
Snoop and his team delivered an array of his classic hip hop records with a mix of Christmas standards and tons of surprises … country superstar Lainey Wilson, Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo, Netflix’s chart-topping HUNTR/X and singer Tonio Armani all shared the stage with Santa Snoop.
12:18 PM -- Ryan Kennedy is coming out against the claims he reportedly used a slur towards Metcalf during Sunday's game -- with his attorney issuing a statement Monday afternoon -- denying those allegations.
"At no point before, during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slur or hate speech of any kind," a statement provided to TMZ Sports said. "The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting."
"Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during any interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past."
The statement concluded by saying that, since "this matter will now likely be the subject of formal legal proceedings, Mr. Kennedy will not comment further at this time."
The Detroit Lions fan on the receiving end of a punch from Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf is speaking out ... insisting he simply called the player by his full name before the incident -- but DK is reportedly claiming something much worse was said.
The Detroit Free Press found the man in the stands after everything went down on Sunday ... and he told the outlet he was "a little shocked" by what happened.
"He doesn't like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I'm a little shocked. Like everyone's talking to me. I'm a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby."
IsMatthew Stafford a Hall of Famer?? If you ask his favorite target in Detroit, Calvin Johnson, we will absolutely see the quarterback in Canton one day ... but he tells TMZ Sportsan MVP trophy on his résumé solidifies his chances.
We spoke with Johnson amid one of Stafford's best seasons ... and he said the game "looks easy to him right now."
"He's playing good football. He has some great receivers around him. Seems like the offensive line is doing a great job as well."
Calvin Johnson says it's NOT time to panic in Detroit -- even after losing on Thanksgiving, and sitting outside the NFL playoff picture -- 'cause there's plenty of football left to play!
The Lions, who breezed into postseason action last season with a 15-2 record, haven't been nearly as dominant in 2025, losing two of three, including Thursday's Turkey Day game against their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
The 31-24 loss means the Lions don't control their destiny with the division, but they're still very much in the playoff hunt, according to Calvin.
Talk about shocking the system -- two of Detroit’s biggest legends collided when Eminem crashed Jack White’s stage during the NFL’s Thanksgiving Halftime Show at the Lions’ annual Turkey Day Classic.
Jack was the only one officially on the bill -- tearing into “Seven Nation Army,” the forever stadium anthem at Ford Field -- before he shocked the crowd by bringing out fellow Detroit legend Eminem for a surprise cameo.
Eminem hit the stage in full Detroit armor -- hoodie up and rocking a custom Lions jacket -- and launched into a wild mashup of "Till I Collapse" with the White Stripes’ "Hello Operator."
The Detroit Lions are hours away from playing in their annual Thanksgiving game, and those in attendance better be hungry ... 'cause TMZ Sportsgot a look at the offerings that will be on tap -- and they look just as good as grandma's cookin'!!
Levy Restaurants -- the official food and beverage provider of the Lions -- shared what their chefs have been cooking in the kitchen ahead of kickoff.
It wouldn't be a Thanksgiving feast without some bird ... so turkey legs will be on the menu, served with cornbread dressing and cranberry BBQ sauce.
Amon-Ra St. Brown isn't going as far as apologizing, but the Lions star receiver is explaining himself ... after some fans were pissed he hit the Trump Dance after scoring a TD during the Commanders game!
St. Brown addressed the celebration on his "St. Brown" podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Equanimeous, saying his goal was definitely not to offend anyone.
Amon-Ra St. Brown scored a touchdown, point at Trump’s suite and did his dance 😂 pic.twitter.com/K6OyEXolbM
Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten is denying he had a role in a spectator's decision to storm the field during Sunday's game against the Commanders ... saying he didn't utter a single word to the guy all night.
Video of the fan's stunt made rounds on social media ... and some folks claimed an interaction with Hatten caused the whole thing.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
Hatten went to social media on Monday to explain that couldn't be further from the truth ... calling the claims "inaccurate."
Amon-Ra St. Brown is known for his touchdown celebrations, and Sunday was no exception ... breaking out the infamous "Trump Dance" after scoring a touchdown -- all while the president was watching from the stands!
The moment went down from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, where President Donald Trump was taking in the Lions vs. Commanders game.
Touchdown Amon-Ra St. Brown!@Lions extend their lead
After the Lions' leading receiver scored his ninth touchdown on the season -- which extended the Lions' lead to 14-3 -- St. Brown began looking around the stadium for DJT, before hitting the dance!
Move over, Lamar Jackson ... Jeff Hardy has a new favorite NFL player now -- thanks to Jahmyr Gibbs' Halloween costume tribute!!
We chopped it up with one-half of Team Extreme after Gibbs went viral for his 'fit at the Detroit Lions' holiday party this week ... and his efforts are being acknowledged by the man himself!!
"My mind was blown," Hardy said of the costume. "Lamar Jackson used to be my favorite NFL football player, so now I've got a new one."
The NFL isn't messing around this Halloween season ... with teams hosting extravagant parties left and right -- and the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles were no exception.
Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown gave his followers a look at a bunch of outfits his teammates rocked for their bash Tuesday night ... and they ranged from basic 'fits to some pretty creative ones.
Jahmyr Gibbs dressed up as one half of Team Extreme -- Jeff Hardy, who actually just lost his NXT Tag Team Titles with his brother Mattlast weekend. Nevertheless, he proudly got into character.
3:15 PM PT -- Brian Branch is reportedly appealing the suspension.
Brian Branchhas just been suspended for starting that wild brawl after the Chiefs vs. Lions game on Sunday night.
The league announced on Monday it was banning the Detroit star for one contest without pay ... calling his actions, "aggressive" and "entirely unwarranted."
Loser energy from Brian Branch. Every post-game players shake hands and give respect to their opponents
Ignoring Patrick Mahomes is petty but isn't a big deal, smacking Juju Smith-Schuster is RIDICULOUS pic.twitter.com/LAuj7Dd1Lh
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelcecelebrated the Chiefs' big win on Sunday night ... by hitting the town with some buds!
The world's most famous couple cruised to Prime Social in Kansas City just after the Chiefs beat up the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium ... and they seemed to have a blast.
Swift enjoyed at least one cocktail with a few gal pals ... while Kelce posed for some pics with his teammate, Kareem Hunt, and some of their close friends.
Dan Campbell took Brian Branch to task on Sunday night ... ripping his star player for igniting a brawl following Detroit's loss to the Chiefs.
The wild incident occurred just seconds after the Lions fell to Kansas City, 30-17, on Sunday night ... when Branch hit JuJu Smith-Schuster in the mouth for the way he blocked him earlier in the game.
Loser energy from Brian Branch. Every post-game players shake hands and give respect to their opponents
Ignoring Patrick Mahomes is petty but isn't a big deal, smacking Juju Smith-Schuster is RIDICULOUS pic.twitter.com/LAuj7Dd1Lh
