Football

"It's not the easiest place to play but it gets you right."

That's Rob Gronkowski being brutally honest about his 9 years with the New England Patriots -- admitting it was tough, but worth it.

"I'm very thankful for the 9 years I had with the New England Patriots," Gronk said during a call with reporters on Wednesday ... "I've learned so much under that organization."

Gronk shouted out both Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft -- saying he will ALWAYS have respect for those guys for drafting him and growing him into the NFL champion he is today.

But he was honest about the experience in New England -- saying, "I'm not going to sit here and say its an easy organization to play for."

"I've also never played for another organization. I haven't even been down to Tampa yet."

"I know that the NE Patriots, hands down, it is not the easiest place to play but it gets you right. It gets you mentally right, it gets you physically right ... but I'm definitely going to take what I've learned ... and apply it to my daily life, big time."

Gronk didn't get into details about why it was a tough place to play but it seems obvious -- it was an all work, no play kind of a job.

During Wednesday's call, Gronk also explained how influential Tom Brady has been in his decision to come back to the NFL.

"Tom is like the appetizer of the whole meal. He got me hooked when he went down to Tampa."

"Playing with Tom is special," Gronk said ... "We have a great chemistry out there and every time we get together, its just like the old days. It doesnt matter if we take a month off or 6 months apart, we just go out there and we're throwing the ball just like its a normal practice."

After Tom selected Tampa Bay, Gronk says he started looking into the Bucs roster and was impressed with what he saw.

"I saw what was down there. Just the opportunity to go down there and play with that type of offense. I mean they got some special wide receivers out there, they got other great tight end and let me tell you, I love working with tight ends too so I'm definitely looking forward to that, working with [OJ Howard and Cameron Brate]. That's definitely going to be a special opportunity. Just blessed to be in this situation."

Gronk says his decision to retire from football in 2019 was motivated by real injury concerns -- saying his body felt beat up and he needed a break.

"I was in a very painful situation. Even my very last game, I couldn't for four weeks. I couldn't walk that well after the last Super Bowl game we won from my quad contusion."

Rob continued ... "That's what I did the last year. I took care of myself. I let my body heal, I let my body rest, I let my body get the treatments that it needed. I feel like I broke up all the scar tissue that's in my body. Got rid the inflammation in my body that was holding me back my last year, I feel like. It feels good."

Gronk also admits, "I had no fire last year" -- but as time rolled by, "my body started feeling good."

"THANK YOU BILL!!"

That's Dick Vitale's message to the New England Patriots -- after his Tampa Bay Bucs locked down Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady!

You think Dickie V's fired up?! OH HELL YEAH!!!

"Brady to Gronkowski! Super Bowl here we come!"

"Mr. Belichick ... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart for making us get these two guys to wear Bucs uniforms!"

The legendary sportscaster says Gronk and Brady bring real "hope" to his city -- and says they're taking a talented Bucs roster to the next level!

"Let me tell you this, we weren't a team without talent. That [2019] team could have won I believe 10 games last year ... They lost heartbreakers."

"Missed a chip shot field goal to win the game against the Giants, so many times marching to wrap the game up and there's a pick 6 the other way that psychologically breaks your team down. So getting a guy like Brady and Gronkowski, I think you change that."

HE'S SO FIRED UP, HE JUMPED INTO HIS OWN POOL WITH HIS CLOTHES ON, BABY!!!

Joe Burrow torched the entire SEC ... and now the ex-LSU superstar says he can light up the NBA too ... saying he's confident he could drop 15 points in a real pro game!!!

Of course, Burrow was no one-sport athlete back in his high school days with the Athens Bulldogs in Ohio -- he was a damn good hooper as well.

How great does he think he was?? The 23-year-old says his stroke is so automatic, he could post up in his sweet spot and make it rain all night.

"I could spot up in the corner and get 12 to 15, make a couple 3s," Burrow told Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks.

Now, the question to Burrow was how many points could he score if he had an entire month to prepare for the game ... but given the dude's confidence, he probably doesn't think he'd need it.

"You gotta put me on a team with LeBron or Chris Paul or someone and I can just spot up in the corner and let them go to work, kick it to me."

Remember, we got a glimpse of Burrow's J back in December ... he hit a clutch shot against Oklahoma in a shooting challenge before their College Football Playoff matchup!!

As for the other side of the ball, it's a totally different story ... Burrow admits he'd be a huge liability on defense (guess he can't do EVERYTHING).

Rob Gronkowski, Aldon Smith ... now Percy Harvin!?!?

The former-Super Bowl champ and ex-1st-round pick is gunning to become the next surprise NFL un-retirement ... saying he's training with an Olympian for a 2020 comeback!

"I'm ready to return to the NFL," Harvin told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "I thought I was done, but that itch came back. I’ve been training w/a former Olympian. My body is feeling good. Mentally I’m better. My family is good. The timing is right.”

31-year-old Harvin last played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills in 2016 ... retiring after the season due to severe migraines and other injury issues.

But Harvin, who had also famously retired and unretired just before that year with the Bills, claims he's ready for another run at the league ... possibly even with Tom Brady and Gronk in Tampa.

"I had a dream a while ago when 12 was with the #Patriots, that I would play for Tom Brady," Harvin said. "That was well before the pandemic & he went to the Bucs, my comeback was already in the works."

Harvin added, "But I’m ready for any offense that'll just let me go."

Harvin's agent, Alvin Keels, says he's already fielding calls from teams interested in bringing in the former star WR for workouts this summer.

Rob Gronkowski AND Tom Brady?!?!

Bucs legend Ronde Barber is STOKED ... telling TMZ Sports his squad just became serious Super Bowl contenders!

Of course, Ronde is one of the all-time Bucs greats -- spending 16 seasons in Tampa and winning a Super Bowl in the process.

But, the former defensive back admits his beloved squad hasn't exactly been relevant on a national level in years ... UNTIL NOW, BABY!!!

"You don't sign Tom Brady to a team that has this much talent ... without the expectation that you wanna win a Super Bowl," Barber says.

"They have talent on this football team. And, an emerging defense. I would say the expectation is to win this year."

Ronde also points out how bringing in Gronk and TB12 will ensure the Bucs get a chance to thrive on the national stage!

"When has Tony Romo ever been here? Has he done a game here in Tampa? Best analyst in football and I think he's been here one time. Those types of things will change."

"'Monday Night Football' will come here. 'Sunday Night Football' will come here. These types of things are gonna drive the energy for the Bucs franchise here in 2020."

By the way, Ronde's only 45 years old -- just 3 years older than Tom. So, has he considered dusting off the cleats and getting back on the field?

Just call Rob Gronkowski the pancake man ... 'cause he's flipping AGAIN on retirement talk -- this time saying he's "not totally done" with football after all!!!

The NFL's greatest-ever tight end has been in a tug-o-war almost since the day he quit the NFL in 2019 ... going back and forth on whether or not he's officially done.

The latest? Gronk told Andy Cohen this week on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" that a reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay ain't totally out of the question.

"I'm feeling good right now," the Patriots legend said. "I'm happy where I'm at. You just never know, man. You just never know. You never know. I'm not totally done."

Gronk says the only thing that's holding him back is a passion for the game ... adding, "I like to stay in shape, but I've gotta get that feeling back."

Rob retired in March 2019 ... and has said injuries -- including roughly 20 concussions -- played a big role in him calling it a career at the age of 29.

The rumors of a return haven't stopped, though ... with Gronk playing a big role in the whispers -- flipping publicly between "I'm done" and "You never know" often.

As for those close to him ... TMZ Sports spoke with Gronk's brother, Chris, just a few weeks ago, and he said he'd be surprised to see the tight end come back.

NFL quarterback Brett Hundley is being sued by his ex-wife -- who claims he repeatedly attacked her before and during their marriage.

Here's the deal ... the woman behind the suit is using the alias "Jane Doe" but identifies herself as Hundley's former wife.

She claims they were married in July 2016 after dating at UCLA.

But, according to the suit, the woman says Hundley -- who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals -- got violent with her BEFORE they swapped "I Dos" and continued the attacks into 2017.

Here are the allegations ...

-- In January 2016, the woman claims Hundley choked her and threw her around their bedroom during a heated argument ... only letting up when she told him, "I can't breathe."

The woman claims she suffered mental trauma and a broken ankle -- but the lawsuit does NOT say if she ever went to police.

-- In December 2016, the woman claims they had another argument where he pushed her through an open garage door. She claims she suffered a back injury.

-- In March 2017, she claims Hundley charged at her during an argument and threw her onto a pool table and repeatedly shoved her against it.

In this case, the accuser claims two men overheard the incident and called police.

We have reached out to cops to find out if the incident was investigated -- but so far, we have not heard back.

The woman also claims Hundley gave her an STD during their marriage -- the result of alleged extramarital sexual activity.

In her lawsuit, the woman claims she finally filed to divorce Hundley in 2018. Court records show both parties have been declared single by a judge, but they are still sorting out property issues.

The accuser is suing for battery, domestic violence, emotional distress and negligence ... but the problem she might face is the typical statute of limitations for her causes of action are between 2 and 3 years, and the most recent allegation of abuse in the lawsuit falls OUTSIDE of that window.

Of course, there are legal exceptions. We reached out to the accuser's attorney for clarification -- but haven't heard back.

We also reached out to Hundley's reps for comment -- but radio silence on that end, too.

Hundley was a stud QB at UCLA before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

In his 4-year NFL career, he's been a backup for Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and, most recently, Kyler Murray in Arizona.

Lamar Jackson is revealing why he decided to take truss and throw some Z's on it -- claiming someone threatened to SUE him over the Ravens' catchphrase!!

TMZ Sports broke the story ... LJ recently filed an application to trademark the term, Truzz, right around the time he got the word tatted across his chest.

Weird move, considering Lamar's Baltimore Ravens teammate, Mark Ingram, had been using the phrase "Big Truss" to reference LJ throughout the 2019 NFL season. Woo Woo!

But, just as we thought, the switch to "Z's" was all about business -- as Lamar explained Tuesday during a video Q&A with fans.

"Someone tried to sue me for Truss," Jackson said ... "So, I changed my S's to Z's."

Lamar claims the person who holds the Truss trademark tried to "make a big deal" out of the situation ... and it was just easier to make the switch to ZZ instead.

Smart!

There's more -- Lamar also shared some major news ... he's officially been selected as the cover athlete for the Madden NFL 21 video game!!!

Bruce Smith is down to don Redskins garb once again ... this time, he tells TMZ Sports he'll throw on the D.C. gear to become Chase Young's personal mentor!!

Of course, the Ohio St. superstar ain't officially a member of the Redskins yet -- but it's nearly unanimous among NFL pundits that Washington will select him with the No. 2 overall pick Thursday.

And, once that happens, Bruce says he's open to calling team owner Dan Snyder to offer up his services as Young's personal pass-rush coach.

"I've given that some thought," Smith says, "in giving Dan Snyder a call and telling Dan that I can probably help this young man out to becoming that impact player that they would like for him to become a lot sooner rather than three or four years down the line."

If Dan were smart ... he'd make the hire ASAP -- Bruce is the greatest pass-rusher EVER, recording an NFL record 200 career sacks, and he's a proven commodity as a coach, having already mentored some of the league's current best.

"I think the knowledge that I have been able to gain over the course of my career and even after my career is over has been very helpful to some of the players that are in the league now," Smith says.

"I spent some time with Von Miller, I spent some time with a number of other players. But, it's the details -- the details -- that will set you apart from being average to good to great."

As for Smith's opinion of Chase's game right now ... Bruce LOVES the guy, saying, "Well, arguably, he is the best player in the draft."

By the way, Smith also sent a personal shout-out to all the people battling on the frontlines against the coronavirus ... and his message is touching.

Jon Gruden dropped in and surprised an online Univ. of Tennessee stats class this week ... and it was hilarious -- mostly because the guy absolutely sucks at using Zoom!!

The Raiders head coach -- who has an affinity for the Vols (remember #Grumors?) -- surprised a group of students Thursday that included star RB Ty Chandler ... but he didn't exactly pull off the drop-in without a hitch.

As soon as JG busted in the class ... his camera wasn't working and students couldn't see him. Later, the 56-year-old had a hell of a time trying to sign out.

But, hey! In between all of that -- Gruden's visit was cool as hell!!!

Gruden ribbed Chandler (a 2021 NFL Draft prospect), provided messages of encouragement for the young students and even got a "Spider 2 Y Banana" shoutout from the teacher. Good times, right?

As for why this happened ... Chuckie's always had a great relationship with UT -- he once was a grad assistant at the school and his wife was actually a former Vols cheerleader.

"I don't know if I've ever seen any college player better than he played last year."

That's Brett Favre heaping a TON of praise on Joe Burrow ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the LSU QB's 2019 season was the greatest of all time!!!

Of course, Burrow's stats back up the claim ... the 23-year-old completed 76.3 percent of his passes for 5,671 yards and scored 65 total (rushing and passing) TDs -- but it's still shocking to hear the Packers legend make the claim nonetheless.

Remember, there are some straight-up ICONIC seasons from college football players over the years from dudes like Cam Newton, Barry Sanders, Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow, Vince Young and Reggie Bush.

But, Favre tells us Burrow's year just tops them all.

"In fact, [Burrow's] team was incredible," Favre says. "Best college team I've ever seen. And, the best play by a college quarterback in history."

So, just how do Burrow's numbers compare with guys like Newton, Tebow, Young and Manziel?

Newton in 2010: 2,854 passing yards, 30 passing TDs, 1,473 rushing yards, 20 rushing TDs

Manziel in 2012: 3,706 passing yards, 26 passing TDs, 1,410 rushing yards, 21 rushing TDs

Tebow in 2007: 3,286 passing yards, 32 passing TDs, 895 rushing yards, 23 rushing TDs

Young in 2005: 3,036 passing yards, 26 passing TDs, 1050 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs

Yeah, Favre might have a point here!!

As for Burrow's future in the NFL -- ya gotta hear which legendary QB Brett thinks Joe most plays like.

By the way, the Packers legend also reminisced with us about his draft day experience in 1991 ... and he even opened up about that epic draft night photo!!

Think Roger Goodell is going to finally make it through a draft without hearing boos????

THINK AGAIN ... 'cause the commish is actually ENCOURAGING the jeers -- and it's all for COVID-19 charity!!

Here's the deal ... Goodell has been booed at EVERY draft for the last decade or so -- mostly because NFL fans hate the way he runs the league.

But, with the coronavirus pandemic ... it seemed the commish was finally going to get a reprieve from it all as the league's draft Thursday has gone completely virtual.

The NFL, though, partnered with its beer sponsor Monday to make sure the tradition stays alive ... with Bud Light announcing it will donate $1 every time the #BooTheCommish hashtag is used on social media this week!

In fact, the booze company says it'll contribute up to $500,000 total to COVID-19 relief efforts to hear you boo the league's head man.

Great news for big time gamblers ... YOU CAN STILL BET ON FOOTBALL ... kind of.

With live sports still on hiatus, gamblers need their fix -- and one of the biggest online sports books in the world is turning to VIDEO GAMES!

We spoke to a rep for BetOnline.ag who tells us they are running simulated NFL games on the "Madden 20" video game.

If you're unfamiliar, there's an option to allow a full computer simulation without any human influence.

In other words, a human can select the 2019 Packers to play the 2019 Chicago Bears ... and A.I. takes over from there, simulating the entire game -- every single play and even the weather conditions.

We're told BetOnline livestreams the games on Twitch -- so gamblers can see the action for themselves in the name of transparency.

There are real gambling lines too -- for example, Texans are 3-point favorites to defeat the Falcons in a simulated matchup this weekend! You can even bet on the over/under.

Crazy, right?!

BetOnline tells us they've been getting a ton of action on the video game sports so far -- "We are getting as much action on them as an average non-nationally televised MLB game, believe it or not. Action keeps getting better daily."

One rep told us, "I strongly believe simulated betting is here to stay, even once the big sports return."

Tua Tagovailoa's best pro comp is ... Michael Vick????

That's what Doug Flutie's telling TMZ Sports ... saying the 'Bama QB has an arm that reminds him of Vick's!!

"He just flicks his wrist and that thing's spinning," Flutie says of Tua. "It reminds me of the way the ball came off Michael Vick's hand because he's a lefty and how hard and far he can actually throw the football."

Don't get it twisted ... Flutie ain't exactly saying Tagovailoa will be rushing for 1,000 yards in the NFL -- he just thinks the dude's arm talent is right on par with MV's.

"He's a difference-maker," Flutie says. "He's one of those guys that might be a question mark at the NFL level because of his pure athleticism, but you look at things like when he came off the bench in the national championship game, his first real playing time, everything was on the line and he performed."

"The big stage never affected him. He went out and balled, just flat-out played and he's got a tremendous arm."

Flutie, though, ain't ready to put Tagovailoa as the No. 1 overall pick ... he tells us that honor should go to LSU superstar Joe Burrow.

Doug says he was actually able to speak with the QB during Heisman weekend in December and says he came away from the conversation thinking the 23-year-old REALLY loved football.

"It was like he was kind of reserved, quiet; and you started taking X's and O's and he got excited about it," Flutie says. "That meant a lot that he seems like a cerebral kid that really is into that."