Football

Willie McGinest tells TMZ Sports he understands why Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski left the Patriots for the Bucs ... saying straight-up New England is a GRIND!!!

"You work your ass off," the former Pats superstar says. "In that system, in that organization, you work hard. And, there's a lot of pressure put on you."

Don't get it twisted ... Willie says that's why the Patriots are so damn good -- they treat every player the same way and expect results all across the board.

But, the Pats legend tells us that can be taxing ... and he gets why Brady and Gronk wanted to see a fresh perspective down in Tampa Bay at the end of their Hall of Fame careers.

"It's a tough atmosphere because there's a lot of pressure on winning," Willie says. "Everybody is held accountable."

As far as any animosity between Bill Belichick and his former superstars over the way things ended ... Willie says there's no hate there, telling us the guys still have a ton of respect for each other.

"What they did in New England together, as a duo -- as a trio," McGinest says, "will never be duplicated ever in football history again."

Willie tells us he expects Gronk and Brady to be at Patriots reunions as soon as their careers are over ... and even says ceremonial retirements in New England for both dudes are on the table.

Washington State Cougars football player Bryce Beekman died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and promethazine, officials say.

The 22-year-old defensive back was found dead in his apartment back on March 23 and people were baffled about the cause of death.

But now, the Whitman County Coroner's Office in Washington says an investigation shows "the cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl and promethazine."

"The manner of death was accidental."

FYI, fentanyl is a powerful pain killer. Promethazine is mostly used to treat allergy symptoms.

As we previously reported, Beekman was a star on the WSU football team.

He started all 13 games at safety in 2019 and was one of top players on the WSU defense. He was 5th on the team in tackles last season.

That's a PUNTER?!?!?!

Meet Jamie Gillan -- aka "The Scottish Hammer" -- a former rugby player turned kicker for the Cleveland Browns!

AND HE'S MORE JACKED THAN HIS QUARTERBACK! (No shade, just facts).

The 22-year-old is a beast in the gym -- and clearly he's been packin' on the bulk after a pretty impressive rookie season.

Gillian was an undrafted free agent in 2019 -- but earned his spot on the Browns roster after blasting a 74-yard punt in a pre-season game. He went on to make the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team.

Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping him off the field, he's been locked in his home gym -- making some serious gains and flexing on the kicker community.

"Do pull-ups help me punt? Absolutely not," Gillan said ... "Do they help me look like a football player? Kinda #pintsandpunts."

The Scottish Hammer got his nickname because he grew up in -- you guessed it -- Scotland before coming over to the States in high school. After a life of rugby, Gillan took up American football and even played some college ball at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (The Golden Lions, not the Razorbacks).

Gillan's been keeping his followers entertained during the global pandemic ... showcasing his crazy talent in the process.

The NFL Draft had a record-breaking audience when Joe Burrow and Chase Young heard their names called Thursday night ... with an average of 15.6 MILLION people watching!

The league just announced the crazy numbers from Night 1 of the 3-day event ... touting a huge 37% increase from 2019.

And get this, the league claims the number ballooned to 19.6 MILLION watching from 8:45-9 PM. Wow!

Also worth noting ... the NFL says the top 3 metered markets were from Ohio -- Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

Obviously, the fact the Cincinnati Bengals had the #1 overall pick -- and selected Ohio-native Joe Burrow had a lot to do with that.

The 2020 Draft completely wrecked the previous record held by the 2014 draft, which brought in an average of 12.4 million.

Rounds 2-7 will go down Friday and Saturday ... and it's safe to say those numbers will be high as well.

The NFL's Draft-A-Thon was more like The Roast of Tom Brady on Thursday ... with the Tampa Bay QB getting all the jokes about his recent goof-up.

We broke the story ... TB12 accidentally entered the wrong house recently when trying to visit his coach, Byron Leftwich. The shocked homeowner could barely believe his eyes when he realized it was Tom Frickin' Brady.

Brady's buddies won't let him live the hilarious mistake down during the league's COVID-19 charity event ... 'cause the NFL Network's Rich Eisen made sure to hit him with a friendly jab about it after Brady tried to rip Russell Wilson for being in his car during the event.

"Tom's in the wrong house," Eisen said. "Tom strolled into the wrong house."

HAAAAAAAAA, good one, Rich Eisen.

Brady hit back with a joke of his own ... saying, "They got Wi-Fi, so I'm cool."

The whole clip is legitimately hilarious ... with Russ dogging Brady for having a zebra-striped chair, Kevin Hart roasting Deion Sanders for looking like Bill Russell, and more.

Days before the NFL Draft, we spoke with Brett Favre about the possibility Green Bay could take a QB in the 1st round.

Favre told us he had talked with Aaron Rodgers about that -- and insists the QB didn't have a problem with it.

(Remember, Favre wasn't exactly stoked when the Packers drafted Rodgers back in 2005. They've since become friends).

Fast-forward to GB selecting Utah State QB Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick ... and our convo with Favre just got VERY interesting.

TMZ Sports: "What would you tell Aaron if it does happen, if they do draft a quarterback?"

Favre: "You gotta just keep doing what you’re doing. And, Aaron and I watched a lot of extra film together, I had no problems giving him any insight that he asked for if I could, and I think Aaron will do that too.

"Look, no one’s going to replace Aaron unless Aaron chooses to be replaced. There’s no worry for him that he’s going to be ousted. He’s too good of a player."

"It’s funny because Aaron and I were talking about it last year, how he gets how I was when he came in. Because now he’s at that age that I was when he came in, and so it’s getting about time that you start looking at drafting a guy or picking someone up in free agency."

"Not that we think Aaron is at the end of his road, I think he’s got many good years barring injury ahead of him. But, you do have to start grooming the next guy.  And, Aaron gets it."

"You know, I was never upset about it, I used to think every year when they didn’t draft a quarterback early, I thought ‘Well dodged another one.’"

"And, at 37 I realized when they drafted Aaron that that was kind of reality setting in. Not that I thought I was going to be replaced right away, but that it's slowly transitioning out with the old, and in with the new."

CeeDee Lamb's GF says she was NOT trying to snoop through the WR's phone during his draft party Thursday ... claiming she was just simply answering a call for the new Dallas Cowboy!!

If you missed it ... Crymson Rose was ALL OVER the Internet after cameras caught 21-year-old CeeDee snatching his phone from her hands after she had grabbed it and looked at the screen.

Don't miss the bonus side-eye from mom!

Some interpreted the scene as Rose trying to get a peek at Lamb's private info while he was distracted by the Cowboys ... but Crymson set the record straight just minutes after the viral moment.

"His agent was FACETIMING him while he was on the phone with the Cowboys," she said. "I was doing the GF thing gonna answer it for him sheesh."

CeeDee backed up her story ... saying of the incident himself, "y’all really gotta chill wasn’t even like dat."

The two even proved there was no drama at the house ... sharing a kiss on social media afterward!!

It's unclear how long the couple has been dating ... but seems there's no trouble in paradise at all. Which is good for CeeDee ... because have you seen her!?!?

SWAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGG!!!

Jerry Jones drafted Oklahoma superstar CeeDee Lamb on Thursday from a room on his $250 MILLION yacht ... and yeah, it's safe to say the Cowboys owner won the night in every way!!!

With the NFL requiring teams to stay away from their facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic ... Jerry hit up his super boat to properly social distance.

While Jones didn't want to say after the draft that he was, in fact, on the ship ... you can see from pics, Jones' TV background decor matched the "Bravo Eugenia's" exactly.

As we previously reported, Jones bought the yacht back in December for a quarter of a billion ... and it's got all the bells and whistles fit for the NFL's most famous owner.

The ship -- which 77-year-old Jerry named after his wife, Gene Jones -- is 357 feet long with TWO helipads and a gym. It can fit 14 people and 30 crew members, and it's also got its own steam room AND massage room!

As for how Jerry did making the calls from the yacht ... he CRUSHED it -- most people had CeeDee as a top 10 pick, but Jerry was able to get the WR at 17 overall!!

Like the shirt Joe Burrow was wearing when got the call from the Cincinnati Bengals to be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft!?

Great! Too bad you won't be able to buy one of your own!

Turns out, Burrow has an endorsement deal with Nike -- and the people at the Swoosh wanted to hook him up with something special to honor his home state of Ohio.

The result was a long-sleeved white shirt with the number 740 inside an outline of the state of Ohio.

740 is the area code for Athens, Ohio ... where he's from.

Of course, Burrow has made sure to put a spotlight on his hometown throughout his worldwide popularity ... and even helped raise more than $500k for the Athens County Food Pantry after a powerful Heisman Trophy acceptance speech.

We reached out to Nike to find out when proud Ohioans can cop Burrow's swag ... and we were told straight-up, "It's not going to retail."

Unclear if the shirt was made specifically for the NFL Draft -- or just for Joe to rock in general.

But, with the Draft happening during the quarantine -- Joe couldn't get to a tailor to get a traditional custom suit for his big moment, so he went casual instead.

We've got a bunch of Ohio guys in our office who are losing their minds over the shirt ... hoping the folks at Nike change their minds.

There can only be one Tiger King and it sure as hell ain't Netflix star Joe Exotic ... so says LSU coach Ed Orgeron, who's deemed Joe Burrow the REAL owner of that title.

Of course, Joe is one of the greatest LSU Tigers in school history despite only 2 years with the program ... and he broke a bunch of school records during his run in Baton Rouge.

Coach O agrees ... 'cause when he was randomly asked about Netflix's mega-hit docuseries prior to Thursday's draft ... he made sure to mention his former superstar QB is the only guy worthy of the title.

"None of that 'Tiger King' business," Orgeron told ESPN. "There's only one Tiger King and he's fixin' to get drafted first tonight!!!"

Well, as it turns out Coach O's TRUE Tiger King is about to remain a tiger ... 'cause the Cincinnati Bengals are CERTAINLY drafting the Ohio kid with the #1 overall pick in a little bit. It's a matter of WHEN not IF.

The NFL Draft is usually a HUGE platform for FASHION -- but with this year's festivities happening at home ... who the hell knows what to expect?!

Some guys have said they're going full loungewear. Others say they'll try and find a suit that fits. Look for t-shirts and jeans too!

As we previously reported, the top celebrity tailors who usually outfit the top draft picks are S.O.L. this year since the players can't travel to the shops to get their expensive custom draft suits!

The NFL has said there is no dress code this year (usually the top picks come dressed up in the FINEST threads) but it's clear they hope the top guys make a fashion effort anyway.

Joe Burrow is already making excuses for his look -- saying he couldn't find a barber to trim him up for his big day!

It all goes down at 5 PM PT -- and we'll track the whole thing here!

Rob Gronkowski is setting the record straight ... he does NOT hate Bill Belichick -- and his sappy thank you letter to The Hoodie and Pats nation on Thursday proves it!!

"First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots Organization for everything over the last 10 years," Gronk said. "Without Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick taking a chance on me in the 2010 draft, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this position in life."

Of course, there's been some chatter in the football world that Gronk bolted from New England to play with Tom Brady in Tampa this week because he was over Bill's hard-ass mentality.

But, Gronk clearly doesn't feel that way ... writing in his letter on social media to the coach, "THANK YOU."

Rob also took some time out to appreciate New England fans ... saying, "You guys have been nothing but amazing."

"I love you guys and appreciate your constant support for me big time over the last 10 years (even during retirement). THANK YOU all so much, the memories are incredible."

As for his future in Tampa Bay ... Gronk even addressed that, explaining he's FIRED UP for the fresh start in Florida.

"Holy f**king sh*t! Tom Brady is in my f**king house!!!"

That's how one Tampa Bay resident described an accidental trespass visit from Tom Brady earlier this month ... and the story is absolutely hilarious!!!

Here's the deal ... David Kramer is next-door neighbors with Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich in the Tampa area -- and he says back on April 7, Brady was set to meet the coach at Leftwich's place for the first time since signing with TB.

The problem? Kramer and the Tampa Bay assistant coach's houses look super similar ... and the G.O.A.T. apparently got them mixed up!!!

Kramer says he was sitting in his kitchen on the phone ... when Brady straight-up barged in through the front door with duffel bags in hand.

"I literally was just sitting here and I watch this tall guy just walk into my house," Kramer says ... "He didn't even look at me. He just like dropped his duffel bags down on the floor and just kind of like looked up at me and I'll never forget the look on his face."

"He just goes, 'Am I in the wrong house?!'"

Kramer, who's got a side hustle as a comedian, tells us when he realized what was going on ... he was in complete shock -- and Tom couldn't have been more apologetic over the mixup.

"He was like, 'I am so sorry! I am so sorry!'" Kramer says. "Grabs his bags and just is gone. I don't think I've seen someone leave a house faster!"

Kramer says Tom was super nice, super genuine and flashed a big smile throughout the whole ordeal ... and says he doesn't blame the QB at all for the error.

In fact, Kramer says he thought the whole situation was funny, and had no issues whatsoever with the accidental break-in!!!

As for Brady, it's been a rocky transition to Tampa when it comes to moving around the city ... remember, he was also booted from a local park this month for trying to work out during quarantine times!!

By the way, we're told the QB at least followed social distancing guidelines at Leftwich's -- a Bucs source tells us the trip was just a quick one to pick up materials from his new coach.

Welcome to Tampa, Tom!

There was no fancy tailored suit for Gardner Minshew when he was drafted back in 2019 -- HE ROCKED JORTS, BABY!!

The Jacksonville Jaguars QB shared a behind-the-scenes pic from the moment he received that fateful call ... and yeah, the fashion is right on brand!

Topless? Check. Shades? Check. Skin-tight cutoff jean shorts? YOU KNOW THIS!!!

"One of the best days and calls ever!," Minshew tweeted out with the pic ... "Good luck to everyone hoping to get their name called!"

Of course, the Jags took Minshew with the 178th pick -- and he's become a fan favorite for his signature fashion sense (plus, he's not a bad QB either!).

Minshew went on to raise hell in 14 games this past season ... throwing for 21 TDs and 3,200 yards and winning some impressive games as a rookie.

"It doesn’t matter when you get picked. Just enjoy your dream coming true!"

Minshew ain't the only NFL QB to rock the shorts on Draft Day -- Brett Favre wore some back in the day ... and still hasn't lived it down!

What's the fashion plan for rookies in 2020? We'll find out tonight!!

Wanna see what Roger Goodell's "man cave" looks like?

Great, because he's finally giving the world a glimpse into his Westchester County home ... where he'll be conducting the NFL Draft.

"We're right here in what we affectionately call in they Goodell family ... the man cave," Roger said on "Good Morning America."

Roger says he and his wife Jane Skinner have twin girls -- and the room was formerly used as a storage space for their dolls, but that's been changed for a more football-strong look.

"We've turned this into a mini studio. There will be 3 people in here with me [during the NFL Draft]."

So, what's in Roger's man cave? Some football books, football bobbleheads, old cleats, signed footballs, an American flag.

Rog says he's been testing out his Internet connection and his technology and insists "it worked pretty well last night."

There's more ... Roger was also asked if the NFL season is in danger of being canceled.

"One thing I've learned about what we're going through as a country is you can't tell a week from now, much less 3 months from now. Our job is to be ready. We'll be ready to make alternatives ... we'll be putting public safety #1 as we always do and make sure our fans, our players, everyone are able to be in a safe environment."

Translation -- who knows?!

As for the tradition of booing Goodell at the NFL Draft -- Roger says he "loves" it (yeah right!) and insists the NFL is figuring out a way to incorporate boos into the Draft broadcast.

Are you ready for some MORE football?!?!

Good ... 'cause the NFL has announced its helping fund a new National Football Wheelchair League -- and the game sounds exciting as hell!!!

According to Disabled Sports USA -- Roger Goodell's league has given its NFL Bob Woodruff Foundation of Healthy Lifestyles and Creating Community (HLCC) a grant to help kick off the new form of football next fall.

The games -- which are set to be played in Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Kansas City, Missouri -- will feature teams of 7 disabled players going at it on 60-yard, hard surface courts.

"Tackling" will instead be one-hand touch above the waste, and the kicking aspect of the game will be eliminated ... but other than that, the league is promising similar action to the NFL.

"Generally," the DSUSA says, "if it is legal in the Stand Up game, it is legal in the USA Wheelchair Football League."

The NFL will help announce the new league's beginnings at its draft this weekend ... with Purple Heart recipient and Marine vet Brad Lang -- who tragically lost both his legs in Afghanistan in 2011 -- announcing a Carolina Panthers pick on Saturday.

"We believe that sport has the unique power to bring people together and to push them beyond what is possible, redefining their ability,” DSUSA executive director Glenn Merry said.