Football

Gotta love a dude who's betting on himself ... after signing the largest contract in NFL history!

Check out Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and their significant others hitting the casino in Lake Tahoe on Thursday night ... keeping the party going after a day on the water.

Unclear if Patrick actually did any wagering -- but it's gotta be a GREAT feeling knowing your bank account will soon be bigger than all of the progressive jackpots in the building COMBINED!

Of course, even the most wealthy pro athletes love to gamble -- just ask Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson and more.

Earlier in the week, Mahomes and his crew flew in on a private jet -- BECAUSE THAT'S HOW THEY ROLL NOW!!!

Once they touched down, they hopped in a custom Coors Lite RV before having their own private boat party on the lake ... complete with diving, dancing and celebrating.

Josh Johnson ain't done yet -- the 34-year-old QB tells TMZ Sports he's eyeing a big return to the NFL after lighting it up in the XFL this past season.

Of course, JJ was one of the best players in Vince McMahon's org. earlier this year ... starting 4 games and posting a league-best 106.3 passer rating for the L.A. Wildcats.

We spoke with Johnson about his future plans ... and he's ready to get the call to make the leap back to the highest level -- as long as COVID-19 doesn't keep the season from happening.

"Hell yeah, if they gone play," Johnson tells us. "I mean, we trying to see what's going on with all that craziness surrounding COVID. But, I'm ready to go, bro."

"I've just been at home working, waiting for the opportunity."

"I enjoyed the hell outta the XFL experience. It also allowed me to get the platform to do what I could do, and the fact that people take notice, it was very good for me."

In the meantime, Johnson tells us he's focused on being the co-founder of the Ultimate Gaming League ... which is hosting a huge Madden tourney that will be streamed on Twitch this weekend ... with pros from Marcus Peters to Marquez Valdes-Scantling to Johnson himself participating ... and it's all for charity.

Johnson -- a journeyman in the NFL -- also tells us about why Madden played such a major role in his career so far ... check it out.

NFL star Devin White is throwing a massive charity event for around 2,000 people in a small Louisiana town this weekend ... and the mayor there says he expects NO COVID-19 precautions to be taken.

White -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2019 1st-round pick -- is set to hold his 2nd annual "Trail Ride" at his "Get Live Stables" in Cotton Valley, La. on Saturday.

The turnout is expected to be HUGE ... the mayor of Cotton Valley, C.C. Cox, tells TMZ Sports he believes roughly 2,000 people -- and maybe even more -- will show up to the 20-acre property for the get-together.

But, Cox says he's not anticipating it to be a coronavirus-concerned crowd ... saying, to his knowledge, mask-wearing and social distancing will NOT be enforced at the event.

"He was raised here," Cox said of the 22-year-old former LSU linebacker. "He wants to come into town and he wants to throw a big party."

Despite COVID-19 cases surging in Louisiana, Cox tells us he never tried to stop White from hosting the event ... and added, "That's what he wants to do, he can do it, you know?"

Cox says there WILL be Louisiana State Troopers assisting on the highways near the party as well as officers from the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office ... although he says they will NOT be there to enforce social distancing guidelines.

"You just got to accept it," Cox said. "I'm ready for it."

White held the first annual "Trail Ride" at his Cotton Valley property back in July 2019 ... and you can see in video of that event -- it's a pretty massive bash.

We're told nearby residents are concerned a similar situation could go down this weekend ... and are very worried about a possible spread of coronavirus.

We reached out to the Louisiana State Police ... and a spokesperson confirmed they will be at the event concentrating "on traffic issues/enforcement." Although when asked about the enforcement of social distancing guidelines, the spokesperson said, "LSP will assist with whatever needs arise."

We also reached out to the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office ... and they told us they'll be assisting with traffic-related issues during the event as well. But, when it comes to COVID, the sheriff told us, "We encourage our citizens and visitors to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Governor's most recent proclamation."

White and the Buccaneers, meanwhile, have yet to get back to us when we reached out for comment.

White started 13 games for the Bucs as a rookie last season ... piling up 91 total tackles, an interception, 2.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

DeSean Jackson will be meeting with a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor on Friday ... in an effort to educate himself about the Jewish struggle.

Earlier this week, Edward Mosberg expressed his disappointment in Jackson's IG post in which the NFL featured an anti-Semitic quote attributed to Adolph Hitler.

In his letter to Jackson, Mosberg invited the Philadelphia Eagles WR to visit a Nazi concentration camp to better understand why pushing anti-Semitic rhetoric can lead (and has lead) to death and destruction.

"I would invite you to join me at the sites of these German Nazi death camps, to understand what evil truly is, and why sharing quotes of the man behind this evil is so offensive to us all," Mossberg wrote.

Mosberg says he survived several Nazi concentration camps -- including Mauthausen in Austria. He also says his late wife was a survivor of Auschwitz.

Now, we're told Jackson will meet with Mosberg over Zoom on Friday -- in the hopes of starting a positive, constructive dialogue.

As one source close to Jackson puts it -- "He really is educating himself ... and will continue to do so."

We're also told Jackson met with the Creative Community for Peace organization this week ... an organization dedicated to battling anti-Semitism.

Earlier this week, Julian Edelman invited Jackson to have an "uncomfortable conversation" about anti-semitism and racism in America.

And, Friday morning, Edelman says the two got the ball rolling.

"DeSean and I spoke for a while last night. We're making plans to use our experiences to educate one another and grow together. Stay tuned."

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden just gave a big surprise to the men and women who put together their new stadium ... thanking the workers and giving a pump-up speech to finish strong.

"I just had to tell you, the stadium looks freaking awesome," Gruden says. "It's the greatest thing I've ever seen."

BTW -- If you haven't seen Allegiant Stadium yet ... it's pretty damn cool and gives off badass Star Wars Death Star vibes.

"I just wanted to congratulate all you workers for an incredible accomplishment during adversity."

Naturally, Gruden went full football guy in his motivational message to finish the job strong.

"It's the 2-minute drill. You've done 99% of the work, maybe 97% of the work. I just challenge you to finish like a champion."

The personal video marked a huge milestone for Allegiant Stadium -- it was the first time the video board and sound system were used at the same time ... so a pretty monumental moment for the workers.

The stadium is set to be ready to go in time for the 2020 NFL season ... if that happens.

Gruden finished the vid by reminding everyone to keep wearing their masks ... after all, we ARE still in a global pandemic.

Lou Holtz does NOT want his beloved Notre Dame to drop its "Fighting Irish" nickname ... claiming it stems from a group of students who battled the KKK back in the day.

One tiny little problem -- it's not exactly true, Lou!

Here's the deal ... the former ND football coach was on Fox News this week and was asked about a recent "Fansided" article which questions if the school should move on from the whole "Fighting Irish" thing -- which it calls "a stereotype of the violent Irish."

83-year-old Holtz was OUTRAGED by the mere suggestion -- and told this tale explaining the origin of the Fighting Irish name.

"They were named the fighting Irish because the Ku Klux Klan tried to attack the Catholics," Holtz said.

"They went down and fought the Ku Klux Klan and that is where the name the Fighting Irish came."

That's news to Notre Dame -- which states on the official school website, "No one really knows for sure how Notre Dame became universally linked with the Irish."

"All we have is conjecture. But that’s the Irish way, isn’t it? Never let the truth get in the way of a good story."

There are several theories ... but nothing is really concrete.

The University says the first use of the nickname may have been in 1909 -- stemming from a fiery half-time speech directed at the football team's Irish players.

Notre Dame also noted the media had referred to Knute Rockne's football teams as the "Fighting Irish" in the early '20s.

The school does acknowledge an incident involving a student clash with the KKK in 1924 ... but it seems unlikely to be the origin of the nickname. Here's what ND says ... 

"A little-known event occurring in 1924 may have inadvertently contributed to Fighting Irish lore. In a recent book, alumnus Todd Tucker describes how Notre Dame students violently clashed with the anti-Catholic Ku Klux Klan in that year. A weekend of riots drove the Klan out of South Bend and helped bring an end to its rising power in Indiana at a time when the state’s governor was among its members."

Doesn't matter to Lou though -- who's made his stance clear and warns that he'll REALLY get pissed if the cancel culture reaches his tribute at the school's stadium.

"Next thing you're gonna tell me, they wanna topple my statue at Notre Dame. That's when I will really get mad."

Eminem just took a shot at Drew Brees on his new song -- saying "F***" the NFL QB ... presumably over his national anthem comments.

Em and Kid Cudi just dropped the new track at midnight Friday morning called, "The Adventures Of Moon Man & Slim Shady."

Marshall Mathers begins his verse about 1:50 into the track -- and drops this nugget:

"I had hoop dreams, now I shoot 3s.
Got a lil' green, but I don't do weed.
Purp nor lean, that's Tunechi.
That's New Orleans, F*** Drew Brees."

Of course, Brees took a ton of heat for his stance on the national anthem and NFL protesters back in June -- saying, "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America."

He later apologized and said he didn't really understand what Colin Kaepernick's protest was about -- shining a spotlight on police brutality and racial injustice.

There was more in Em's new track -- he also took a shot at politicians of the way they've handled the COVID pandemic.

"Bunch of half-wits up in office.
Half of us walkin' around like a zombie apocalypse.
Other half are just pissed off and don't wanna wear a mask.
And, they're just scoffin'.
And, that's how you end catchin' the s**t off 'em.
I just used the same basket as you shoppin'.
Now I'm in a f**kin' casket from you coughing."

FedEx is SERIOUS about its fight to get the Washington NFL team to drop the "Redskins" name ... the shipping company giant has now reportedly threatened to remove its signage from the team's stadium.

Washington has faced tremendous pressure over the last few weeks to move on from the team nickname ... with sponsors all across the board denouncing the racially insensitive moniker.

Now, according to The Washington Post, one of the team's biggest backers is saying it'll pull down all of its signage from the team's stadium after this season if no change is made.

Per the report, FedEx -- which pours in money to Washington to hold the naming rights at "FedExField" in Landover, Md. -- sent a letter to the team with the threat on July 2.

In the letter, FedEx officials reportedly told Dan Snyder's squad that the nickname "poses the risk of harming FedEx’s brand reputation and is inconsistent with its commitment to a more inclusive society."

FYI ... FedEx inked a $205 MILLION contract with Washington back in 1999 for the stadium naming rights -- and the deal wasn't set to expire until 2026.

As we previously reported, Washington has agreed to have internal discussions about a name change ... and according to multiple NFL reporters, the change is now a matter of when and not if.

Some new names the team has reportedly been considering include the Redtails and the Warriors ... with star QB Dwayne Haskins personally backing the Redtails moniker.

Joe Burrow said he was gonna do it ... and now he's doing it in a BIG way.

The Cincinnati Bengals QB -- whose Heisman acceptance speech sparked more than $650k to his hometown's food pantry -- is taking things to the next level ... by starting a foundation to fight hunger and poverty in southeast Ohio.

Remember, TMZ Sports spoke with Burrow back in December (shortly after he accepted his Heisman) and he told us he was already planning on ways to use his platform to help.

That resulted in #9 announcing the "Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund" on Thursday ... which will keep food on the tables in his hometown of The Plains for years to come.

"When I mentioned my hometown in my Heisman speech, it wasn't really planned. I was just speaking from the heart," the 23-year-old QB said in the announcement.

The fund was kick-started with $350k of the money raised from the Heisman speech and a matched donation from the Foundation For Appalachian Ohio ... bringing the total to a $700k investment in the future.

"This initiative was made possible through the generosity of people from all over the country, and will have a tremendous effect on the food insecurity issues that many families face in Southeast Ohio."

FINALLY -- a quarterback who can feed Odell Beckham the ball!!! (Kidding, Bake!)

The Cleveland Browns superstar linked up with Blueface while working out at UCLA on Wednesday ... and the duo decided to see what kinda arm the "Obama" rapper was dealing with.

And sheeeeesh ... the dude has a cannon!!!

OBJ offered to run about a 40-50-yard route downfield ... and Blueface hit him perfectly in stride for the completion. It was beautiful ... and something Browns fans rarely got to see last year.

"Who got the best arm in the rap game?!," Blueface asked OBJ.

"Yeah, you got it!!" Odell responded ... while gifting his new QB his gloves as a souvenir.

TMZ Sports spoke with Blueface himself about his skills ... and he says football was his first dream.

As a matter of fact, he says he could've made it to the NFL if he stuck with it!!

New England Patriots QB Cam Newton was also in on the fun at UCLA ... throwing darts to OBJ and even Blueface ... who creatively edited his one-handed catch to provide ZERO proof he was able to come down with the ball.

Regardless, Blueface is a freak athlete ... maybe the Browns should take a look??

Jewish NFL star Julian Edelman says he wants to have an "uncomfortable conversation" with DeSean Jackson about the WR's anti-Semitic IG post ... but he's hopeful the two can learn from each other.

Edelman broke his silence on Jackson Thursday morning ... saying he "wanted to take some time because it's a complicated issue and I wanted to be thoughtful."

As we previously reported, DeSean posted a quote on IG attributed to Hitler (though it's not a real Hitler quote) suggesting a secret Jewish conspiracy for global domination.

Edelman acknowledges Jackson posted some "ugly things" about Jews ... but notes, "I do see an opportunity to have a conversation."

The 34-year-old Super Bowl MVP explained his own experience with anti-Semitism -- and how he was called a hateful slur on the football field back in 2011.

He called on the Black and Jewish communities to listen and learn from each other ... and then made an offer to DeSean.

"DeSean, lets do a deal. How about we go to D.C. and I take you to the Holocaust Museum and then you take me to the Museum of African American History and Culture."

"Afterwards, we grab some burgers and we have those uncomfortable conversations. This world needs a little more love, compassion and empathy."

For his part, Jackson has said he's been meeting with Jewish leaders to try and educate himself about anti-Semitism.

"He was trying to educate himself, educate people and he's speaking the truth."

Former NBA star Stephen Jackson attempted to defend DeSean Jackson's anti-Semitic social media post in a video Tuesday ... adding in the clip, "You know he don't hate nobody."

"But, he's speaking the truth of the facts that he know and trying to educate others."

DeSean re-shared a quote attributed to Hitler (though it's not an actual Hitler quote) on his social media page earlier this week ... appearing to endorse a passage that claimed Jews will "extort" and "blackmail" America as part of a greater "plan for world domination."

DeSean apologized for the post multiple times ... and his team, the Philadelphia Eagles, ripped him in a scathing statement shortly after.

"Regardless of his intentions," the team said, "the messages he shared were offensive harmful, and absolutely appalling."

Stephen took issue with it all in a now-removed video ... bringing up the Eagles' handling of the infamous Riley Cooper n-word incident back in 2013.

"If it's talking about the Black race, y'all ain't saying nothing about it," Stephen said. "They killing us. Police killing us. And, treating us like sh*t. Racism at an all-time high. But, ain't none of you NFL owners spoke up on that. And, none of you teams spoke up on that."

"But, the same [Eagles] team had a receiver that said the word [n-word] publicly, and they gave him an extension."

Jackson continued, "I play for The Big 3, we have a Jewish owner. He understands where we stand in some of the things we say, but it's not directed to him. It's the way we been treated."

"Philadelphia, y'all need to repost this."

For the NFL's part, it released a statement on DeSean's post as well, saying, "DeSean’s comments were highly inappropriate, offensive and divisive and stand in stark contrast to the NFL’s values of respect, equality and inclusion. We have been in contact with the team which is addressing the matter with DeSean.”

The Eagles have not yet announced if a punishment will be handed down to the star receiver.

"He's gonna be a target. He's got a target on his back. Wait and see."

That's "Shark Tank" star Barbara Corcoran warning Patrick Mahomes that with giant fortune comes giant scammers trying to take your money!

But, if you know anything about Barbara, you know she's a gangster when it comes to finance ... and she's dishing out some sage advice for the QB so he can STAY RICH for the rest of his life.

So, what should the KC Chiefs QB do with the $500 mil he's expected to make over the next 12 years?

"First of all, it's not $500 million," Barbara says ... "Remember, he has an Uncle named Sam. He's gonna have to pay him $250 million so he really only has $250 million. Bear that in mind."

Corcoran explains, "The first thing he should do is put it in the bank. Not do a thing! I know because when I sold my business, every creep came out of the woodwork with a $10,000 problem. Everybody is after your money and you can't trust anybody."

Barbara says it took her at least a year to realize how to turn people down effectively -- and the key is to hire a "bad guy" to tell people "no."

"The most important thing is before he buys that big house and a big jet ... he's gotta figure out how much money he needs to live on."

"He's a kid but he's gonna live a lot of years! So for every $25 million he puts away, he's going to get a $1 million income for the rest of his life"

"He should figure out, I need $1 million? I need 2 million? I need 5 million? And put that money aside. That's what he's gotta do."

Corcoran says Patrick should spend some time with her "Shark Tank" pal Alex Rodriguez -- who has become a major real estate investor.

That's saying something considering A-Rod reportedly made more than $441 million in MLB contract money!

There's more ... Corcoran also has a business strategy for Patrick -- and it's pretty damn smart! Watch the video and if you have the money, you might wanna take her advice!!

She also offered this final warning to the 24-year-old NFL superstar ...

"Let me tell you something, the more money you make, the more creeps you attract. The more people dressed in fancy suits, and not some fancy suit, friends or family -- all come out and are after your money."

How'd Patrick Mahomes celebrate his new $503 MILLION contract?

PRIVATE JET WITH TRAVIS KELCE TO GOLF, BABY!!!!

TMZ Sports has obtained video of the Kansas Chiefs superstar QB touching down in Lake Tahoe on Wednesday ... and the half-a-billion-dollar man is clearly wasting no time enjoying his new riches.

Mahomes and Kelce shared a PJ ride together ... before the duo will hit a celeb tournament at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course this weekend for the famous American Century Championship.

Mahomes looked to be in good spirits after getting off the plane ... he posed for some pics and then hopped onto a (fittingly) Coors Light-themed shuttle bus.

Of course, Pat's got every reason to celebrate this week ... the 24-year-old just signed the biggest contract in the history of sports -- putting him in line to earn well over $40 million per year until 2031.

Yeah, something tells us if the private jet wasn't already paid for ... Patrick's picking up the tab now.

Raheem Mostert officially wants OUT of SF after helping lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl ... the RB's agent says contract talks with the team have failed -- and now, he's demanding a trade.

The 28-year-old -- who rushed for a staggering 220 yards and 4 TDs in the NFC Championship Game win over the Packers -- has been angling for a raise since the season's end.

But, Mostert's agent said Wednesday the Niners won't budge ... so Raheem wants to play elsewhere now.

"After months of unproductive talks with the 49ers about fairly adjusting Raheem Mostert's contract (which paid him for special teams) we have requested a trade," agent Brett Tessler said.

"Disappointing that it would come to this for a guy who led all NFL RBs in YPC & helped lead them to the Super Bowl."

Mostert came out of nowhere to become a star for the Niners this past year ... rushing for 772 yards and 8 TDs on only 137 carries in the regular season.

Raheem signed a 3-year, $8.7 million deal with the 49ers before the 2019 season ... but clearly he feels he's worth well over that now.

Did you know the Patriots gave Josh Gordon a Super Bowl ring for his small role on the 2018 championship team??

It's true ... and now, the embattled wide receiver's victory bling can be all yours -- if you've got some SERIOUS cash lying around.

Officials at Heritage Auctions say they're putting JG's title drip on the auction block next month ... and they expect it to sell for somewhere in the area of $100,000!!!

Unclear how the ring made its way to the auction house ... but we're told Gordon himself is NOT selling it. Rather, officials tell TMZ Sports it's being sold by a dealer.

But, the ring is insane regardless ... it's the last one of Tom Brady's Patriots tenure -- featuring a gem carat weight of 9.85. The bling also features 10 karat gold, according to auction officials.

Of course, Gordon only played in 11 games for the Pats in the '18 season after they traded the Browns for him ... he ultimately stepped away from New England before its playoff run, saying he needed to focus on his mental health.

Gordon ended the season with 40 receptions for 720 yards and 3 TDs ... famously catching Brady's 500th career touchdown pass.

Gordon returned to the Pats the following year ... but was placed on injured reserve just a few games into the season and was later cut.