Football

Deshaun Watson will have a new home -- after a week of rumors and meetings with several teams, the star NFL quarterback is expected to be traded to the Cleveland Browns.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Watson stunningly reversed course and picked the Browns -- who were previously thought to be out of the mix -- over the Saints, Panthers and Falcons on Friday.

Albert Breer is reporting the Browns are sending three first rounders and two additional picks to Houston in the deal.

The move comes after a grand jury in Texas elected not to pursue criminal charges after several massage therapists accused him of sexual misconduct.

Watson is not in the clear, however -- he is still facing more than 20 civil suits filed by his accusers ... and is still under investigation by the NFL.

Deshaun has played in 54 games so far in his career -- and has logged 104 touchdowns, 14,539 passing yards and a 104.5 passer rating. He sat out all of the 2021 season following the therapists' allegations.

Watson's change of scenery is the latest big QB move this offseason -- as Carson Wentz and Russell Wilson were both traded last week.

Baker Mayfield is NOT included in this deal ... but is expected to be traded soon.

The person who paid $518k for Tom Brady's last touchdown pass ball -- just to see its value vanish one day later when the QB unretired -- is getting a happy ending after all ... because the NFL superstar wants to hook them up with Bitcoin to their favorite charity!!

As we previously reported, the ball is believed to be worth a mere $50k at most following TB12's comeback announcement on Sunday ... considering the dude's expected to throw many more TDs in 2022 now that he's suiting up next season.

Brady got wind of the debacle on Friday ... and tweeted out his wish to help the buyer with an awesome gesture.

"Hey @FTX_Official … could we donate a Bitcoin to the charity of this person’s choice?! 😂," Brady said.

TB12 has been known to shell out the Bitcoin (currently valued at a little under $42k) in the past -- he gave the fan who got handed his 600th TD ball from Mike Evans the crypto and some signed swag after asking to return the ball.

Colin Kaepernick is adding to the list of NFL stars helping the quarterback train for his NFL comeback ... this time it's Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Josh Dobbs!

34-year-old Kap previously linked up with Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett, and prominent WR coach David Robinson earlier this week ... as he pushes to return to the league after years away.

Now, it seems a few NFL QBs are getting in on the action. On Friday, Colin was with Fields (Bears, 11th overall pick last year), Taylor (Giants) and Dobbs (Steelers) at Morehouse College's football field.

The workout resembled a Pro Day ... with the QBs throwing passes downfield while receivers ran routes. The quarterbacks even helped each other out.

The ex-49ers signal caller has been broadcasting his training sessions on social media for over a week now ... seemingly showing his arm strength, footwork and overall skillset hasn't deteriorated since he last was on an NFL field in 2016.

Of course, the 34-year-old QB believes he's been blackballed because of his National Anthem protest ... but continues to fight to get back into the league.

Activist Shaun King -- who's been supportive of Kap -- caught a glimpse of his workout today and says it's obvious his athleticism is not the reason why he's not signed.

"Not one single expert could watch this and deny the skills and strength and health," King said.

Chris Johnson is opening up on the shooting that took his friend's life -- and severely injured the NFL star -- explaining he feared his professional football career was over.

The 36-year-old former All-Pro sat down with journalist Omar Kelly and Brandon Marshall for an episode of the ex-Pro Bowlers' "I Am Athlete" show ... and detailed the March 2015 morning where CJ2K's was shot in the shoulder, and his friend was murdered.

"We're at the red light, just happened so quick. Just hear windows shattering, next thing you know I'm in the car, one of my other friends in the back seat, my other friend driving," Chris says.

"So I'm sitting there and the next thing you know, I look to the left, I see one of my friends, he's leaning on the horn. He gone. I shake him like wake up, wake up. Outta there. I call my homeboy in the back seat, he's talking to me whatever. So whatever, we go to the hospital."

Chris' friend Rollie died in the shooting.

Johnson, who played 10 seasons in the NFL, and was one of the best running backs of his era, was badly injured as a result of the shooting ... and feared it'd end his football career.

"When I got shot, it went collarbone, shoulder bone, rib, all that. So at this time, now I'm on bed rest. So probably like three weeks after I get shot, my nerves start messing with me. Now my hand goes out like, so painful. I can't use it. If I touch something, it's burning sensational."

"So now I can't use my hand, my right hand is my dominant hand. I can't use my hand so I'm like damn, my career over with."

Chris tells Brandon he was only in Florida to attend a concert put on by a friend who was about to head to prison for several years ... so CJ wanted to hang and say goodbye to his buddy.

However, the night took a turn for the worst ... and Chris nearly paid with his life.

Deshaun Watson would be welcomed with open arms in Atlanta ... 'cause rap legend T.I. says his beloved Falcons "could definitely use" the star Texans quarterback.

TMZ Sports spoke with Tip amid rumors Watson could be traded to the Falcons this week ... and he certainly seemed receptive to the thought.

"We could use him," T.I. said on Thursday. "We could definitely use him. I don't know who they talking about giving up, but we could definitely use his talent on the field."

Of course, bringing in a new Pro Bowl QB would mean it's curtains for Matt Ryan's time in Atlanta ... but T.I. says his comments about Watson speak for themselves when asked about the 2016 MVP.

Several NFL teams have reportedly expressed interest in the former Clemson standout -- with the Saints and Falcons appearing to emerge as the favorites to land the 26-year-old.

The Falcons would need to trade for Watson ... as he's currently still under contract with the Texans. But T.I. hints he's not too worried about what Atlanta would have to give up to get him.

We also asked T.I. what he thought about the Tennessee Titans cutting former Falcons superstar wide receiver, Julio Jones ... and he'd love a reunion.

Tennis star Genie Bouchard and NFL quarterback Mason Rudolph are done ... TMZ Sports has learned the couple has broken up after nearly two years of dating.

Bouchard and Rudolph initially hooked up in 2020 -- and in the ensuing months, the two became inseparable.

Genie attended a bunch of Rudolph's Steelers games -- and even took time out of her Mexico vacation in November to make sure she caught his start against the Detroit Lions.

Rudolph, meanwhile, posted her on his social media page often ... and the two weren't shy about using heart emojis and the "L" word.

But, we've learned the couple has just recently split ... with one source telling us it was an "amicable" end.

The source added the two are remaining friends in the breakup.

Move over, Tom Brady ... TMZ Sports has learned Russell Wilson's Broncos jersey has now supplanted the GOAT's Buccaneers uni as the NFL's top-seller this week.

A rep for Fanatics tells us after Wilson was introduced as the new QB in Denver on Wednesday -- sales for his new jersey skyrocketed, and ultimately leap-frogged over Brady for the #1 spot across their network of sites.

We're told that's quite the feat, considering that Brady's jersey had previously had a stranglehold on the pole position after he announced on Sunday he was unretiring.

No word on how much money was spent on the digital sports platform for the new orange and blue #3 to get it to the top spot ... but it's safe to say it was a lot of coin.

Russ, meanwhile, said this week he's fired up to be playing in Denver in the new uni ... telling reporters Wednesday, "It's an honor, it's a gift."

His head coach, Nathaniel Hackett, clearly felt the same ... nearly dropping an S-bomb with excitement at the Wilson press conference.

Baker Mayfield wants out -- the 2018 first-round pick just asked the Cleveland Browns to trade him ... after reports the team was in pursuit of Deshaun Watson.

The 26-year-old quarterback just released a statement regarding his wish ... saying, "It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on," according to ESPN.

"The relationship is too far fine to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on."

The news comes on the heels of Mayfield's statement to Cleveland fans on Tuesday ... which most took as a goodbye note to the city.

The Browns, however, reportedly will NOT grant his request.

The request comes right after reports the Browns were no longer in contention for Watson. The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are reportedly the final two potential landing spots for the Houston Texans QB.

If it's the end of Baker's time in The Land, he'll finish with 14,125 yards, 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions ... going 29-30 through 4 seasons.

Mayfield is undoubtedly the most successful quarterback since the Browns returned in 1999 -- leading Cleveland to a playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021.

Mayfield could join fellow stars Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, who also left the Browns over the past few months.

Olivia Culpo made sure to pack plenty of bikinis for her Jackson Hole getaway with NFL superstar Christian McCaffrey ... throwing on a tiny two-piece for a dip in the hot tub -- and the pics are outrageous.

The model and Carolina Panthers running back have been heating up Wyoming this week ... and they've been documenting their romantic trip all over Instagram.

29-year-old OC proved she's able to withstand the freezing temps on Thursday ... by doing an impromptu photo shoot out in the cold while soaking in the jacuzzi.

The couple of nearly 3 years has been enjoying themselves in the Cowboy State ... playing billiards and backgammon, checking out the local fashion and posing for mushy pics together.

The lovely trip comes amid rumors C-Mac could be shipped out of Charlotte this off-season ... but he appears to be in great spirits throughout his R&R with Culpo.

No word on whether 25-year-old Christian was the guy behind the camera for the smokin' hot hot tub pics ... but if so, we salute.

Patrick Mahomes wasn't the only Mahomes getting a big, public kiss in this month ... his brother, Jackson Mahomes, just starred in a TikTok video where he smooched a famous social media star.

Jackson shared the footage on his Instagram page Wednesday night -- and it's pretty steamy.

Vibing to Kevin Gates' "Thinkin' with My D***," TikTok star Blaneoh began the video on screen -- before Jackson lightly pushed him out of the way to stand next to Dayna Marie.

If you're not familiar ... 21-year-old Dayna is HUGE on social media, she has nearly 7 million followers on TikTok and over 1 million followers on Instagram.

In the footage, Jackson can be seen laying a big kiss on her -- before everyone eventually left the screen and the camera cut off.

No word if everyone was just having fun -- or if this is the start of a new relationship for Jackson. But, either way, it's been a notable past few days for the younger Mahomes.

He was just Patrick's best man at the Chiefs star's wedding in Hawaii last weekend, and his social media presence has ballooned even further following Patrick's big day.

The Seahawks are blaming their breakup with Russell Wilson entirely on the QB -- saying Wednesday that Russ is the one who forced them to trade him out of Seattle.

"Russell made it clear he wanted this change," Seahawks chair Jody Allen said in a statement.

The comment is a surprising one -- considering for most of this offseason, Russ had praised Seattle, including just a few weeks ago, when he said the city and the team were "great."

The 'Hawks, though, made it clear ... Russ really didn't want to play for them anymore.

"It became evident that Russell was interested in playing elsewhere," general manager John Schneider said in a statement.

The Seahawks' brass did offer "thank yous" and "goodbyes" to Russ in their statements ... adding that they at least felt grateful they were able to get a haul of drafts picks and players in their trade for the QB last week.

Allen added that he was looking "forward to welcoming our new players and to everyone being fully engaged while working our hardest to win every single day."

Heads up, Matt Ryan ... Warren Moon tells TMZ Sports he believes the Falcons are a legit threat to land superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson in a trade this month.

"Atlanta is his hometown," the Houston Oilers legend said. "He's well-liked in that area, great organization and they could use a younger quarterback with fresh legs and everything."

Watson is on the verge of being shipped out of Houston -- and Atlanta has recently thrown its hat into the mix to try to score him in a trade.

Moon tells us he believes it's not just a ploy by the Falcons to drive up the price for the rival Saints and Panthers -- saying he thinks Watson has ties to ATL that shouldn't be ignored.

Notably, Moon says Warrick Dunn -- one of the Falcons' minority owners -- has a relationship with the former Clemson standout that could sway things.

"He put Deshaun in one of his houses [through his charity] many, many years ago," Moon said of Dunn. "So, there's a connection, a tie there with the Atlanta Falcons."

The Texans are also reportedly considering trading Watson to the Browns, in addition to the Falcons, Saints and Panthers.

Of course, a deal is imminent after Deshaun and the Texans had a messy breakup following allegations that he was sexually inappropriate with multiple female massage therapists.

Last week, however, a grand jury decided Watson will not face criminal charges over the claims in Harris County, Texas ... which paved the way for the MVP-caliber quarterback to return to the gridiron.

Moon -- who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 -- tells us he doesn't think Watson will have any rust when he eventually suits up for his next team ... adding that he's happy the signal-caller will get to continue his career.

"I met him a number of years ago, he's a really first-class young man," Moon said. "Hopefully he gets back on the field sooner than later."

The Washington Commanders have cut Deshazor Everett ... three months after his alleged role in a fatal December car crash.

The team announced the roster move on Wednesday -- though it's unclear if his legal case had anything to do with the decision.

As we reported, authorities say Everett was going over 90 mph in a 45 mph zone just before he crashed his Nissan GT-R in Virginia on Dec. 23.

The accident was so bad, it ultimately killed his passenger, Olivia Peters. In 911 audio, obtained by TMZ Sports, a witness at the scene said the wrecked car was "trapped in the trees."

Following weeks of investigating, authorities hit Everett with a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter in February -- and records show he's due in court for a hearing on the matter in June.

Everett had been a key player for the Commanders, he was a team captain who played in 89 games for Washington in seven seasons.

Andrew Whitworth knew he was retiring the moment the confetti fell on Super Bowl LVI -- 'cause the Rams star told his kids he was hanging up his helmet while celebrating the championship on the SoFi Stadium field.

The heartfelt moment was captured by NFL Films on Feb. 13 ... but wasn't released until the 40-year-old left tackle announced his retirement on Tuesday.

In the clip, you can see Whitworth sitting on the turf with his four kids, surrounded by confetti.

"Hey, listen to me," Whitworth says, "That is daddy's last football game."

"That's it. No more. I'm gonna be home with you guys, okay?"

The kids reaction was adorable ... they're clearly very excited daddy's gonna be home.

Whitworth spent 16 seasons in the league. The former second-round pick in 2006 out of LSU played 11 years with the Bengals ... and his last 5 in Los Angeles.

Andrew had a hell of a career ... he made four Pro Bowls, two First-Team All-Pro, won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2021), the 2022 Super Bowl champ and oh, he also made over $107 million.

Now, Whitworth has time to spend with his wife, Melissa, and kids, Sarah, Drew, Michael and Katherine.

"Promise, I'm gonna be a better dad, I'm gonna be around more. I'm gonna coach the crap outta you boys."

"We're gonna have some fun. I love yall!"

The newest 'Bachelorette' star is trading her pom-poms for roses ... 'cause Gabby Windey is a former Denver Broncos cheerleader!!

The 31-year-old current ICU nurse was announced as one of the costars for the next season of the ABC dating show ... after getting her heart broken by ex-NFL hopeful Clayton Echard in the final week.

Windey -- who handled the dumpster-fire ending of her relationship with Clayton like a champ -- spent several seasons on the Broncos sidelines ... joining the squad in 2015 before leaving in 2021.

On top of being a pro cheerleader, Gabby also worked on the frontlines as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, Gabby is sharing the title of 'Bachelorette' with Rachel Recchia, who was also crushed by Clayton's lack of transparency at the end of his season.

As it turns out, Rachel also has a cheerleading background -- she was a member of the squad during her time at Ohio University.

In case you weren't following the season, Clayton was "intimate" with both Gabby and Rachel during fantasy suites ... which led the third finalist, Susie Evans, to break things off with him and go home.

Clayton then admitted to Gabby and Rachel he was in love with all three finalists and fought to keep them on board ... before eventually admitting his heart was ultimately with Susie and breaking up with the other two women at the SAME TIME (yeah, bad).

As it turns out, Susie eventually reached back out to Clayton after the show ended ... and now they're happily together.

Rachel and Gabby, on the other hand, will now try their luck with the show again ... this time, being on the other side of things.

The season airs later this year ... we'll be "cheering" for love.

NFL running back Duke Johnson waited THREE YEARS to get revenge on Baker Mayfield ... and he finally got it by roasting the QB amid his uncertain future with the Browns.

26-year-old Baker released a lengthy, heartfelt message to the Dawg Pound on Tuesday ... breaking his silence as the Browns reportedly pursue 3-time Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson.

The post almost certainly seemed like a goodbye to the city that welcomed Mayfield in 2018 ... with lines like, "I have given this franchise everything I have," and mentioning how he'll work hard "wherever I take my next snap."

Johnson -- who played one year with Baker on the Browns before requesting a trade in 2019 -- wasn't feeling the mushy post, though ... and made his reaction known by referencing an old quote the Heisman Trophy winner made during their time together.

Of course, the trainwreck tweet is a shot at comments Baker made about Duke's trade request ... when the QB said, "You're either on this train or you're not."

Johnson chose the latter ... as he was eventually traded to the Houston Texans, where he played for 2 seasons.