Football

Two of the biggest TikTok stars on the planet will NOT join forces to dominate the social media app ... 'cause JuJu Smith-Schuster says a collab with Patrick Mahomes' lil' bro, Jackson is straight-up "not happening."

Jackson -- who has 1 MILLION followers on TikTok -- was extra hyped when the Chiefs signed Smith-Schuster to a one-year, $10.75 million last week ... saying, "Now we have to collab ..."

Of course, JuJu has a whopping 3 million followers ... and considering Jackson basically lives on the app, it couldn't have been more convenient and fitting for the two to link up.

Well, Smith-Schuster thinks otherwise -- when he was asked about teaming up with the 21-year-old during an interview with Taylor Bisciotti, he shut it down -- real quick!

"Nah," Smith-Schuster said. "That is not happening."

"I'm putting that out there right now, I'm not making no TikToks."

Unsure if he meant in general, or just with Jackson ... 'cause the 25-year-old posted two new TikToks in his new Chiefs jersey right after the interview.

Jim Thome's wife says the couple is done with the Browns following the Deshaun Watson signing ... explaining she's asked the franchise to cancel their season tickets.

Andrea Thome made the announcement on her Twitter page following Watson's introduction ceremony last week ... saying the sexual misconduct allegations against the new Cleveland quarterback were too much for her and her former MLB star hubby to ignore.

"Very sad after 40 years as a fan, but this is my line in the sand," Andrea said. "I believe women. Especially when there are 22 of them. That press conference did nothing to change my mind."

Andrea claims she wrote a letter to the Browns explaining her decision and asking for a refund -- as the couple had already paid for the tix.

She added that if the org. doesn't pay them back, she will sell off the seats in 2022 for charity.

"I will auction off every single game and publicly donate every cent to different women’s crisis charities in N.E. Ohio," Andrea said, "raising awareness week by week during the season."

Andrea later clarified that she never called Watson "guilty" ... but said the volume of accusers are "enough for me to make a decision that I have every right to make."

As we reported, more than 20 female massage therapists have said Watson was sexually inappropriate with them during sessions over the past couple years. Two grand juries in Texas, though, declined to charge Watson criminally this month.

The QB is still facing a mountain of civil lawsuits from the accusers -- and an NFL investigation into the claims is ongoing.

As if the death of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who died on an Orlando amusement park ride, wasn't tragic enough ... we've learned the boy had a promising future ahead of him.

Tyre was a gifted athlete with the potential to earn a scholarship to a Division 1 football program ... that's the insight from Brandon Gregory, a football coach at East St. Louis High School, where Tyre was set to play ball this fall.

While he was only in 8th grade, we're told Tyre was already working out with the varsity team at East St. Louis, and had caught Gregory's eye as the school's defensive coordinator.

As you can see, Tyre's a pretty big kid for a middle schooler, and he played on the offensive line.

Gregory says all the coaches and players on the team noticed Tyre's strong work ethic, noting he always stayed late to improve his game. The varsity coaching staff considered him a potential starter going into his freshman year, and one who'd be a key part of the team for years to come.

We're told Tyre -- who teammates called Big Tick -- worked out with the varsity team as recently as Tuesday, before heading down to Florida with a fellow 8th grader and teammate.

As we reported ... Tyre died Thursday night at Orlando's ICON Park. He fell to his death from a ride towering 430 feet in the air.

Johnny Manziel wants to go back to where it all started ... telling TMZ Sports he'd love to return to the Texas A&M football program in some capacity.

Manziel was nothing short of a legend at College Station in 2012 and 2013 ... winning the Heisman trophy and becoming a household name with his highlight plays and unapologetic attitude.

Johnny -- who is set to suit up for Fan Controlled Football this season -- tells us he misses the sport ... and while a return to the NFL is out of the question, he wants to find another way to stay involved.

"I don't think I'm the same player I used to be," Johnny tells us. "I think I still have flashes, but I'm looking at what's next in my life and I want sports and football to be something that is gonna be a mainstay in my life for a long time."

"Now, it's figuring out where exactly that's gonna be -- whether its continuing to work with the FCF or something I'm really interested in as well is going back to Texas A&M and being a part of my school, or the program or whatever it is."

Johnny -- who brought up the idea of coaching while in the FCF -- tells us he wants to get back in on the action at A&M ... and the possibilities are endless.

"I miss my school, I miss College Station, I miss the feeling of those great times that I got to have when I was in college, and our new athletic director at Texas A&M, Ross Bjork, is a beauty of an individual and an awesome person."

Manziel says he wants to help A&M win championships and take the program to new heights ... and thinks the school is already on its way to making that happen.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith was arrested Friday for allegedly carrying an unlawful handgun and drug possession ... after cops initially pulled him over for speeding.

The Union County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina says the 23-year-old was going 16 to 24 over the 55 MPH speed limit in his black Mercedes-Benz on the highway.

A deputy on routine patrol pulled Smith over at 11:22 AM ... and when he approached the vehicle, he claims he smelled marijuana.

Smith's vehicle was eventually searched, and he was arrested for unlawful carrying of a handgun, possession of narcotics and speeding.

According to jail records, his bond was set at just over $6K.

The Union County Detention Center tells us Smith posted bond and was released. His first court appearance is June 14.

The Panthers released a statement after Smith's arrest ... saying, "This is a pending legal matter and there will be no further comment at this time."

Smith -- a 6th round pick in the 2021 draft -- appeared in six games this season and has six catches for 104 yards.

Players from the New Orleans Pelicans and Saints are helping their city after powerful tornados slammed the community this week ... by delivering tons of supplies to a relief fund.

The Orleans area was hit hard on Tuesday night with storms that produced horrifying tornadoes -- some with wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph.

The dangerous tornadoes left one person dead, several injured and extensive damage in its path.

The Pelicans and Saints announced they would come together and host a donation drive at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center for the victims of the devastating storms.

You can see Tanoh Kpassagnon -- defensive end of the Saints -- and Trey Murphy, Naji Marshall and Herbert Jones of the Pelicans carry huge bins of supplies to the event.

Former Saints QB Drew Brees -- who has donated millions to the state of Louisiana -- was heartbroken over the destruction ... and asked everyone for their prayers.

"Praying for everyone affected by last night’s tornado through Texas and Louisiana," the 43-year-old said on Wednesday via IG.

"May God watch over our city, first responders, and those suffering. May we all come together to support each other during this time."

Deshaun Watson sent a clear message to female Cleveland Browns fans on Friday ... saying he understands the seriousness of the sexual misconduct allegations made against him -- but maintaining he "never assaulted any woman."

Watson opened his conference by thanking Dee and Jimmy Haslam for bringing him to the organization ... saying he was excited to have an opportunity to prove his true character.

Watson spoke about the public outcry following the trade ... saying, "I understand the whole circumstances is very difficult, especially for the women side of the fans in this community. I'm not naïve to that. I know these allegations are very, very serious but like I mentioned before, I never assaulted any woman, I never disrespected any woman."

He added ... "I was raised by a single-parent mom, who has two aunties, who has a sister ... and that's who raised me. I was raised to be genuine and respect everyone and everything around me. I've always defended that and I will continue to stand on that."

GM Andrew Berry acknowledged the transaction was "difficult" and "triggered" emotions within the community ... but doubled down on the team's claim it did its due diligence when it decided to pursue Watson.

Berry says the team used independent investigators in Houston to provide an unbiased conclusion ... claiming the team has faith in Watson as a person.

Berry says the team was advised to NOT reach out to the 22 women accusing Watson of sexual misconduct ... as it could impact the criminal proceedings.

As we previously reported, Watson was traded to the Browns in exchange for three first-round picks, one third-round pick and two fourth-round picks last week.

The 26-year-old is currently facing a mountain of lawsuits over claims of sexual misconduct made by more than 20 massage therapists ... yet he has adamantly denied any wrongdoing.

DK Metcalf says he was blindsided by Russell Wilson's departure ... saying he never thought his QB would ever leave the Seattle Seahawks.

The star receiver opened up on the blockbuster trade on the "KG Certified" podcast this week ... saying he was told about the potential deal during a Gatorade shoot ... and an hour later, #3 was gone.

"I ain't heard from Pete [Carroll] until later that night and John [Schneider] because they were probably busy with phone calls and everything," Metcalf said.

Of course, Metcalf and Wilson -- who was traded to the Broncos earlier this month in exchange for picks and players -- had great chemistry on the field. Last season, the two connected for 12 touchdowns.

Considering how well they clicked on the field, Metcalf says he didn't see the move coming.

"I never thought he was gonna leave Seattle" ... adding, "I was in just in shock because I didn't think it was gonna happen."

What also hit home for Metcalf -- the release of linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was with the 'Hawks for 10 seasons.

"So, my mind was like 'All right, Russ gone, what do I do?' Later that night, Bobby gets cut ... and me and Bobby -- that was my guy."

"When he left, that hurt," Metcalf added. "That was my big brother."

With all the offseason blows, Metcalf feels he has to step up more than ever ... and become a leader for the Seattle Seahawks.

"It's my time in Seattle, now. That's the way I look at it."

Metcalf was a 2nd-round pick out of the 2019 draft ... and quickly became a star in Seattle with his size and speed. In three seasons, he's logged in 3,170 receiving yards and 29 TDs.

The rumors were true ... Johnny Manziel ain't done yet, telling TMZ Sports he is suiting up for Fan Controlled Football this season.

As we previously reported, the 29-year-old Heisman Trophy winner was considering a return to the field after his buddy Druski, an Internet superstar, bought ownership in the Shoulda Been Stars team.

We spoke to Manziel himself ... and he said he's "excited" to be back!

"The FCF has given me an opportunity to coach some of these younger guys, a chance to get around the business side, a chance to have ownership in a football league and still be around the game in some sort," Manziel says.

"For me, the FCF is been intriguing in that right because I don't have to do it as a full-time job and it's something different for me than it was in the past."

BTW, Johnny participated in several games of the FCF's inaugural season ... playing for the Zappers.

In fact, in his very first game, Manziel made a highlight play, breaking off an impressive run.

It's not just football Manziel is excited about ... he's looking forward to creating content with Druski.

"This year we have some surprises. A non-football player that I'm looking forward to being around and doing a lot of content with is Druski."

Johnny -- who hasn't played in the NFL since 2015 -- isn't looking to make some crazy comeback ... he just wants to be around the guys, and play some football.

Deshaun Watson is off the hook again, a second grand jury in Texas has declined to charge the new Cleveland Browns QB.

Just days after a grand jury in Harris County, Texas opted not to charge the 26-year-old over allegations that he was sexually inappropriate with female massage therapists, another grand jury in Brazoria County did the same.

According to the district attorney, the grand jury met on Thursday and "declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes."

"Accordingly," the DA added, "this matter is closed."

Watson could still face further charges in other parts of the country, as his alleged victims have accused him of wrongdoing in multiple states.

The new Cleveland signal-caller is also still facing a mountain of civil lawsuits from his accusers.

As we reported, Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns after the Harris County grand jury's decision last week.

Cleveland -- which said it was aware of Thursday's new grand jury hearing -- gave Watson a massive new contract and handed over a bevy of draft picks, including three first-rounders, to the Texans to acquire the QB.

Empower Field at Mile High Stadium -- the home of the Denver Broncos -- caught on fire on Thursday ... and images from the scene are alarming.

No word on what caused the blaze ... but Denver Fire says suite and third-level areas of the stadium seats underneath John Lynch's spot on the Ring of Fame were affected.

Several sections of the stadium were destroyed ... but luckily, DFD says the fire has since been put out, thanks to sprinklers and brave firefighters.

Huge clouds of smoke are filling the Denver skyline ... with several witnesses posting their views of the fire.

Mile High opened in 2001 ... and has hosted Broncos games, concerts and soccer matches. It could become one of the game locations for the 2026 World Cup.

Tyreek Hill was super pissy before facing the media in Miami for the first time ... but it had nothing to do with his mood -- the guy just had to drain the snake!!

The hilarious moment went down right before the superstar receiver was set to be introduced as a member of the Miami Dolphins ... with Hill getting up and heading out of the room right after new teammate Terron Armstead was done talking with reporters.

Less than two minutes later, the All-Pro took the stage and walked to the podium to take questions from the journalists ... even joking about the whole ordeal.

"I feel a whole lot better," Hill said, laughing. "I just didn't wanna be rude. I'm like, 'Yo, I do not know what to do right now, y'all."

When a reporter made a clever remark about how Hill's speed on the field is reflected in the bathroom, the Super Bowl champ reminded everyone about his perfect nickname.

"Quick, baby. Cheetah."

Now, since the dude was back rather quickly, we're assuming it was #1. If it was the other option ... well, let's not go there.

Hill joined the Dolphins this week after shockingly getting traded from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for 5 draft picks.

Breathe easy, Philadelphia Eagles fans ... Jordan Mailata is not bailing on football, even though it seems he could after a surprising 'Masked Singer' gig that started with a very unexpected call.

The star offensive tackle joined "TMZ Live" Thursday to talk about his unmasking on the reality show. He was the one in the 'Thingamabob' costume, and last night he sang 'Classic' by MKTO. While his impressive vocals have been under wraps, Jordan says his teammates already knew about his hidden talent.

In fact, they'd encouraged him to go pro ... but Jordan says it wasn't until he got a call from his agent about doing 'Masked Singer' that it ever became a thought for him.

Now that folks outside the locker room know about Jordan's pipes, JM says he's taking things one step at a time and being realistic about his prospects in the music biz. He added, it's been incredible and humbling to get such wholesome reactions from people.

But, while he is considering doing more singing -- perhaps professionally -- Jordan says football will always be his first love.

Bobby Wagner says he needs just one thing from his next team ... win games -- and do it ASAP.

The star linebacker -- who's been a coveted free agent since Seattle shockingly cut ties with him earlier this month -- told TMZ Sports out at LAX on Wednesday just before he visited with the Rams that getting W's was his top goal for his future team.

"I just want to win," Wagner said.

Of course, nobody's done more winning than the Rams in the last few months -- they earned a Super Bowl title and have crushed it in free agency.

When we asked Wagner about all of that -- the former Seahawk nodded his head and said, "Sounds good!"

Wagner has not publicly revealed a list of teams he's interested in or a deadline for potential decision -- but seems L.A. has a pretty good shot to land him.

We also asked Wagner about the blockbuster Tyreek Hill trade on Wednesday -- the one where the Chiefs sent the star to Miami for a bunch of draft picks -- and he was clearly shocked by it.

"It's interesting to get rid of somebody that good," Wagner said. "So, they must have a reason."

Wagner, though, said he expected the Chiefs to be just fine -- adding, "They still have some ballers over there."

Maybe they can add one more in Wagner before free agency ends???

Colin Kaepernick is urging NFL teams to give him a tryout ... believing his talent will be so apparent on the field, coaches and GMs will want to sign him afterward.

The 34-year-old made the claim following another one of his publicized workouts on Wednesday, saying, "We just want the opportunity to walk in the door and show them what I can do."

"And," he added, "I think my talent, my skill set will speak for itself."

Kaepernick has been putting his arm on display recently -- popping by major cities all over the U.S. to work out with NFL and college stars to show he's still got the skills necessary to play in the league.

On Wednesday, he got in a training sesh in Seattle with Seahawks wideout Aaron Fuller -- and witnesses there say the former 49ers star (who hasn't played since the 2016 season) looked solid yet again.

A workout with a team has not yet come to fruition ... but famous football trainer David Robinson told us this week that "at least" five NFL teams called him to get his read on how the signal-caller looked at a recent workout.

Tyreek Hill is no longer a Chief -- the speedy wide receiver has been traded to the Miami Dolphins for a mountain of draft picks.

ESPN's Adam Schefter just reported the news ... saying the 'Fins are sending a 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, a 2022 fourth-round pick as well as two picks in the 2023 draft to get the deal done.

Schefter added the Dolphins are giving Hill a $120 million contract extension that will make him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL as part of the trade.

Hill spent 6 seasons with Kansas City ... where he played in 91 total games, recording 479 receptions, 6,630 yards, and 56 touchdowns.

In his final season with the Chiefs, Hill logged 111 receptions on 159 targets and scored 9 TDs.

The 28-year-old speedster was no doubt an integral part of the Chiefs' success over the years -- they went to 4 straight AFC Championship Games and back-to-back Super Bowls -- so his presence will be certainly be missed in Patrick Mahomes' huddle.