Football

There's no doubt in Rob Gronkowski's mind that Tom Brady will be a great football analyst for FOX Sports when he decides to hang up his cleats -- keyword being when, 'cause Gronk thinks Tom can play "forever."

Gronk was leaving dinner at Craig's in L.A. Wednesday night ... when he was asked how he believes Brady will fare behind a mic when he's finally done playing.

"Tom's gonna kill it," Gronk said. "He knows football like no other. He can break down any player at any time. He'll just present it to the screen, showing the strength and weaknesses. He can talk football like no other."

Rob, who won four Super Bowls with TB12 (3 in New England, 1 in Tampa), was then asked when 45-year-old Brady would retire.

"That dude's a beast. He can go forever," Gronk said, before joking Tom could play to 68.

Brady briefly retired this past off-season, before returning to the Bucs. Unfortunately, TB12 and Tampa Bay haven't been having the season they imagined ... and Tom's future is uncertain.

Of course, the on-the-field struggles come amid off-the-field drama ... leading many to call on the 7x Super Bowl champ to retire at season's end.

If Brady does decide to retire (again), the G.O.A.T., who signed a lucrative $375 million contract with FOX Sports to be their lead analyst, will transition to the broadcast booth.

UVA running back Mike Hollins says he isn't sure why a gunman opened fire on him and three other football players last month ... explaining this week the shooter was silent during his killing spree -- and had looked "normal" earlier in the day.

Hollins sat down with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" ... and gave some insight into the shooter's mindset -- while walking the ex-NFL star through how he was able to survive the terrifying Nov. 13 tragedy.

Hollins said he initially heard the gunshots ring out on the bus as it made its return to UVA's campus following a class field trip ... and he got off in a hurry -- unharmed.

But, he told Strahan that when he realized others weren't following him, he ran back in ... and that's when he said he locked eyes with suspected shooter Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.

"It was just a cold look," Hollins said, adding that the man said "nothing at all" to him. "It was, I don't know, it was just like a numb look."

Hollins said he turned to run again, and was shot in the back.

The football player said he didn't know Jones Jr. -- a former walk-on on the UVA football team -- "at all" ... and added that the guy had given him no indication that was upset earlier in the day.

"I had saw him that morning before we got on the bus," Hollins said. "He was looking normal to me."

Hollins suffered serious injuries in the shooting -- and required multiple surgeries to fix the damage. He told Strahan it wasn't until he came out of his initial surgery two days after the incident that he learned of the deaths of his teammates, D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler.

"I've never cried like that before," he said.

Hollins is expected to make a full recovery.

Aaron Rodgers is shouting out ayahuasca again ... this time, crediting the psychoactive tea for alleviating his "major fear of death."

The Green Bay Packers quarterback -- who previously said his use of ayahuasca helped lead to his two MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021 -- told Pat McAfee on Tuesday that the psychedelic trip he got from the brew made him much more comfortable with his mortality.

The 39-year-old explained ... while growing up as a young teenager during Y2K, he had developed a phobia of not accomplishing certain life goals before ultimately passing.

But, he told McAfee and A.J. Hawk on The Pat McAfee Show that ayahuasca changed all of that for him.

"I definitely had a fear of death," he said. "And ayahuasca, and psilocybin actually, really helped me with that and relieved a lot of the stress around the idea of needing to accomplish things before I actually die."

Rodgers said the trip forced him to "see the other side" ... which made "the idea of death more of a passage and less of an ending. More of just kind of the next chapter of life."

Rodgers initially consumed the ayahuasca during a 2020 trip to South America ... and told Aubrey Marcus in August that it was "a magical experience."

Deion Sanders may be heading to Colorado, but his love for Jackson State still seemingly runs deep -- Coach Prime congratulated JSU's new head coach, T.C. Taylor, for landing the coveted job!

The NFL Hall of Famer shared an emotional video showing the moment Taylor was named the new head coach -- and the players went absolutely wild!

"Congratulations [Coach Taylor] on being the new [Jackson State football] head coach!" Sanders wrote on Instagram. "You deserve it! Love ya and appreciate u my brother. #CoachPrime."

"It has been a dream of mine to be a coach here," Taylor told his players. "But to be a head coach with some of the names that have been through here: W.C. Gorden, James Carson, and Coach Prime. Those are big shoes to fill, but I am excited."

Taylor was a standout wide receiver for the Tigers during his playing days. During his senior year, he broke the JSU single-season record with 84 receptions ... totaling 1,234 yards and 11 TDs.

T.C. graduated from Jackson State in 2005 ... and in 2019, he reunited with the Tigers, joining JSU's coaching staff, where he coached tight ends and wide receivers until last year.

After Deion announced he was leaving, the NFL legend advocated for Taylor ... saying he was the guy he'd hire if the decision were up to him.

Taylor is following a tough act at JSU ... in three years with Jackson State, Deion led the Tigers to a 27-5 record and back-to-back SWAC championships.

Sanders is also taking some of his best players, including his son, star JSU QB Shedeur Sanders with him to Colorado ... meaning Taylor will have to recruit or develop a new QB.

Mississippi State will not pull out of its bowl game against Illinois despite Mike Leach's death ... the school's interim AD just said the Bulldogs will play in the postseason contest -- because, "We all know that's what Coach Leach would want."

Bracky Brett, who took over MSU's AD reins in October, told ESPN on Tuesday the football team's players are "100%" ready to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2 ... and do "what Coach Leach would expect them to do."

"It's what we should do," Brett added.

Leach, MSU's head coach since 2020, tragically passed away on Monday night after suffering a medical emergency on Sunday. He was 61 years old.

The school announced following Leach's initial hospitalization that defensive coordinator Zach Arnett would fill in for the legend ... and Brett said Tuesday that plan will continue against the Fighting Illini after Leach's death.

"Coach Arnett has made it clear that we're going to finish what we started," Brett said, "and honor Coach Leach."

The game will go down in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium ... where, of course, Leach (nicknamed The Pirate) would have felt right at home -- something not lost on Brett.

New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker is going OFF on the NFL ... saying officials need to "get on y'alls f***in' jobs" and take care of players who may have suffered head injuries during games.

Parker appeared dazed after getting hit with four minutes left in the first quarter of the Pats' "Monday Night Football" game against the Arizona Cardinals ... and teammate Nelson Agholor had to beg the referees to pause the contest so the veteran wideout could get checked out.

The NFL Players' Association is currently investigating why the league's concussion spotter didn't immediately stop the game ... especially considering the new protocols put in place following the handling of Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa's head injuries earlier this season.

Parker was visibly wobbly after he made the 10-yard catch -- he actually bumped into teammate Cole Strange as he tried to walk.

Parker thanked Agholor for looking out for him ... and it was for good reason -- #1 didn't return to the game after being examined by the medical staff.

The Pats are now dealing with a short receiving core ... as Jakobi Meyers also missed Monday's game due to a concussion.

Things have gone from bad to worse for the Arizona Cardinals -- Kyler Murray did, in fact, tear his ACL on "Monday Night Football" against the Patriots ... and the star quarterback's season is now over.

The signal caller suffered the non-contact injury on the third play of the game ... and ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the tough news just minutes ago.

The injury happened when Kyler escaped out of the pocket and went to plant his right foot before attempting a move on Pats' defender Matthew Judon.

Murray appeared to drag his right leg with him as he fell to the grass ... and many assumed his night -- and season -- were over.

Kyler was visibly emotional as he was carted off the field ... putting a towel over his head in frustration as players from both the Patriots and Cardinals gave their regards.

The Cards turned to backup QB Colt McCoy after Murray's injury ... but the team couldn't come away with the win, losing to New England, 27-13.

It's unclear how much time Kyler will ultimately miss ... but a lot, or all, of his 2023 season could be in jeopardy depending on his rehab process.

Rob Gronkowski is retired from the NFL but he's not done giving back to his fans ... the future Hall of Famer recently surprised a retired U.S. Army veteran, wounded in combat, with an awesome, customized truck!

The G.O.A.T. tight end partnered up with USAA to deliver a 4-door truck to specialist Jonny Flores who served four years in a field artillery unit ... where he worked as a .50 cal gunner, among other jobs.

"Today I'm helping USAA give away a recycled ride to a deserving US military veteran," Gronk said on Tuesday.

"This is gonna be awesome. About to surprise Jonny."

The video of Gronk surprising the Purple Heart recipient in Tampa is amazing ... and from Flores' reaction, he had no idea he was meeting the Super Bowl champ.

"No way!" Flores said, clearly in shock ... "What a surprise!"

Then, when Gronk showed Flores the truck ... he was so stoked!!

It's a feel-good story for a man who has sacrificed mightily for his country. Flores was badly wounded after a vehicle he was in drove over a pressure-plate IED (improvised explosive device) on July 4, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq. He ultimately had his left leg amputated. He also sustained other injuries in the attack.

Flores, who uses a wheelchair, will now be able to move around much more freely ... because we're told the ride was retrofitted and modified for his mobility needs, including installing a wheelchair lift.

"This means a lot to me," Flores said, "Being able to get my independence and get in and out of this with ease, you know, with no help. That wheelchair thing is something else!"

"This is a game changer. Oh my God. I can already see how many trips and things we're gonna do with the family. I'm so excited. I can't thank you guys enough for this man."

It's all part of the USAA's celebration of their 100th anniversary serving the military ... and the vehicle was the 87th car they gifted in 2022, Gronk's jersey number.

Gronk played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Patriots and Buccaneers. The 5-time Pro Bowler won 4 Super Bowls before retiring in June.

Coastal Carolina quarterback Bryce Carpenter, who played in 12 games for the Chanticleers this season, was arrested Sunday after he allegedly threw a woman onto a concrete sidewalk -- causing injuries ... though he denies the whole thing.

Police say in an incident report, obtained by TMZ Sports, that officers responded to a house party in Conway, S.C. on Saturday night regarding an alleged assault that had taken place at around 11:30 PM.

In the docs, officers say a woman claimed that earlier in the night, she and Carpenter were in the garage of the party ... when he "began making sexual advances towards her."

Police say the woman told them she rejected him -- but he still attempted to kiss her and "grab her butt." According to the report, the woman said other partygoers saw what was going on, and pulled the football player away from her.

Later on, police say the woman told them she saw Carpenter sitting on a sidewalk and "approached him to speak to him about what he was doing."

Cops say Carpenter then got up from the curb, and "attempted to advance on the victim again."

According to the report, she pushed him away -- and that's when he allegedly snapped.

Carpenter was accused of grabbing her, picking her up and throwing her down onto a concrete sidewalk. In the docs, cops say the woman suffered scratches on her back and arms -- as well as a hematoma on the back of her head.

Cops say in the docs that Carpenter told them he never went to any parties on Saturday night -- "and was home the entire time."

Police say Carpenter was arrested at 1:45 AM on Sunday morning. Court records show he's since been charged with one count of third-degree assault and battery.

Coastal Carolina said in a statement following the arrest that Carpenter has now been suspended indefinitely from the team.

The football world is heartbroken over Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach's passing ... with Nick Saban, Kliff Kingsbury and more sharing their condolences.

The Alabama legend released a touching tribute on Tuesday ... saying, "Mike Leach was a friend, and we are deeply saddened by his unexpected passing."

"I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mike over the last several years. I never knew quite where our conversations were going, but they always made me smile."

Saban praised Leach as an offensive mastermind ... who was well-respected by his peers.

"His teams were well-coached and challenging to defend. They played with poise and toughness, which is a credit to his leadership."

Kingsbury -- who played under Leach at Texas Tech -- added, "There is no way I would be where I am today if not for Mike Leach and everything he taught me about the game. Truly one of the most innovative offensive minds in football, he was more than a coach."

"He was a mentor, a friend and one of the most special people l've ever met. My heart goes out to Sharon, the Leach family and everyone who who had the privilege of knowing and loving him."

"Our sport was better because of Mike Leach and is far less interesting without him."

College football coaching legend Mike Leach has died.

Mississippi State confirmed its head coach passed away on Monday night -- just one day after he was rushed to a hospital in Jackson, Miss. after suffering a "personal health issue at his home."

The school said his death was due to "complications from a heart condition." No further details were released.

He was 61 years old.

"Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather," the Leach family said in a statement. "He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC as a final act of charity."

"We are supported and uplifted by the outpouring of love and prayers from family, friends, Mississippi State University, the hospital staff, and football fans around the world. Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father's life."

Leach initially began his college coaching career in 1987 ... and eventually landed his first D1 head coaching role over a decade later when he became the head man at Texas Tech in 2000.

Leach famously implemented a pass-heavy offense that was later dubbed the "Air Raid," which many college coaches now run at schools to this day.

Following 10 seasons at Texas Tech -- where he compiled an 84-43 record -- Leach signed on to coach Washington State in 2012. He spent eight seasons there ... before moving to Mississippi State in 2020.

Nicknamed The Pirate, Leach gained national fame and fans for his dry sense of humor and quirky responses at media events.

Mississippi State University president Mark E. Keenum mourned the loss on Tuesday morning ... writing in a statement, "Mike's keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation's true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. I will miss Mike's profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things."

In his 21 years as a head coach, Leach compiled a record of 158-107 ... and won eight bowl games.

Robert Griffin III says he's sorry for using an anti-Black slur on the "Monday Night Football" pregame show ... insisting he simply misspoke.

RGIII was breaking down the Eagles' big win over the Giants for ESPN in the lead-up to the network's broadcast of the Cardinals vs. Patriots game on Monday night ... when he tried to heap praise on Philadelphia QB Jalen Hurts.

"People said that Jalen Hurts couldn't get it done," the former Washington Commanders star said. "He could not break from the pocket. He's not the quarterback of the future. I think he proved all those j******** wrong."

The use of the word -- which has historically been used to disparage Black people -- was immediately panned on social media ... and hours after he muttered it, Griffin III issued an apology for it.

"Yooooo, Definitely need to clarify this," the former quarterback said. "THIS IS NOT WHAT I MEANT TO SAY."

The 32-year-old then explained he was trying to use the term "Bug-A-Boos."

"Regardless of my intention," he said, "I understand the historical context of the term that came out of my mouth and I apologize."

A Tennessee State University staffer was arrested earlier this month ... after she allegedly rammed her vehicle into a Tigers player's car in a fit of jealous rage.

According to court records, Devon Starling -- a TSU junior running back -- called police at 2:30 AM on Dec. 3 in Davidson County, TN after he said he saw his "ex-'fling'" Ariel Escobar, the Tigers' director of football operations and on-campus recruiting, in her car outside of his apartment as he was arriving home with his girlfriend.

The football player -- who logged 540 rushing yards and 2 total touchdowns this season -- claims he told Escobar to leave, but she refused. Police said in the documents that Starling then proceeded to drive around with his girlfriend while waiting for the cops to arrive.

According to the docs, Starling said that after pulling into a parking lot, Escobar followed him ... and then blocked him into a spot. The Tigers tailback alleged she then rammed her vehicle into his car while he and his girlfriend were still in it.

In the docs, Starling said Escobar actually backed up and hit his car a second time ... before pulling off. He claimed his car had minor damage.

According to the docs, Escobar later showed back up at his apartment ... where she was arrested. Police say she told them she did block them in with her car and said she wanted Starling to confess to his girlfriend that he had "had a sexual relationship" with her the day before.

Cops say the 22-year-old also admitted to throwing ketchup and scratching Starling's apartment door as well.

Court records show Escobar has been charged with 2 felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon ... and one count of misdemeanor vandalism. She's scheduled to appear in court in January.

Escobar is in her 2nd year as TSU's director of football operations and on-campus recruiting. We've reached out to the school for an update on her status with the program, but so far, no word back yet.

Chad Johnson is a master in footwork, but his skills certainly don't translate to sandboarding ... 'cause the ex-Bengals star tried out the sport -- and straight-up busted his ass!!

The former NFL wideout is in Qatar covering the World Cup for FOX ... and during a bit of downtime between games, he decided to hit the dunes for a boarding lesson.

The tutorial seemed to go pretty well at first ... but disaster struck as Ochocinco gained momentum going down the hill.

Check out the video -- Chad loses his balance as his speed increases ... and inevitably, it resulted in eating sand.

All appears to be well, though ... and luckily for Johnson, he was able to avoid any serious injury.

Ex-NFL star Fred Taylor commented on Chad's post ... writing, "😂😂😂😂 OH NOOOO OCHO."

Chad, 44, spent 11 seasons in the NFL ... routinely torching defensive backs with his nifty route-running abilities ... but he quickly learned that sandboarding ain't football.

Maybe next time, hit up Tony Hawk first?!? Although, that didn't really help Mike Tyson, either.

Legendary college football coach Mike Leach -- who's spent the last three seasons running Mississippi State's sidelines -- has been hospitalized ... and he's now reportedly fighting for his life.

MSU officials said in a statement Sunday afternoon that Leach suffered a "personal health issue at his home" that required him to be rushed to a hospital in Jackson, Miss.

The school provided no further details on his status ... though Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger reported Sunday night that the 61-year-old is in "critical" condition.

Bulldogs reporter Robbie Faulk added that Leach "needs a miracle."

The college football world was rocked by the news ... with many of the top names in the sport tweeting prayers for the man credited with creating the "Air Raid" offense.

USC coach Lincoln Riley tweeted, "Prayers for my good friend Mike Leach. Please keep Coach and his family in your prayers." Univ. of Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen added, "While I am devastated by today’s news, I know Mike is a fighter with an incredible spirit and I know he will continue to battle. Prayers to Sharon and their extended family."

MSU said preparation for its bowl game on Jan. 2 against Illinois will still go on ... with defensive coordinator Zach Arnett taking over head coaching duties from Leach.

All the Deion Sanders haters need to get off the coach's head ... so says Al Sharpton, who tells TMZ Sports Prime had every right to leave Jackson State for Colorado earlier this month.

"I think that a lot of us had such pride in him being at an HBCU that we forget that people make personal decisions," the civil rights activist told us this week in New York City ... "And they have the right to do that."

Of course, there have been a lot of mixed reactions to Sanders' move to Boulder ... with many blasting him for leaving the HBCU that he helped turn around for a Pac-12 program he has little ties to.

But, Sharpton tells us the critics need to cool it ... saying he believes Deion did everything he said he was going to do at JSU before ultimately taking a bigger gig.

"He's moved on and I think that our job is to make sure that Jackson State and others continue at the same level," Sharpton said.

Sharpton ain't the only one that has had Sanders' back since the move ... Bomani Jones also supported him this week -- saying on "TMZ Live" he understood the choice.