Football

Are Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift an item? The NFL superstar's older brother wouldn't spill the beans on Thursday night -- though he did give a hint that suggested there might be at least some truth to the rumors.

Just after Jason Kelce and the Eagles whooped up on the Minnesota Vikings in Philadelphia ... the star center and his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, hit the Amazon Prime postgame set for what they thought would be some football talk.

A short time into the conversation, though, Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez brought up Jason's brother's love life.

"I have a 15-year-old daughter," the ex-tight end said to the Eagles star. "And, she's a big fan of a certain pop star. And, you have a family member -- a brother, I think -- and I've been hearing rumors that there's maybe some stuff. Can you comment?"

Jason got a big smile on his face ... and while he initially side-stepped the question -- telling Tony, "I've seen these rumors. I cannot comment" -- when he expounded further, he didn't do much to dispel the chatter.

"Ever since 'Catching Kelce,' everybody's been infatuated with Travis' love life," Jason said. "So, I don't really know what's going on there. So, yeah, I know Trav is having fun. We'll see what happens with whoever he ends up with."

Travis and Taylor were first linked to each other back in July ... when the Chiefs tight end attended her concert at Arrowhead Stadium with a clever plan to give her his number. While Travis said the scheme ultimately failed, there's been rumors ever since that the two found a way to hang out in the weeks afterward.

Neither Travis, who was last in a serious, public relationship with model Kayla Nicole in 2022, nor Taylor has commented publicly on the matter.

Do you want to see Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce date? Vote below.

Aaron Rodgers took the first step in his return to football after tearing his Achilles ... he says he had successful surgery, posting an update from his hospital bed!!!

The New York Jets star quarterback shared a positive injury update Thursday on social media, saying he went under the knife Wednesday ... reporting the procedure "went great."

Aaron's thanking Dr. Neal ElAttrache for "starting me on the road to recovery." Aaron and Neal have a history together, and the doc is renowned in the sports world, operating on star athletes in both football and baseball.

The good news for Jets fans ... Aaron's smiling in his hospital gown, so he seems to be feeling better after initially saying he was "heartbroken" after suffering a season-ending injury just 4 plays into his Jets career.

Antonio Gates says if the Jets are looking for a veteran to replace Aaron Rodgers this season, they shouldn't look much further than Philip Rivers ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the 41-year-old is "definitely capable" of doing the job.

Gates made the claim out in Beverly Hills this week ... in wake of reports that New York could potentially be looking to add a big-name QB after Rodgers' season ended with an Achilles tear on Monday night.

"Philip is someone that's definitely capable of doing it," said Gates, Rivers' old Chargers teammate. "Just because the mental capacity that he has."

The likelihood of the signing, though, seems slim at the moment ... Jets head coach Robert Saleh said this week his team is rolling with Zach Wilson as its starter -- and any outside help they bring in would be, at least for now, a backup to the 24-year-old.

And, while Gates was certainly confident in Rivers' ability to potentially take over in the Big Apple ... he seemed to believe keeping Wilson as QB1 was the right call.

"I'm sure they got him in position to go out and still try to make plays and help them win football games," Gates said.

Dan Marino believes he'd absolutely demolish the single-season passing yards record if he were still under center for an NFL team ... saying with today's rules, he could throw for 6,000 yards!!!

The Miami Dolphins legend didn't mince words when talking about the topic with sports journalist Kevin Clark this week ... believing his skillset would translate that well to today's era.

"The best part about this is I'm retired and I don't have to prove it," the former quarterback said. "Yes, we'd throw for 6,000 yards."

"It would be a lot of fun," he added. "I wish I could."

Marino says a lot of today's rules would have made it all possible for him. He cited the protection of quarterbacks and the stricter pass interference calls as two that would benefit him most in a run to 6K.

Of course, Marino never got close to 6,000 in his 17-year career ... but he did put up an unthinkable 5,084 yards back in 1984 -- a then-NFL record.

A Buffalo Bills reporter bashed Stefon Diggs inside a room full of journalists on Wednesday -- and after the rant was picked by a hot mic ... she issued an apology.

The incident happened as media members were waiting for Bills players to arrive at a podium -- two days after their disappointing, season-opening loss to the Jets.

Several people could be heard on the live microphone appearing to wonder which Buffalo star would meet with them. And, at one point, team reporter Maddy Glab seemed to be asked by another journalist to go help bring Diggs out.

"There's no control over Stefon Diggs," she can be heard saying on the mic. "Dude's going to do what he wants to do."

She later added, "He'll look in my face and say F you. That's how he treats everybody."

A few hours later, Glab said she was sorry for her comments.

"I want to take ownership for what I said today," she wrote in a note on her X page. "I am very sorry for what I said and meant no ill will."

In her note, she explained Diggs not only "marches to the beat of his own drum" ... but he also "has a playful relationship with our video department" -- which is why she says she said what she said.

"I apologize for that," she wrote. "Stef is not in the wrong, I am."

She added in her statement that Diggs is one of her "favorite players to cover" and "he has great character and treats us media with lots of respect."

Diggs has yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell just fired off a shot at Deion Sanders as the two get set to square off this weekend ... throwing a barb at Coach Prime over the way he rocks his hat and sunglasses.

The Rams honcho tossed the shade on his weekly radio show Wednesday night ... when talking about how he and his team were doing interviews in the buildup to Saturday's CSU vs. Colorado matchup.

"I sat down with ESPN today," Norvell said. "I don't care if they hear it in Boulder. I told them, I took my hat off and I took my glasses off. I said when I talk to grown-ups, I take my hat off and my glasses off. That's what my mother taught me."

Of course, Deion is notorious for keeping on his shades and cap at almost all times ... even when he's speaking with reporters on TV. Norvell's comments were clearly a dig at that look.

So far, the Dallas Cowboys legend hasn't responded -- at least not directly -- but you can bet he'll be using it as bulletin board material for his Buffs squad regardless.

After all, CU's 2-0 start this season has largely been fueled by the perception that they're not getting respect nationally. In fact, the Buffs made it no secret that some comments and pregame actions made by Nebraska coach Matt Rhule helped them score a win over the Huskers last weekend.

Kickoff for the Rams vs. Buffs game is at 7 PM. Colorado's currently a 23.5-point favorite ... though that might certainly change after Norvell's poke at the bear.

Going viral has its perks ... the little kid who sent the internet into a frenzy with his playground highlight reel -- all while wearing a Tyreek Hill jersey -- just got some face time with Cheetah ... after the NFL superstar made a surprise visit!

And, it was awesome and adorable!

The boy's name is Franco ... and he was first discovered after video of him playing football with friends went viral. Franco's fast ... very fast. So, he earned the nickname "Mini Cheetah."

But, Franco isn't a one-trick cat, he also has hands ... another video showed him hauling in a Hail Mary. It was impressive.

Hill must've seen the video 'cause he surprised the young fan and his friends at school on Wednesday ... and even brought Franco a signed jersey.

Franco and his friends' reactions were priceless as they mobbed the 7x Pro Bowler with hugs ... and even challenged him to a race.

That wasn't the only surprise -- Franco also helped the Miami Dolphins organization announce Hill won Nickelodeon's Week 1 NVP ... and slimed him right on camera!

The 29-year-old definitely earned the slime award ....Hill had 11 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns against the L.A. Chargers on Sunday.

Jalen Hurts, Angel Reese and Ronald Acuña Jr. got 'Next' ... 'cause the star athletes were just named to a prestigious Time magazine list naming the future leaders of the world!

The "100Next" list, compiled by Time, recognizes the "100 emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership" ... from sports stars to scientists.

Hurts -- who earned the cover spot on the magazine (there are also versions with singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini and Chef Mory Sacko) -- along with Reese, and Acuña Jr. are three of seven athletes to grace the list.

21-year-old Reese led the LSU Tigers women's basketball team to their first National Championship last year ... making history along the way with 34 double-doubles. Hoops great Candace Parker wrote about Angel for Time ... and she phrased it perfectly.

"Angel Reese is having more than just a moment. She’s just getting started."

As for 25-year-old Acuna Jr., the Braves star is the overwhelming favorite for National League MVP ... and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera believes Ronald could be one of the best ever.

"Ronald? He has a great chance of becoming the best Venezuelan-born baseball player ever. It’s as simple as that," Venezulean-born Cabrera wrote for Time.

Let that sink in ... better than Cabrera. The Cabrera that's hit 510 home runs, made 12 All-Star teams, won 2 AL MVPs and a Triple Crown in 2012. Oh, he's also a World Series champ.

With Acuna, Miggy says it's more than just numbers.

"Ronald is more than just his statistics. He is the kind of player that fans pay to watch play. He can change the game with a single hit, his defense, or his baserunning."

As for Jalen, he's one of the best football players in the league ... and is expected to be in the mix for yet another trip to the Super Bowl this season. Hurts was paid very handsomely in the offseason ... signing a $255 million extension.

Peyton Manning, writing for Time, heaped praise on the Eagles QB.

"He’s not celebrating. He doesn’t see it as a reward. He sees it for what it is: the Eagles are paying him for what they expect him to do now," Manning said.

"He’s a model of how to approach a job. This is where the hard work begins."

USWNT's Sophia Smith, American golfer Rose Zhang, Indian cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, and Spanish soccer star Salma Paralluelo were the other athletes who earned a spot on the list.

Aaron Rodgers se refirió por primera vez a su desgarro en el tendón de Aquiles, diciendo que está "completamente destrozado" por la lesión. Aunque agregó que no está listo para retirarse por todo esto, al menos, no todavía.

El mariscal de campo utilizó su cuenta de Instagram este miércoles para reflexionar sobre la dolencia que sufrió en la victoria de los Jets sobre los Bills el lunes por la noche, y se emocionó.

Primero dio las gracias a todos los que se acercaron con buenos deseos, y se apuró en decir que tiene toda la intención de volver pronto.

Añadió, sin embargo, que todo ha sido bastante agotador para él.

"Estoy completamente desconsolado y pasando por todas las emociones", dijo el jugador de 39 años, "pero profundamente conmovido y humilde por el apoyo y el amor". 💔"

Mientras el entrenador en jefe de los Jets, Robert Saleh, dijo más temprano que Rodgers aún no se había sometido a una cirugía para arreglar su pierna, este escribió en su publicación de redes sociales que está comenzando "el proceso de curación hoy".

"Por favor, manténganme en sus pensamientos y oraciones", agregó.

En cuanto a sus planes de futuro, Rodgers no parece estar dispuesto a dar por terminada su carrera: "La noche es más oscura antes del amanecer. Y me levantaré de nuevo".

Luego elogió a NY por lograr la victoria sobre Buffalo sin él.

"Orgulloso de mis chicos", escribió. "1-0 🛩️"

Aaron Rodgers is breaking his silence on his Achilles tear ... saying he's "completely heartbroken" over the injury -- though he added he ain't ready to retire over it all ... at least, not yet.

The quarterback took to his Instagram page Wednesday to reflect on the ailment he suffered in the Jets' win over the Bills on Monday night ... and he got emotional.

He thanked everyone who reached out with well wishes ... while saying he fully intends to get back to everyone soon.

He added, though, that it's all been pretty taxing on him.

"I'm completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions," the 39-year-old said, "but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. 💔"

While Jets head coach Robert Saleh said earlier Wednesday that Rodgers hadn't undergone surgery to fix his leg just yet ... Rodgers wrote in his social media post that he's beginning "the healing process today."

"Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers," he added.

As for his future plans ... Rodgers certainly didn't seem like a guy who's ready to call it a career -- saying, "The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again."

He then praised NY for pulling off the win over Buffalo without him.

"Proud of my guys," he wrote. "1-0 🛩️"

Joe Burrow está como nuevo después de que los Bengals fueran sacudidos por los Browns, dejando atrás su viejo peinado para zanjar el hedor de la pérdida 24-3 del domingo.

El quarterback superestrella estrenó el nuevo look durante su comparecencia ante los medios el miércoles, y cuando se le preguntó acerca de su decisión, medio bromeó diciendo que estuvo inspirado en el enfrentamiento contra Cleveland la Semana 1.

"Cuando tienes un partido como ese el domingo", dijo Burrow con una sonrisa.

Un reportero intentó seguir averiguando si el ex seleccionado general en el Draft de la NFL 2020 estaba hablando en serio o solo jugando, y admitió que era "un poco de ambos".

Los Bengals, de los cuales se espera que sean uno de los mejores equipos de la AFC esta temporada, salieron a tropiezos en Cleveland, con Burrow y compañía luchando por hacer funcionar las cosas en el ataque.

Joe Burrow is starting fresh after his Bengals got rocked by the Browns ... chopping off his locks to ditch the stench of Sunday's 24-3 loss.

The superstar quarterback -- who became the highest-paid player in the NFL after inking a 5-year, $275 million extension -- debuted the new look during his media availability on Wednesday ... and when asked about his decision to ditch his solid flow, he half-joked it was inspired by the Week 1 matchup against Cleveland.

"When you have a game like that on Sunday," Burrow said with a smile.

A reporter followed up on whether the former #1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was being serious or just playing around ... and he admitted it was "a little of both."

The Bengals -- who are expected to be one of the top teams in the AFC this season -- stumbled out the gates in Cleveland ... with Burrow and Co. struggling to get things going on offense.

TMZ Sports obtuvo imágenes del incidente que condujo a la detención de Adam "Pacman" Jones en un aeropuerto. Estas muestran cómo la ex estrella de la NFL se calienta con los asistentes de vuelo y los pasajeros antes de ser expulsado del avión, pero el ex Bengala cree que el video demuestra que no hizo nada malo.

Jones, de 39 años, se dirigía a Nueva Jersey desde la zona de Cincinnati para asistir al partido entre los New York Jets y los Buffalo Bills el lunes por la mañana, cuando pidió que lo cambiaran de asiento debido a un enchufe eléctrico defectuoso.

En los videos se escucha a Pacman discutir con los auxiliares de vuelo sobre los problemas técnicos, hasta que en un momento dado, estos le explican que el avión volverá de regreso a la puerta de embarque debido a su comportamiento.

A lo largo de la discusión con el asistente, Pacman se defiende diciendo que simplemente estaba tratando de cambiarse a un asiento que funcionara. Las fuentes nos dicen que Pacman esperaba cargar su iPad para poder repasar sus notas del partido del Monday Night Football, el que tenía programado cubrir más tarde esa misma noche.

Mientras el avión se devolvía a la puerta de embarque, Pacman se enfadó por todo el incidente, insultando y discutiendo con los pasajeros que estaban enfadados por el retraso.

De hecho, se oye a Jones referirse a varios de ellos como "chiflados", alardeando de su riqueza y preguntándose por qué nadie lo respaldaba.

Cuando el avión volvió a la puerta de embarque, Jones fue recibido por agentes de la policía del Aeropuerto Internacional de Northern Kentucky, quienes lo detuvieron.

Jones fue fichado por alteración del orden público, intoxicación etílica y amenazas terroristas. Pero él nos dice que los cargos son falsos.

"No amenacé a nadie", dice Pacman a TMZ Sports. "No estaba borracho. Y como muestra claramente el video, fui yo quien fui maltratado".

TMZ Sports has obtained footage of the incident that led to Adam "Pacman" Jones' arrest ... showing the ex-NFL star getting heated with flight attendants and passengers before being booted from his flight -- but the former Bengal believes the video proves he did nothing wrong.

39-year-old Jones was heading to New Jersey from the Cincinnati area for the New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills game early Monday morning ... when he asked to change seats due to a faulty electric outlet.

In the clips, Pacman is heard going back and forth with flight attendants about the technical issues ... and at one point, they explain the aircraft will be taken back to the gate due to his behavior.

Throughout his argument with one attendant, Pacman defends himself ... saying he was simply trying to relocate to a seat that worked. Sources tell us Pacman was hoping to charge his iPad so he could go over his notes for the Monday Night Football matchup he was slated to cover later that night.

As the plane was heading back to the gate, Pacman sounded off over the debacle ... cussing and bickering with pissed-off passengers who were upset about the delay.

In fact, Jones is heard referring to several travelers as "crackers" ... bragging about his wealth and asking why no one backed him up.

Once the plane got back to the gate, Jones was met by Northern Kentucky International Airport police officers, who took him into custody.

Jones was booked for disorderly conduct, alcohol intoxication and terroristic threats ... but he tells us the charges are bogus.

"I did not threaten anyone," Pacman tells TMZ Sports. "I was not drunk. And, as the video clearly shows, I was the one who was mistreated."

Robert Saleh clearly believes he'll have Aaron Rodgers under center next season ... 'cause the Jets head coach said Wednesday he'd be stunned to see the quarterback retire after his Achilles injury.

"I mean," the NY boss said, "I'd be shocked if this is the way he's going to go out."

Rodgers retirement rumors have swirled ever since an MRI on Tuesday revealed he blew out the Achilles tendon in his left leg on Monday Night Football.

After all, the dude's going to be 40 years old in December ... and he had already been pondering hanging up his cleats even prior to suffering the injury.

But, Saleh seems to believe his QB will come back in 2024 nonetheless ... though he explained to reporters he's yet to talk to the signal-caller about it all.

"I haven't gone down that road with him," Saleh said.

The Jets head coach ain't the only one who thinks Rodgers won't be finished despite the serious leg ailment ... Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon told TMZ Sports this week he, too, thinks Rodgers will return.

"I don't think he wants to go out like this," the ex-NFL star said.

For now, however, Saleh said Rodgers is weighing his options for potential surgery. Then, at some point later down the road, the guys will chat about '24.

It's going to be a long road to recovery for Aaron Rodgers, according to physician and YouTube star, Dr. Mike ... who detailed the superstar quarterback's path back to the gridiron after the devastating injury he sustained Monday night.

Achilles tears are always serious, but they get even harder to rehab as an athlete gets older, according to Mike ... and Rodgers will soon celebrate his 40th birthday (December).

"To have it at the age of 39 is really rough because it makes the road to recovery that much more difficult," Dr. Mike told TMZ Sports' Mojo Muhtadi.

Mike says the average recovery time is 10-12 months ... but there are instances where recovery has been much quicker (up to 6 months -- this is very uncommon), as well as longer.

It's not a rare injury ... in fact, Mike says around 1 in 4 athletes sustain an injury to their Achilles, and it's not something that only affects football players.

"We even saw this injury with a late Kobe Bryant when he had this injury and also in his mid-30s. And he came back from it, but he was never quite the same. He didn't have that explosiveness," Mike explained.

Assuming Rodgers wants to continue playing, there's some question about how effective he could be as a player.

"I think it's safe to say his mobility will be limited even if he does come back. But the explosiveness is what suffers because it's hard to regain that strength. Although this day and age, we have some pretty cool technologies to help athletes heal faster and better than we did even 10 years ago."

And, Mike is pumped to see what the most modern medical tech can do for Rodgers.

"I'm excited to see the protocol that Aaron Rodgers goes through on this because I think it's going to be not only exciting as a sports fan but also as a doctor to see how the technology helps someone of his stature come back."

Bottom line -- Rodgers is one of the most talented and determined athletes to ever put on a helmet, and if he's intent on returning, Dr. Mike isn't going to count him out.