Football

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.

The new leader of the NFL Players Association, Lloyd Howell, is demanding teams rip up their turf surfaces and replace them with grass ... believing the switch could prevent injuries similar to the one Aaron Rodgers suffered on Monday night.

Howell -- who took over the executive director position from DeMaurice Smith this offseason -- insisted on the swap out in a stern statement Wednesday morning.

"Moving all stadium fields to high quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make," Howell said.

"The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf."

Howell went on to say he knows the cost could be high for teams to change surfaces ... but noted "there is a bigger cost to everyone in our business if we keep losing our best players to unnecessary injuries."

He added that he thinks the move is possible because several stadiums will make the switch when they host World Cup games or big exhibition soccer games in the near future.

"This is worth the investment and it simply needs to change now," he said.

Howell isn't the only one who's made the call for the switch since Rodgers tore up his Achilles on artificial turf against the Buffalo Bills -- the quarterback's former teammate, David Bakhtiari, said Monday night, "How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??!"

Kim Zolciak is coming to a small screen near you in the immediate future -- however, don't expect to see her on Bravo just yet ... you will have to switch to MTV to catch her and other stars -- including Macy Gray, Chet Hanks and Johnny Weir -- all on the same show!!!

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kim has signed a deal to appear as one of the cast members for the upcoming 8th season of "The Surreal Life."

Of course, Kim won't be alone in the house, we're told in all, the cast includes Gray, Hanks, Ally Brooke, O.T. Genasis, Josie Canseco, and Weir.

Our sources say Kim and the rest of the cast flew to Colombia over the weekend where production begins this month.

If you didn't hear, 'Surreal Life' was resurrected for a new season last year -- this after being off the air since the mid-2000s. The contestants last season included folks like Dennis Rodman, Stormy Daniels, Frankie Muniz, Tamar Braxton and others ... a mixed bag, indeed.

Obviously, this development is coming amid a tumultuous time for Kim -- she's in the middle of a divorce (again) from Kroy Biermann, with whom she's gone back and forth over their marriage in recent months.

As we've reported, the latest there is that Kroy's dead set on ending it, despite Kim's apparent optimism about a rekindling.

Anyway, this 'Surreal Life' gig could certainly be seen as some welcome news for her. With Kim getting on camera again, it means she'll be collecting a hefty check from the network ... which could go a long way toward alleviating some of her financial burdens.

We're sure Kim will have no problem sinking back into reality TV ... she's a vet at this point. On top of 'Real Housewives' -- on which she starred for 5 seasons, she also had her own Bravo show, "Don't Be Tardy" for 8 seasons before it was canceled.

Warren Moon doesn't think Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tear will end the quarterback's career ... telling TMZ Sports he's betting the Jets star will make another run at things in 2024.

"Knowing Aaron Rodgers," the Hall of Famer said, "I don't think he wants to go out like this."

Rodgers blew out the tendon on just the fourth play of his Jets career Monday night ... and many have wondered if his time in the NFL is now over.

After all, he turns 40 in December ... and he spent a significant portion of this offseason already pondering retirement -- well before he was dealing with a serious leg injury.

But Moon thinks Aaron will get back on the gridiron eventually ... saying, "My gut tells me that he's probably going to try it one more time."

"Just because he feels like this isn't the way he wants to end his career," Moon added, "four plays into this season."

Moon anticipates it'll be about an eight-to-nine-month recovery for Rodgers ... which will mean he'll have plenty of time in the offseason to ramp up for one more go at things in the Big Apple.

In the meantime, Moon tells us if he were running the Jets ... he wouldn't tap a veteran like Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz to be the new starter -- saying NY should just run with Zach Wilson as its QB1.

Aaron Rodgers' first season with the Jets is over before it could ever take off -- the superstar quarterback suffered a torn Achilles in his first-ever game for New York, officially ending his 2023 campaign.

The team confirmed the devastating news on Tuesday ... announcing the 39-year-old Super Bowl champion will be sidelined for the rest of the season after an MRI revealed a complete tear in his left Achilles tendon.

Rodgers went down in the Jets' fourth offensive snap of Monday Night Football against Buffalo ... when Bills linebacker Leonard Floyd tackled him to the turf.

Initial x-rays came back negative ... and there was a small possibility Rodgers may have just had a high ankle sprain.

Unfortunately for Rodgers and Co., Tuesday's scans confirmed the worst.

Now, the once-Super Bowl hopefuls will turn to backup Zach Wilson ... in hopes of having a successful season without their star QB under center.

Rodgers has experienced numerous injuries throughout his career ... but this is by far the most serious, and many are wondering if he will be able to bounce back and return to his dominant ways.

Now that Aaron's out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, do you think it's the end of his football career? Vote below.

Sólo tenía 36 años.

El agente de Williams, Hadley Engelhard de Enter Sports Management, confirmó la noticia diciendo que el nativo de Nueva York murió el martes por la mañana.

"Se le echará de menos", dijo Engelhard en un comunicado. "Luchó duro toda su vida. Oraciones a su familia".

Como informamos anteriormente, Williams fue colocado en soporte vital en Florida después de que se lesionó haciendo trabajos eléctricos en un sitio de construcción. La semana pasada, Williams luchó por su vida "casi sin responder", según miembros de su familia.

Williams, que destacó en Syracuse, fue elegido en la cuarta ronda del Draft de la NFL de 2010. Tuvo una primera temporada estelar para los Bucs, terminando segundo en la consideración de Novato Ofensivo del Año.

Mike jugó cuatro temporadas con Tampa Bay y tuvo breves temporadas con los Bills y los Chiefs.

Registró 3.089 yardas de recepción y 26 touchdowns a lo largo de su carrera.

Los Bucs emitieron un comunicado sobre el fallecimiento de Williams que decía: "Nos entristece enterarnos de la muerte prematura de Mike Williams, quien ha dejado a nuestra organización, a sus ex compañeros de equipo y a los aficionados con el corazón roto".

"Enviamos nuestras más profundas condolencias a su familia y seres queridos mientras lloran esta tragedia".