Football

They played 11 seasons together -- so what's it like for Julian Edelman to watch his former Patriots QB Tom Brady ballin' out for the Tampa Bay Bucs??

"It's obviously, definitely weird."

The MVP of Super Bowl LIII opened up about his current relationship with TB12 on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast ... comparing it to a marriage.

"It’s kind of like a relationship, or a marriage, where you grew apart but you still love each other," Edelman says.

"You still may have a couple kids [read: championships]. We have 3 kids. So there’s still communication of what you guys are going through and how you’re doing but you both got your own lives that you have to keep on going towards and that's kind of how it's like."

Edelman says he still roots for Tom and his other former Patriots teammate Rob Gronkowski -- "I wanna see those guys do well. It's awesome seeing Gronk and Tommy doing well and playing and making big plays ... it's obviously, definitely weird, but it is what it is."

Edelman was also asked when he thinks 43-year-old Tom will hang up his cleats for good -- and spoiler alert, don't hold your breath.

"I don't know what his plan is, but knowing him -- it's all in [when] that little fire turns off in his little chest and I don’t think that things gonna be turning off here soon."

Edelman began his career with Tom Brady when he was selected by the Patriots in the 7th round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

New year, new team, new number ... new Dwayne Haskins??

The former first-round pick just inked a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers ... in hopes of resurrecting his NFL career.

Remember, the Washington Football Team cut Haskins after several team-related issues during the season ... including COVID-19 protocol violations and attending a stripper-filled party, which he later apologized for.

The 23-year-old is getting a fresh start in the Steel City ... with the former Ohio State star officially signing on the dotted line to presumably serve as Ben Roethlisberger's backup.

Haskins addressed the move on Thursday ... sharing several edited photos of the signal-caller in his new Black and Gold threads with a #3 jersey.

Haskins -- who wore #7 with the WFT -- explained the new digit, saying, "3 in the Bible stands for restoration and eternal life. Let’s work 🙏"

Haskins has played in just 16 games since entering the league in 2019 ... throwing for a little over 2,800 yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Ex-Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson -- who made some of the most important moves in franchise history -- has died.

He was only 68.

Thompson (a former linebacker) spent 10 years in the NFL as a player -- signing with the Houston Oilers as an undrafted free agent in 1975 --  before getting into the operational side of the business.

He started with the Packers in 1992 as a scout -- and worked his way up to GM in 2005 ... and that's when he really got cookin'.

Ted's first draft pick as GM? Aaron Rodgers. Yeah. Not bad.

Followed by ... future Pro Bowlers like Nick Collins, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Clay Matthews, Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby, David Bakhtiari, Davante Adams and many, many, many more.

In 2008, Thompson also famously traded away the team's most famous and beloved player of all time -- Brett Favre, which ended up working out great for GB.

There's so much more ... he also landed top free agents over the years including Charles Woodson in 2006 and Julius Peppers in 2016.

Thompson was a low-level staffer when the Packers won Super Bowl 31 in 1997 -- but was the acting GM when the Pack won Super Bowl 45 in 2011.

He stepped down as GM in early 2018 after he was diagnosed with an autonomic disorder. He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2019.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur just spoke about Thompson's death Thursday -- saying, "Our condolences go out to his family. He's a guy that's held in the highest regard in this building and around the league."

"His impact is still felt to this day when you look at our roster."

Current Packers GM Brian Gutekunst also released a statement ... saying, "Ted was a man of great character and integrity who cared deeply for his family and friends."

"He was honest and hard-working. He valued his scouts and always did what he felt was right for the Packers organization."

Mark Murphy, Packers CEO, added ... "What really stands out to me is the consistency."

"Everything is designed to make it difficult to win that way, but you look at what Ted accomplished, it's remarkable."

Dan Campbell just had the best introductory news conference EVER ... the new Detroit Lions head coach delivered an epic speech -- promising his team will bite off knee caps!!

Campbell met with the media Thursday for the first time since Detroit hired him to be its new leader ... and the fiery former NFL tight end provided no shortage of sound bites.

Campbell cussed, dropping an S-bomb -- and then he guaranteed his Lions players will be some of the toughest on the planet!!

"Here's what I do know," a fired-up Campbell said. "This team is going to take on the identity of this city. All right? And this city's been down and found a way to get up, all right?"

"It's found a way to overcome adversity. And so this team's going to be built on, we're going to kick you in the teeth. All right? And when you punch us back, we're going to smile at you."

Campbell didn't stop there ...

"And when you knock us down, we're going to get up. And on the way up, we're going to bite a knee cap off. All right? And we're going to stand up and it's going to take two more shots to knock us down. All right?"

"And on the way up, we're going to take your other knee cap. And we're going to get up and it's going to take three shots to get us down. And when we do, we're going to take another hunk out of you. Before long, we're going to be the last one's standing."

WHO'S PUMPED UP IN DETROIT NOW?!?!

All insane promises and guarantees aside ... Campbell has a daunting task ahead of him to get his team to practice what he's preaching -- the Lions haven't won a playoff game since 1991.

Sarah Fuller's used to performing under pressure, but doing it barefoot and in freezing temps was something new as she played a key role in President Biden's Inauguration celebration.

The Vanderbilt University football/soccer player was in Nashville for the "Celebrating America" special and introduced the nation's first female VP, Kamala Harris.

Vanderbilt's associate athletic director tweeted photos of Sarah at a freezing cold stadium recording her intro ... and she showed up in heels.

The AD says Sarah started out shifting side to side in the turf, probably to shake off the nerves -- but then she lost the heels, and once barefoot ... nailed it.

Sarah's intro for VP Harris referenced her own challenges on soccer and football fields. She said, "I faced a lot of challenges as a goalkeeper on the Vanderbilt University women’s soccer team and as a kicker on the football team. But seeing other women break barriers and being first at what they do inspired me and gave me the strength to succeed."

She continued, "and that’s why it is such an honor to introduce a true groundbreaker. And after 232 years of waiting, being able to say these words — our nation’s first woman vice president, vice president Kamala Harris."

Sarah, of course, became the first woman to play in a Power Five football conference when she filled in as an emergency kicker last fall ... and she was also the first woman ever to score in a Power Five game against Tennessee.

Justin Fields might not have played for Urban Meyer at Ohio State ... but the ex-Buckeyes star says he doesn't doubt the coach will have success in Jacksonville.

The quarterback just touched down in L.A. at LAX this week ... and when we asked him about the Jags' newest headman -- the 21-year-old had nothing but praise for the coach.

"Coach [Ryan] Day recruited me [to Ohio State] but I mean I've heard great things about coach Meyer and the way he coaches," Field says.

"So, I wouldn't be surprised if he had great success down in Jacksonville."

Of course, there is a chance Fields could end up playing for Urban next season ... Justin just declared for the draft and Meyer has the top overall pick.

Most believe Urban will take Clemson star, Trevor Lawrence, over Fields ... but when we asked Justin if he believed he was the better prospect, he sure seemed to think so.

"I'm not going to put out there what I think makes me better because I don't want to cause any controversy," Fields says. "But, of course, you have self-confidence that you're the best player in the nation."

Philip Rivers is done with the NFL ... the Indianapolis Colts star quarterback announced Wednesday he's retiring after 17 seasons.

"It's just time," the 39-year-old told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It’s just right."

Rivers ends his career with a super impressive resume ... he made 8 total Pro Bowls, threw for more than 63,000 passing yards and logged 421 passing TDs.

In fact, some believe the work he put in with the Chargers could eventually one day earn him a bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As for why Rivers -- who had a solid season in his first year with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020-21 -- decided to finally call it quits, he said a growing desire to coach high school football helped him make the choice.

"I can sit here and say, 'I can still throw it. I love to play,'" Rivers said. "But that’s always going to be there. I’m excited to go coach high school football."

You'll recall, back in May 2020, Rivers accepted the head football coach role at St. Michael Catholic HS in Fairhope, AL ... and got emotional explaining why he took the job.

Now, Rivers says he can't wait to get started molding high schoolers ... saying after his retirement, "That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s been growing. I can’t wait."

Rivers added he's "100 percent at peace" with the choice to hang up the spikes.

"A young kid from Northern Alabama who grew up wanting to play pro ball," Rivers said. "I got to do it."

Did you know Nick Saban nearly got his ass WHOOPED by two NFL stars during his stint as Miami Dolphins head coach?!

It's true ... according to Jay Glazer -- the NFL insider revealed Tuesday that Daunte Culpepper and Zach Thomas ALMOST came to blows with the coach!!!

Glazer -- appearing this week on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd -- said it all happened sometime after Saban accepted the Dolphins gig back in 2004.

Glazer explains ... Saban tried to use the same hard-ass tactics in the NFL that he used with college players -- and it all failed miserably!

"Nick Saban, the reason why he didn't make it in the NFL, Daunte Culpepper tried to fight him one day and the security guy stepped in," Glazer said.

"And then I think his final straw is that he questioned Zach Thomas' toughness and Zach almost kicked his butt. That just doesn't work on this level."

Glazer said he's hoping Urban Meyer doesn't follow down the same path as Saban now that he's made the jump from college to the NFL ... explaining the former Buckeyes coach just has to treat his Jaguars players differently.

"I know Urban's not one of those guys who tries to go after you and demean you," Glazer said, "but I said just make sure you don't do any of that on this level. Because it doesn't work on this level."

FYI -- things worked out pretty well for Saban after the failed stop in Miami ... he's won just about every college championship since he left the Fins for Alabama back in 2006.

History will be made during the Super Bowl next month ... as Sarah Thomas will become the first woman to ever officiate the NFL's championship game!!

The league made the milestone official Tuesday ... saying Thomas will serve as the down judge for S.B. LV.

Of course, Thomas has been an official in the NFL for 6 seasons ... and has four playoff games under her belt. She also broke the playoff barrier in 2015, when she became the first female to officiate a postseason game.

The league released a statement on the accomplishment ... saying Thomas's "elite performance and commitment to excellence has earned her the right to officiate the Super Bowl."

"Congratulations to Sarah on this well-deserved honor."

Tennis legend Billie Jean King also congratulated Thomas on the achievement, saying, "Keep breaking those barriers, Sarah."

FYI, the decision is anything but a publicity stunt -- It’s awarded to the highest-rated person at their position and is selected over the course of the 2020 season.

Clay Matthews III is making a major push to get his dad into the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- saying the guy checks off all the boxes needed to punch a ticket to Canton.

The legendary Cleveland Browns linebacker has been eligible for the Hall for 20 years, and 2021 marks his last opportunity for selection by the Modern era committee.

Clay's son -- who also had a long and successful career in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and L.A. Rams -- is going to bat for his old man ... explaining why he's long overdue for the recognition.

"Peak Performance, Impact, Longevity, and Overall Value -- You CANNOT talk about my dad’s career without touching on each and every quality," Clay III tweeted Tuesday.

FYI -- Matthews played 16 of his 19 seasons with the Browns and is regarded as one of the best players in franchise history. He racked up 1561 tackles, 83.5 career sacks, 27 forced fumbles and 16 interceptions.

Clay III continued ... "His numbers are as good, if not better, than so many current, and deserving, members of the HOF. His longevity is unheard of. And his ability to do it all made him invaluable."

It’s not the end of the road if Matthews isn't selected -- he will be placed into the Seniors Committee for further consideration.

The Matthews family has been campaigning to get Clay Jr. in the Hall for years -- with names like Nick Saban, Bill Cowher, Jim Kelly and more vouching for his entry.

Country rocker Eric Church and R&B star Jazmine Sullivan will team up to sing the national anthem at Super Bowl LV next month ... the NFL announced Tuesday.

No details yet on how the two will perform the song in Tampa Bay on Feb. 7 -- it's unclear whether it will be a harmony or a verse-trading rendition.

But, what is clear is Church and Sullivan have some of the best vocals on the planet ... and their version of the anthem could be one of the most memorable ones in recent history.

43-year-old Church is a 10-time Grammy nominee. Sullivan, meanwhile, earned 7 Grammy nominations alone for her 2008-debut album, "Fearless."

Previously, stars like Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato and Lady Gaga have all sung the pregame anthem.

The league also announced Tuesday that 23-year-old R&B star H.E.R. will sing "America the Beautiful" in the lead-up to the big game as well.

Brett Favre is issuing a stern warning to Patrick Mahomes ... telling TMZ Sports the quarterback NEEDS to listen to the doctors when it comes to handling his concussion.

The NFL's most legendary ironman explained ... "I played 321 straight games, it kind of goes against everything I stood for when I played. But, you got to be smart. You've got to be smart."

Favre says he's legitimately worried about the Chiefs star's long-term health ... telling us if Mahomes rushes back to the field after suffering that head injury against the Browns on Sunday, it could have dire consequences.

"When you're in the moment, and you're young, you're bulletproof, man," Favre says. "But, I'm 51 years old and I'm wondering what tomorrow will bring because of concussions more than anything."

Mahomes and the Chiefs play the Bills on Sunday ... and many in Kansas City and around the league are hoping the QB can clear concussion protocol and play in the huge matchup.

But, Favre is stressing the need for Patrick to be honest with doctors and coaches about his symptoms ... and to take it all very seriously.

Of course, caring for head injuries is a cause very near to Brett's heart ... he's expressed concern he might have CTE due to all the hits he's suffered.

Tom Brady has more Super Bowl wins, MVPs and TDs than Joe Montana ... but Jerry Rice says he's still taking his former 49ers teammate with the game on the line -- "any day."

It's the age-old debate -- 4th quarter, the team needs a TD, who ya taking? These days, most people say Brady over Montana ... but Rice doesn't see it that way.

“It’s a whole different era, and I would go with Montana any day because he was Joe Cool, and he was in an era where he was not as protected,” Rice said in an interview with 95.7 The Game.

FYI, Montana played from 1979 to 1994 ... a time when football was much more physical -- and passing games weren't nearly as explosive.

"I'm going to go with Joe Montana because, like I said, it was a different era," Rice said.

"Not taking anything away from what's happening today, but you look at the game today, the way it's played, you look at how receivers are protected. I never thought I would see an era where the running back doesn't have to be on the ground for them to stop the play because this, to me, is supposed to be tackle football."

Now, Jerry's probably a little biased ... Montana and Rice are the greatest QB to WR combo in the history of the NFL.

As far as the numbers and awards go ... Brady has the edge.

Tom is a 6x Super Bowl champ, 4x Super Bowl MVP, 3x NFL MVP, 14x Pro Bowler, and has thrown 581 TDs.

Joe's accomplishments aren't too shabby either ... he's a 4x Super Bowl champ, 3x Super Bowl MVP, 2x NFL MVP, 8x Pro Bowler, and threw 273 TDs.

Lamar Jackson is giving a huge shoutout to the Bills Mafia ... thanking the fanbase for flooding his charity with more than $360k in donations after suffering a concussion against Buffalo on Saturday.

Aside from smashing tables and other tailgate debauchery, the Bills Mafia is well-known for coming together to financially support causes tied to their players and opponents over the past few years.

After Lamar went down in the 3rd quarter of the Bills' 17-3 win over the Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs, fans decided to show support by making donations to the QB's "Blessings in a Backpack" movement, which helps fight childhood hunger.

The former MVP took notice of the move on Monday ... heaping praise on the fans for their awesome gesture.

"Appreciate that #BillsMafia," Jackson said on Twitter. "Means A lot not to only me but those kids as well."

Remember, Bills fans shelled out more than $415k to Andy Dalton's foundation when he led Cincinnati to a Week 17 win over the Ravens in 2017 ... which helped Buffalo secure a playoff spot for the first time in forever.

The Bills Mafia also came together for their own QB when Josh Allen's grandma, Patricia, passed away the day before a game earlier this season ... donating more than $1 MILLION to the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo in her name.

Robert Griffin III is no longer a backup to Lamar Jackson ... the Baltimore Ravens waived the former Heisman Trophy winner following their loss to the Bills this weekend.

The team made the announcement Monday ... cutting ties with RGIII after he had been on the roster for the past three seasons.

Griffin III never quite had a huge impact in Baltimore, he only played in 14 games, and threw for just 288 yards in those contests.

But, the fact that Griffin III was able to secure a spot on the team for so long says a lot about the 30-year-old ... remember, he was out of football for the entire 2017 season and some wondered if he'd ever get another shot after that.

RGIII was set to be a free agent this offseason before the Ravens' announcement Monday ... but the move could allow him to now find a new home sooner.

The quarterback reflected on the season before roster move was made official Monday ... writing on his social media page, "As year 8 comes to a close, I just want to say thank you to my teammates, the fans, & @Ravens organization."

Deshaun Watson is urging fans to NOT march in his honor ... begging Texans supporters on Monday to cancel a rally they had planned to try to keep the QB in Houston.

You'll recall ... Watson is currently in a messy spat with Texans brass -- believing he should have more input in the team's hiring process of its general manager and head coach.

In fact, things have reportedly gotten so contentious ... there's talk Watson could be traded from the team sooner rather than later.

Texans fans have obviously been furious about that ... and they had planned a march near NRG Stadium on Monday to send a message to Houston's ownership and to try to keep Watson on the roster.

But, when Deshaun caught word of the possible rally in his honor ... he pleaded with leaders to not go through with it because of the ongoing pandemic.

"I'm hearing there is a march planned on my behalf in Houston today," Watson said. "Although I am humbled I ask that whoever is organizing the march cancel for the sake of public safety."

"Covid is spreading at a high rate & I don’t want any fans to unnecessarily expose themselves to infection."