Football

Attention all tattoo artists in Denver ... Von Miller could be needing a cover-up soon!!!

The NFL superstar says he's now changing his unborn son's name ... this despite already inking it onto his body just 2 months ago!!!

The Denver Broncos pass rusher made the announcement on his social media page Thursday ... saying his son will no longer be Valor Miller, but will instead go by Legacy Miller when he's born later this summer.

"Get ready to play some golf son," Miller said after announcing the name change. "My legacy. He gon be a beast just like his daddy."

Miller had fun realizing this might require some sort of tattoo cover-up ... crossing out his "Valor" ink and writing the word "Legacy" above it.

"I had his other name tatted," Miller explained. "Valor can be his nickname."

The 32-year-old then ensured he still had plans for the kid to grow up a quarterback ... adding, "It's all love. I'm just excited for my young QB."

Turns out Johnny Manziel really WAS raking in 5 figures signing autographs after his Heisman season ... 'cause the ex-college superstar is admitting to making at least $33k off his signature before suiting up for Texas A&M in 2013.

Remember, the NCAA launched a massive investigation into claims Manziel was making dough signing memorabilia (a no-no for college athletes) while in Miami for the 2013 BCS National Championship game ... but found zero evidence of the QB getting paid.

Johnny Football is now coming clean about the whole ordeal ... breaking down the entire thing with Barstool Sports' "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast.

"This guy comes up behind me, he's like, 'Yo, how would you wanna make 3 grand?'" Johnny said. "I turn around, I'm like, f*** yeah, bro!'"

Manziel said he had about $65 in his bank account at the time and wanted some extra cash ... so he followed the guy to his condo to sign "probably 10,000 pieces."

But, it didn't stop there -- Johnny says another dude approached him and said he was getting royally ripped off (which, uh, yeah, he definitely was) ... and offered him a sweeter deal -- $30k!!!

"So, this guy's pretty much, 'All right, go to this room at the Fontainebleau. All this stuff will be in there laid out. When you're done, just send me a picture of all of it. I'll give you the code to the safe, the money will be in there,'" Johnny says.

Pretty sketchy, right?? But, Johnny says he didn't care ... 'cause he was finally making some money ... and has no regrets over the serious NCAA violations.

In fact, he says he went back several more times over the next few months to get some more coin.

"We went 9-4 the next year, so if the NCAA wants to take my f***ing 9-4 season away, my Chick-Fil-A Bowl against Duke, f***ing blow me," Manziel said.

So ... does this mean Manziel's Heisman could get taken away like Reggie Bush's?? Johnny's adamant he didn't break any rules until AFTER he won the trophy.

"I never took a dollar until after I won the Heisman, and I think my statute of limitations are up. So, you can blow me again!"

Who's ready for some more football!?!?!?

The United States Football League -- which had an unforgettable run from 1983-85 -- is coming back to life after 37 years ... with plans to return to action in 2022!!

Of course, there were several big names to come through the USFL during its brief stint -- from future NFL stars like Herschel Walker and Jim Kelly to President Donald Trump, who was an owner of the New Jersey Generals.

This time around, the league will be teaming up with Fox Sports ... which will be the official broadcasting partner when games kick off in the spring of 2022.

"The relaunch of the USFL is a landmark day for football fans and Fox Sports," CEO Eric Shanks said in a statement.

"Football is in our DNA and the return of this innovative and iconic league is a fantastic addition to our robust slate of football programming."

The league plans to have at least 8 franchises and still holds on to the original team names -- which include the Los Angeles Express, Chicago Blitz, Tampa Bay Bandits, Houston Gamblers and more.

The USFL famously crumbled when it tried to become direct competition for the NFL in 1986 ... but that won't be happening with the reboot.

The league DOES face some competition from The Rock and the XFL, which also plans to launch in 2022.

Isi Etute -- a freshman linebacker on the Virginia Tech football team -- has been charged with murder ... and the school says it's now suspended him from the program immediately.

The Blacksburg Police Department said Wednesday that Etute was involved in the killing of a 40-year-old man on Tuesday.

Details surrounding the alleged incident are unclear ... but cops say they found a man dead after they responded to a call in Blacksburg, Va. at around 10:30 PM Tuesday.

Cops say they zeroed in on Etute, who they say was an "acquaintance" of the victim, after conducting their investigation.

Etute has since been charged with 2nd-degree murder, court records show ... and cops say he's currently being held without bond in jail.

Cops added the investigation is both "complex" and "ongoing."

Etute -- a 6-foot-2, 200-pound outside LB -- signed with Va. Tech after committing to the school in July 2020 ... and had participated in the team's 2021 spring practices.

Tech officials say in addition to him being suspended immediately from the football team, he's also been placed on suspension from the university.

Etute was majoring in human development, school officials say.

"You guys remember this one???"

That's Tom Brady joking about one of the most embarrassing moments of his NFL career ... the 4th down mixup in Chicago -- and hey, it's good that he's able to finally laugh at himself!

Brief backstory ... Tom's Tampa Bay Bucs were taking on the Bears back in October, trying to come back from a 20 to 19 deficit late in the 4th quarter.

But, during the final drive, Tom lost count of the downs ... and after an incomplete pass, he held up 4 fingers, believing he still had one more chance.

He did not.

Game over. Bucs lose.

Of course, Tom's squad ended up winning the Super Bowl ... which is probably why he's now ready to poke fun at himself over the moment in a new TikTok video.

"4th quarter, last chance in Chicago," Brady said while setting up the clip ... "I thought it was the 2nd to last chance in Chicago, but apparently not."

"I don’t think I’ve ever been as confused as I am in this moment right here. Look at that face."

After the game, Bucs coach Bruce Arians SWORE Brady knew it was 4th down.

Apparently not!

Best practice EVER?!?!

A youth football team in Chicago got the ultimate surprise visit on Tuesday  ... when none other than President Barack Obama came through to give an epic pump-up speech!!!

#44 popped up at Jackson Park to visit the Chicago Southside Wolfpack football team ... and naturally, the kids and coaches lost their minds when they saw the local legend in the flesh.

Barry O gave some solid pointers to players about life on and off the field ... saying, "Sometimes, you’re going to have some doubts. Sometimes, you’re going to make mistakes. Sometimes, you won’t get what you want right away."

"But the key is, can you build that strength in yourself to come back?"

Truly awesome stuff!!

Obama even met with all the kids -- taking pictures and shaking hands.

Now, this is Obama we're talking about ... so you better believe there were some dad jokes thrown in.

FYI, the Wolfpack's practice field is the future site of the incredible $500 million Obama Presidential Center, which will begin construction later this year.

But, don't worry about the Wolfpack -- they're getting a brand new field!!

Big change in the Canadian Football League ... the Edmonton team has finally revealed its NEW NAME after ditching one that's long been considered racially insensitive.

MEET THE EDMONTON ELKS!!!

Since the team was founded in 1949, Edmonton used the name "Eskimos" -- but over the past few years, there was a public outcry from Inuit groups and leaders who said the name was racist ... and sponsors threatened to walk if the team didn't make a change.

In July, Edmonton announced they would ditch the name and search for something new ... and finally, on Tuesday, they revealed the new name and mascot ... THE ELKS!

The team revealed it had explored other options like the Evergreens, Elements, Eclipse, Evergolds, Eagles and Elkhounds ... but ultimately felt the Elk was the best choice.

Edmonton released a hype video to celebrate the rebrand ... saying, "The team you know and love -- new name, same game. Proud as ever. Bolder than ever. As fierce as they come."

The change is a big deal for one of the most legendary franchises in CFL history. Edmonton has racked up 14 Grey Cup titles since 1954 and are widely considered one of the most dominant franchises in league history.

There has been a huge movement to remove offensive mascots throughout sports -- with the NFL's Washington Football Team and MLB's Cleveland team making big changes in recent years.

The Washington Football Team is taking player mental health seriously ... hiring the organization's first full-time Director of Wellness to "proactively work on [the players'] mental wellbeing."

The team announced Monday the hiring of Dr. Barbara Roberts -- a full-time clinician with a Ph.D. in psychology who has previously served in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy as a Senior Policy Analyst and Coordinator for Health Policy.

Dr. Roberts "brings an extensive history of experience with professional athletes and looks forward to this opportunity to enhance the NFL Total Wellness mission," the team said in a statement.

According to the WFT, Dr. Roberts is tasked with brining a "proactive approach to handling mental health ... focusing on the development of a foundation for mental wellness and its impact on overall health and performance."

Her program will include "daily mental wellness work and will allow players to proactively work on their mental wellbeing."

Dr. Roberts commented on the new gig -- saying, "I look forward to this opportunity to enhance the NFL Total Wellness mission."

There ARE enough balls to go around for Julio Jones in Pittsburgh ... so says Chase Claypool, who tells TMZ Sports he'd LOVE it if the Steelers traded for the superstar WR!

"I would love him in Pittsburgh!" Claypool said outside The Farm in Beverly Hills this week.

Of course, Pittsburgh would have to get creative with its salary cap ... and it'd have to offer up a LOT to get Julio from Atlanta, but Claypool made it clear to us, there'd be no fight in the Pittsburgh receiver room if Jones was acquired.

Despite an uber-talented WR roster that includes Chase, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington ... Claypool said he'd still welcome Julio with open arms.

"We're stacked," Claypool said. "But, you can never get too many superstars."

As we previously reported, Jones wants out of Atlanta ... even telling Shannon Sharpe on live television this week that his days as a Falcon are done.

Atlanta has been reportedly shopping him around ... but it's unclear if Pittsburgh is a true frontrunner to land him.

One thing Chase says he knows for sure is that if Julio does come on board ... Jones will be a fan of his new QB -- with Claypool telling us Ben Roethlisberger is still his "G.O.A.T."

Don't lie to yourself ... you're curious how Tim Tebow looks at tight end at Jaguars practice, despite all the naysayers.

So, take a look for yourself -- here's a gallery of Tim running through a bunch of typical tight end drills ... he's blocking, catching passes, working on his footwork.

You know ... typical football stuff.

But, it's Tim Tebow -- who hasn't played a meaningful snap in the league since 2012, back when he was a quarterback!

Sure, grumble to yourself about how it's a joke ... and blah blah blah ... but click the damn button and look through the photos already.

You know you want to.

And, if you need a reminder ... Tim signed a 1-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, reconnecting with his old college football coach Urban Meyer.

So far, Trevor Lawrence -- the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- has raved about Tim ... calling him a positive influence and a role model for other players.

Janoris Jenkins claims SOMEONE took his $250,000 Rolls-Royce after he parked it at the airport in Atlanta ... but says no one seems to have any idea where it went.

The Tennessee Titans cornerback claims he parked his luxury vehicle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on May 5, before he caught a flight to West Palm Beach.

But, when he returned days later, "my vehicle was nowhere to be found."

Jenkins says he immediately complained to management and followed up with various staff members -- along with officials from "City of Atlanta Aviation" ... but no one gave him any answers.

"They gave me the complete run around," Jenkins said ... "I was told they have footage of my vehicle arriving but no footage of it leaving. Nothing makes sense!"

Jenkins says he later went to the ATL Police Dept. -- but still, no leads on his missing Rolls-Royce.

The NFL star is clearly upset about the car -- but seems more frustrated with the way he was treated by airport officials.

"I understand very well that unfortunate events like this do happen but these types of establishments are supposed to provide SAFETY, comfort and most of all a customer service that is unmatched."

"BE aware of this airport, it's distasteful staff, and please think twice before parking your vehicle here! I'm now short a quarter million dollars of an asset that I own with no help from this airport."

We reached out to the airport for comment, but so far no official statement. We’ll update when we hear back.

In the meantime, if you know anything about Jenkins' car -- HIT HIM UP!!

It's not too often you hear Bill Belichick gush about one of his players ... but not all of his players were Adam Vinatieri.

The Patriots head coach raved about the 48-year-old kicker as the G.O.A.T. after he announced his retirement on Wednesday -- and pointed out Vinny's game-winner in the legendary "Tuck Rule" game is the greatest single kick of all time.

"Adam Vinatieri is the greatest kicker of all-time who made the greatest kick of all-time in the 2001 divisional playoffs," Belichick said.

"His consistency, mental toughness and performance under pressure was legendary. I am honored to have coached Adam, going all the way back to his rookie year in 1996 and through some of the most special moments in Patriots and league history."

"Adam is in the rarest echelon of athletes whose career accomplishments may never be matched."

Adam was obviously known for coming through big in clutch moments -- including game-winners in TWO different Super Bowls.

But, the "Tuck Rule" kick was special -- it was Jan. 19, 2002, the Pats were playing the Raiders in heavy snow.

Vinny not only hit a 45-yarder to tie up the game with seconds remaining in the 4th quarter -- but he also hit the 23-yard, game-winner in overtime to seal the victory and send the Pats to Super Bowl XXXVI.

The rest is history ...

Pats owner Robert Kraft also praised Adam in a statement ... saying, "Adam Vinatieri earned the respect of his teammates and Patriots fans everywhere in 1996 when he caught Herschel Walker from behind for a touchdown-saving tackle on a kickoff return."

It's true ... and an AMAZING moment!

"For the next 10 years, that respect and admiration grew with every clutch performance and game-winning kick, especially his iconic 48-yard field goal as time expired in Super Bowl XXXVI."

"For Patriots fans, the feeling of that first Super Bowl championship will never be replicated. As memorable as Adam's Super Bowl performances were, he will always be remembered in New England for the greatest field goal in NFL history – the game-tying 45-yarder in the snow bowl against the Raiders."

Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri -- one of the greatest placekickers EVER -- is finally announcing his retirement ... 25 years after making his NFL debut!

The 48-year-old appeared on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday when he was asked about his football career, considering he hasn't been on a roster since the 2019 season.

"Should we just make it real?" Adam said ... "Should we just say 'Hey, we're done?' We're riding off into the sunset. You want it to be live on your show that Vinny's officially done? Is that what you want?"

Pat -- who played with Adam on the Indianapolis Colts -- replied, "I don't want that but if it's gonna happen, happy it's happening here! I would like that to be known. Don't feel obligated."

Vinny responded, "Put it this way ... today's Wednesday. By Friday, if paperwork goes in, you heard it here first."

Translation -- it's over.

Adam will go down as an NFL legend -- finishing as the league's all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points!

There's more ... he's a 4-time Super Bowl champion and also made more field goals than anyone in NFL history with 599!

But, he'll be most famously remembered for having ICE IN HIS VEINS IN CLUTCH MOMENTS!

Remember, when he hit the game-winning field goal for the New England Patriots with seconds remaining in Super Bowl XXXVI?!

Vinny sealed the victory for the Pats -- which began the famous Tom Brady, Bill Belichick dynasty.

He also hit the game-winner in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

There's a lot more ... we don't have all day.

Adam left the Pats after the 2005 season and went on to play in Indy from 2006 to 2019.

Next stop, Canton!

Congrats!!!

Tim Tebow's got plenty of doubters these days ... but Trevor Lawrence ain't one of them -- the new Jaguars superstar QB just raved over TT, saying the dude looks "great!"

Lawrence was asked this week about the 33-year-old who's trying to earn a spot on Jacksonville's roster after nearly a decade away from the game, and Trevor admitted he's impressed with what he's seen from Tebow so far.

"He looks good -- he looks great," Lawrence told the AP Pro Football Podcast.

"You can tell, he's just a guy that you want to be around. Character is awesome. Just had a few conversations with him and I can already tell. And, then just a hard worker. No one is going to work harder than him."

Lawrence continued, "Those are the kind of guys you want in your locker room and that you want to be around every day. And then I'm excited to see what he can do on the field as well. We got in a few days and he looks great. He's in awesome shape."

Jacksonville just inked Tim to a 1-year contract earlier this month ... and, with the former Heisman Trophy winner not having played a meaningful down since the 2012 season, many are skeptical this will all work out.

In fact, Charles Barkley said earlier this week he thinks it'll be "impossible" for Tim to transition from quarterback to tight end after so many years away from the game.

Lawrence, though, is clearly a believer ... adding on the podcast, "I was excited to meet him."

"When it was official, I saw him in the locker room and had a few good conversations and I really like him."

Aaron Rodgers won't have to wait long to avenge his playoff loss to Tom Brady ... the two QBs are set to face off on the golf course in July -- with Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau tagging along too!!

The PGA Tour just confirmed Rodgers and DeChambeau will go head-to-head against Brady and Mickelson in the next iteration of The Match -- and it'll all go down on July 6.

According to the Tour, the round will take place at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana ... and it's must-see TV.

The storylines are endless -- will Tom finally break out his driver? Will DeChambeau hit a 400-yard tee shot? How much smack will Phil talk?

And, of course, will Rodgers -- who famously lost to Brady in the NFC Championship Game last January -- still be a Green Bay Packer by tee time?!?!

If you're unfamiliar, The Match has been going on for the past few years ... with athletes and pro golfers teaming up to provide amazing TV all while benefitting charities.

The past couple rounds have been great watches ... especially in 2020, when Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Brady and Mickelson.

In that round, Brady refused to take out a driver off the tee ... but Mickelson is already vowing to change all of that and bring home the W this summer.

"Tom and I have some unfinished business," Mickelson said Wednesday. "Unfortunately it will be at Bryson and Aaron’s expense."

Even Tom's already talking trash, firing away at Rodgers on Twitter ... "[DeChambeau] better get used to laying up because we know @AaronRodgers12 isn’t going for it."

Aaron Rodgers couldn't care less about the drama back Green Bay ... he's too busy frolicking through the waterfalls of Hawaii with his girlfriend and Miles Teller!

Aaron and Shailene Woodley -- along with Miles and his wife, Keleigh Sperry, spent their Tuesday hiking around Maui ... exploring the lush green wilderness with massive smiles on their faces!

Of course, back home on the mainland ... Aaron is in a cold war with the Packers, which are currently holding OTA workouts with the team.

The workouts are voluntary and clearly, Aaron isn't torn about his decision at all -- just look at how happy he is on the islands!!

We know Aaron is a pro athlete who's been playing at the highest level for years -- but look at that physique, dude is jacked!

After the hike, the group decided to flex their pipes -- singing the Taylor Swift hit, "The 1."

Earlier this week, Aaron was on the guitar as they jammed to hits like "Wagon Wheel" ... good times!

Bottom line, Vacation Aaron is LOVING LIFE right now -- really feeling that Aloha spirit.