Football

Here it is ... Julio Jones' first touchdown in Tennessee as a member of the Titans.

The superstar WR just landed in Nashville after being traded from the Atlanta Falcons ... and of course, he made the trip in a private jet!

The 32-year-old perennial All-Pro seemed to be in a great mood as he stepped off the plane ... ready to enter his 11th season in the league with a serious Super Bowl contender.

He was greeted by Titans GM Jon Robinson.

As you may know, the Falcons sent Julio (and a 2023 draft pick) to the Titans for a 2nd-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and a 4th-round pick in the 2023 Draft.

After the deal became official, Robinson told reporters he was STOKED about the move.

"Excited to add Julio to the football team. He's excited to be part of what we've got going on in Nashville. It's a big day for our team."

Jones will add even more firepower to an already dangerous offense that includes superstar RB Derrick Henry and explosive wide-out A.J. Brown.

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill is also excited -- tweeting out, "Let's Gooo!!"

As for the Falcons, they kept it classy -- tweeting out a tribute video to their former superstar.

Greg Olsen's 8-year-old son is speaking out after his heart transplant ... and the kid is simply incredible.

"Hi everybody, thank you for thinking of me," TJ Olsen said in a video shot from his hospital bed and posted Monday morning.

"Thank you for praying with me. Congrats, all of you have gotten a win! We love you guys!"

TJ underwent his heart transplant surgery on Friday -- and his ex-NFL star father said doctors at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC were "very happy" with the way things went.

Greg also noted TJ would "be sedated for a few days but his road to recovery has begun."

Now, TJ is up and talking -- AND CHARISMATIC AS EVER!

Think about what he's been through over the past few days/weeks -- and to be able to sit up in your hospital bed and talk make a video thanking a bunch of strangers?

This kid is incredible.

TJ was born with a serious heart condition -- and underwent 3 open-heart surgeries before his 3rd birthday.

Just a few weeks ago, Greg announced TJ's heart was "reaching its end" -- and he needed a heart transplant ASAP.

After the procedure, Greg issued a statement sending love to the donor family for their gift of life.

NBA fans gotta keep the water bottles, spit and popcorn to themselves ... so says NFL tight end Gerald Everett, who tells TMZ Sports the wild spectators need to cut the crap and keep sports a peaceful place for everyone.

There have been several instances of fans crossing the line at NBA games over the past week -- with superstars like Trae Young, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook having objects -- or liquids -- hurled in their direction.

On top of that, one fan even ran on the court during Game 5 of the Wizards vs. Sixers matchup on Monday night ... before getting absolutely leveled by arena security.

We spoke with 26-year-old Everett about the rise in fan-related incidents over the past week ... and he says it's extremely important to keep sports a fun place for everyone -- especially during tough times.

"Man, we just gotta realize that it's a team sport," Everett told us at LAX. "We're doing it to bring everybody together and it's just like a crazy time right now -- coronavirus and everybody's still tryna make it through."

"Sports is the only thing we have left so we have to use that as a key element to bringing people back together."

Everett says he's excited for fans to be back in NFL stadiums this season ... that is, if everyone behaves.

Antonio Brown is ready to follow his QB into battle again for the 2021 NFL season -- sharing kind words about Tom Brady ... this while engaging in even kinder acts with the community.

We got this video of AB out at Northeast High School Saturday in Oakland Park, FL ... where the star Buccaneers receiver was hosting a free youth football camp for 200 inner-city kids with his charity "Live Your Vision Foundation" ... with the help of some other star footballers like Michael Vick, Frank Gore and more.

As Antonio was making his way to the field to mingle with the youngsters who showed up in droves for a workout ... he did a quick stop and chat with a photog, who asked about another season with Tom at the helm, at age 43 no less.

Check it out ... AB weighs in on how much longer TB12 can play for -- and he does a great job teasing Tom's play, as well as what the rest of the team are expecting to do this year following their Super Bowl championship. Sounds like he thinks Tom can beat Father Time!

He also notes that he himself is feeling great health-wise, after undergoing off-season knee surgery, and based on the way he's moving in this clip -- we believe him.

Amazing news for Greg Olsen and his family ... the former NFL star says his 8-year-old son, TJ, has found a donor match for his heart transplant!

The 36-year-old tight end made the announcement on his social media page Friday morning, calling the news "a huge step forward."

"A day we have prayed for has arrived," Olsen said while posting a picture of him smiling with TJ and his wife, Kara.

"We were alerted last night that there was a donor match for TJ to receive his heart transplant. Walking our little boy, with tears of hope and fear in our eyes, was one of the toughest moments of our lives."

Olsen added, "We ask for everyone’s prayers for TJ and his amazing team of doctors and nurses. TJ has a long road ahead of him but today is a huge step forward."

As we previously reported, TJ was hospitalized last month in North Carolina with a serious heart condition.

Olsen said it was all very terrifying, 'cause TJ "has already undergone 3 open heart surgeries and has survived with a modified heart for his first 8 years of life."

It's unclear when TJ will have his operation ... but he's already got at least one big NFL star rooting for him -- Julian Edelman tweeted to Olsen on Friday, "Thoughts are you with your little one today bubs."

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!!