Football

NFL coach Greg Knapp -- who was struck by a car while riding his bike over the weekend -- succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, his family announced. He was 58 years old.

As we previously reported, Knapp and a vehicle collided on a road in San Ramon, CA. at around 2:49 PM on Saturday ... and coach was rushed to a nearby hospital with "major injuries."

Knapp tragically did not survive the accident ... with the Knapp family sharing the devastating news in a statement.

"Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven, where he will be reunited with his Dad."

Knapp was immediately rendered unconscious after the accident ... and never regained consciousness.

"Those of us who were so blessed to have known him, know that he would have wanted even this moment to be a teachable one," the family continued. "So this is it ... 'Live every day as if it's your last, and love those around you like it won't last!'"

Knapp was beloved in the league -- he coached superstars like Steve Young, Carson Palmer, Mike Vick, Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan since joining the league in 1995 ... and had been working with rookie QB Zach Wilson this offseason after joining Robert Saleh's staff as the passing game coordinator.

He won a Super Bowl as the QB coach with the Denver Broncos in 2016.

Clancy Barone -- who coached alongside Knapp with the Atlanta Falcons and Broncos -- shared an emotional tribute to his friend of 40 years ... saying, "College teammate. Best friend in the coaching profession."

"We always made sure our lockers were next to each other during out coaching journey ... including 2 Super Bowls!!!"

"Knapper ... one of a kind in more ways than we can count."

Jets head coach Robert Saleh added ... "Greg had such an inner peace about him that people always seemed to gravitate towards."

"He lived life in a loving way that helped him connect with people from all walks of life in a unique way. In his short time here, I believe the people in this organization had a chance to experience that connection."

Knapp was surrounded by his mother, wife, brother and 3 daughters in the hospital.

DeAndre Hopkins' days in the NFL could be coming to a close ... at least that's according to the wide receiver himself, who says the league's new COVID vaccine stance has him pondering retirement.

The NFL announced Thursday it will potentially punish teams with forfeits and loss of game checks if virus outbreaks among unvaccinated players cause unfixable scheduling issues.

Hopkins clearly HATES the idea of that ... and dropped a bombshell on his social media page hours after the league's announcement, saying he might now look into retirement.

"Never thought I would say this," the Arizona Cardinals superstar said in a since-deleted tweet.

"But being put in a position to hurt my team because I don’t want to partake in the vaccine is making me question my future in the @Nfl."

The league has NOT made COVID vaccines mandatory for its players ... but it's clear, it wants all of its employees to get the shot.

In addition to Thursday's new policy, the league has also placed heavy restrictions on players who have yet to get the vaccine.

Some of those regulations include, among many other things, daily COVID testing, mask requirements and travel restrictions.

According to commissioner Roger Goodell ... about one quarter of the league's players are still not at least partially vaccinated.

Ex-Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks is cleared to resume his football career -- the NFLer was just sentenced to one day behind bars in his insider trading case on Thursday.

The 30-year-old pled guilty in 2018 for handing over cash and NFL tickets to a Goldman Sachs analyst for private info that made him $1.2 million in profit ... and was facing up to 25 years in prison.

After sentencing was pushed back multiple times in 2019 and 2020, Kendricks finally learned his fate -- according to FOX NFL's Jay Glazer, he was handed one day in jail, 3 years supervised release, a $100k fine and 300 community service hours.

The sentence means Kendricks is able to resume his NFL career as early as tomorrow.

The former linebacker has been in the league since 2012 -- logging in 19 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions ... plus winning the Super Bowl in 2018 with the Eagles.

"I know you could scold my ass, and I know you could really, really help me out and, just -- please, sir!"

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins -- a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- begged cops over and over again to not arrest him during a speeding stop in Scottsdale, Ariz. last month ... and the entire incident was captured on police video.

In the footage, obtained by TMZ Sports, cops pulled over Collins and told him they were stopping him because they said he was going a staggering 76 MPH in a 35 MPH zone.

Collins was surprised to hear the number ... and told one of the officers, "Nah, I was not going that fast," before adding, "I apologize."

Collins then explained he plays for the Cards while handing over his ID.

The officers eventually placed Collins in cuffs ... and after they told him they were arresting him for excessive speed and reckless driving -- the 22-year-old football player began pleading with them to let him go.

"There's no reason for this," Collins said. "Are you serious?"

Collins then begged some more to the officers ... adding, "I've been cool. I've been chill. Can you please? Please, sir?"

Collins was ultimately placed in the back of a squad car ... and he tried one last time to get out of the arrest there.

"I know I sped a little bit, sir," Collins said ... "I'm just saying, can you help, like, please? Just show a little bit of love. Please. God bless. Please."

Unfortunately for the football player, he was still booked and later charged with 1 count of exceeding the speed limit and 1 count of reckless driving.

Collins' case is still playing in the court system. His next hearing is slated for late August.

Terrelle Pryor says he crashed his bike Thursday morning -- flipping the thing TWICE -- but, the former NFL star claims he somehow escaped the scary wreck with no major injuries.

It's unclear where the accident took place ... but Pryor posted videos and a picture of the damage done to his three-wheeler in the crash, and it's horrifying.

You can see in the footage, Pryor's bike had severe scrapes, scratches and dents ... and the windshield was completely crushed.

In a comment on the clips, Pryor said, "Flipped twice from this dumb ass car chipping me."

He added, "Luckily still breathing and a scratch."

In a message to TMZ Sports, Pryor reiterated he came away from wreck OK ... saying, "Yea, I'm cool."

Pryor has been seen in the three-wheeler -- a Vanderhall model that runs for around $30,000 -- for the last few months ... even posting some video of him driving the ride with no hands back in May.

Pryor, though, said he will NOT be getting another one after Thursday's accident ... saying he's, "Done with bikes."

Of course, this ain't the first time Pryor has been fortunate to be alive after a terrifying incident ... you'll recall, he somehow made it out OK after he was allegedly violently stabbed by his GF back in Nov. 2019.

Forget Le'Veon Bell and Adrian Peterson ... Eric Dickerson says if the Rams turn to a vet to help fill the RB void left after Cam Akers' injury -- they NEED to give Todd Gurley a call!

The former Rams superstar explained it all to TMZ Sports out at LAX this week ... saying Gurley would be the perfect runner to sign if L.A. doesn't like what it sees from Akers' backups this summer.

"That’s a no-brainer," Dickerson said of re-inking Gurley. "I mean, he knows the offense, he knows this offense. He doesn’t have to come in and try and learn it."

"He knows [Sean] McVay, he knows the guys on the team -- that would be an easy fit."

Of course, there are plenty of roadblocks both sides would have to get through to get to that point -- many of which Dickerson acknowledges himself.

First and foremost, the two parties didn't have the best breakup when the Rams moved on from their former star in 2020.

Gurley also didn't exactly look great in his lone season in Atlanta last year, rushing for just 3.5 yards per carry.

But, Todd is a free agent seeking an NFL home, and the Rams could use the help -- so Dickerson says "business decisions" could end up motivating both sides to reconnect and enjoy a new marriage.

"At the end of the day, football, this is business," Dickerson said. "That’s what it comes down to. You got to make business decisions."

"You got to make decisions that are good for the football team, and the player has to make decisions that’s best for him."

Deshaun Watson doesn't look like a guy too concerned about his uncertain NFL future ... 'cause the QB hit up a New York hotspot Tuesday night appearing to be as cool as a cucumber, even posing for pics with fans outside the place.

The Texans superstar -- who's still being accused by more than 20 women of sexual misconduct -- had dinner at the popular 4 Seasons in NYC ... and he didn't seem to be perturbed about much.

Cameras captured the 25-year-old outside the restaurant in good spirits ... smiling and taking photos with people -- even chatting with some who had no idea who he was.

Of course, despite his positive attitude ... Watson's football future is still very much up in the air as his Texans team is slated to open training camp next week.

Watson could be barred from the workouts -- and perhaps even the entire 2021 season -- as cops and the NFL continue to investigate claims he was inappropriate with female massage therapists on multiple occasions over the past couple years.

As we previously reported, 22 masseuses have said in court docs that Watson crossed the line during what were supposed to be routine massage therapy sessions.

For his part, Watson has denied any wrongdoing ... and his reps have been adamant that any sexual encounters between the football player and the massage therapists were entirely consensual.

Devastating news from Bobby Bowden -- the legendary Florida State coach just announced he is suffering from a terminal medical condition ... saying he is "prepared for what is to come."

91-year-old Bowden -- who won 2 national titles with the Seminoles -- spoke out about his health status on Wednesday.

"I've always tried to serve God's purpose for my life, on and off the field, and I am prepared for what is to come," Bowden told the Tallahassee Democrat. "My wife Ann and our family have been life's greatest blessing."

"I am at peace."

Bobby is one of the best coaches EVER -- he earned more than 350 wins in his time as the Seminoles' coach ... and was so good, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006 while he was still on the FSU sidelines.

Bowden has not fully recovered from his health scare last year -- he tested positive for COVID-19 while getting treated for a skin infection ... and spent time in the hospital.

The report says the coach is currently under supervised care and "resting comfortably" at his home in Florida.

It's apparently "Coach" Sanders or it's no Sanders for Deion Sanders ... 'cause the Jackson State headman allegedly shut down interviews Tuesday after reporters referred to him as simply "Deion."

The bizarre scene reportedly took place during SWAC Media Day in Birmingham, Ala. ... when The Clarion-Ledger claims Sanders went off on one of its writers, Nick Suss, for calling the coach by his 1st name.

"You don't call Nick Saban, 'Nick,'" the outlet claims Sanders told Suss, referring to Alabama's legendary head football coach. "Don't call me Deion."

"If you call Nick [Saban], Nick, you'll get cussed out on the spot, so don't do that to me," Sanders reportedly added. "Treat me like Nick."

The Clarion-Ledger says when the football coach was referred to as Deion a second time during the interviews ... it claims that's when Sanders stormed out of the event.

Sanders -- who's very active on social media -- has yet to comment publicly on the allegations.

What's interesting about it all is Sanders is well-known for his nicknames ... responding to both "Neon Deion" and "Prime Time" during and after his NFL career.

As we previously reported, 53-year-old Sanders took over the Jackson State football program in 2020 ... and posted a 4-3 record in his first season as headman.

JSU is slated to kick off its second season with Sanders at the helm in September.

L.A. Rams star running back Cam Akers is in good spirits after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles ... saying he'll be back and better in no time.

The team made the news official Tuesday morning ... solidifying the end of the 22-year-old's sophomore campaign before it even began.

Despite the devastating news, Akers kept a positive attitude on Twitter ... saying, "I just want to thank any and every person sending prayers my way and wishing me well."

"I hate this happened but I’m in great spirits and I understand God makes no mistakes. I’ll be back better than ever in no time I’m a soldier. Again, thank you 🙏🏾."

Akers was set to have a huge 2021 season after earning 625 yards and 2 touchdowns in 13 games in his rookie year.

Although his 2021 is over, Akers should be good to go in time for 2022 ... and it sounds like he's determined to put the injury behind him as soon as possible.

The G.O.A.T. is finally back at POTUS' pad ... Tom Brady has officially made the trip to the White House for the Buccaneers' Super Bowl party!!

Of course, this is an extremely rare sight ... 'cause the QB barely ever goes to these events -- you'll recall, the last time he attended a D.C. Super Bowl celly was way back in 2005!!

Brady skipped out on a trip to Barack Obama's White House in 2015, and he also ditched a visit to Donald Trump's White House in 2017.

When Brady's Patriots won it all again in 2018 ... the team as a whole never went -- meaning Brady has only capped off 3 of his previous 6 championships with 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. visit.

Unclear what made Brady want to go this time around -- particularly 'cause it's Gisele's birthday Tuesday -- but he's there nonetheless, and looking dapper as hell!!

Tom wore a dark suit with a tie and sunglasses for the occasion ... and he was front and center for a team pic with the Lombardi Trophy out on the South Lawn before the ceremony began.

His teammate, Donovan Smith, even got in a little joking with Tom about the event ... asking the QB, "You got residency here?"

Tom's response? "It's been a long time since I've been here. A long time."

The Bucs' trip marks the first time a Super Bowl winner has gone to the White House for a celebration since 2017 ... and we're sure there's going to be a lot of laughs at the event.

The official ceremony gets underway in just a few minutes ... stay tuned!!

Well, Jalen Hurts is clearly ready for the 2021 season to begin ...

The Philadelphia Eagles QB was spotted in the gym this month putting on a serious display of strength ... deadlifting 620 pounds!!!

It's unclear exactly where Jalen was throwing around the iron ... but the lift is impressive as hell nonetheless -- considering the 22-year-old tips the scales at just 6'1", 223 lbs.

Check out the clip of the rep ... Hurts is able to get the weight up with a perfect form and not a whole lot of energy spent.

Seriously ... the guy made it look easy!!

Of course, it's a great sign for the Eagles ... because after the team traded Carson Wentz this offseason -- its '21 success is basically riding on whether or not Hurts can officially handle QB1 duties.

You'll recall ... the dude stepped in for Wentz at the end of last year and played pretty well -- finishing the season with 1,061 passing yards, 6 passing TDs and 3 rushing TDs in 4 starts.

Michael Irvin says he's straight-up upset the Dallas Cowboys have low COVID vaccine rates ... explaining he believes it's a sign his former team doesn't really care about winning.

The Hall of Famer broke it all down at a recent charity event this month ... ripping the 'Boys for being below the NFL's 85% vaccine threshold.

"If you're not one of them teams [at the threshold]," Irvin said, "are you really thinking about winning a championship?"

As you may know, 85% is the number the league has set in order for teams to be able to ease COVID rules and regulations for the 2021 season ... and the Dallas legend is clearly pissed the Cowboys have yet to make it there.

Irvin went on to say Cowboys players should also be pissed that they're still below the 85% mark ... explaining the team should be doing everything in its power to get others to take the shots.

"Not being one of the [85% threshold teams] says there's other things to a great number of people on this team that are more important than winning championships," Irvin said.

"And that makes me worried."

According to multiple reports, only 13 of the 32 NFL squads have hit the league's required mark.

Of course, it really is a big advantage in the NFL this season to make it to that milestone ... teams who are above the threshold will be able to work out and practice way more freely than teams who are below it.

Irvin clearly understands this ... and is imploring the Cowboys to get above the mark ASAP.

"It should upset them," Irvin said. "Dude, you're not thinking right. You're not thinking right. Whatever you got, I don't give a damn."

The end of the pandemic means no masks and a return to normalcy for some ... but for DeAndre Hopkins -- he tells TMZ Sports it's an opportunity to help thousands in his new hometown.

The NFL superstar couldn't do as much charity work in Arizona after being traded to the Cardinals in 2020 due to the coronavirus ... but he says he's hopeful that'll all change as we enter a post-COVID world.

"My mom and I, we're about to get into the community," Hopkins said out at LAX. "You know, it was COVID, so we really couldn't do much."

It's spectacular news for Arizonians ... 'cause, if you're unfamiliar, Hopkins and his mom, Sabrina Greenlee, have an amazing charity called S.M.O.O.O.T.H.

It was established to help women who have been affected by domestic violence.

Hopkins has been very active when it comes to raising funds for it all ... he even helped create a line of breakfast cereal this year to try to get more cash flow into the company.

Hopkins clearly wants to see it thrive in the desert, telling us, "We're in Houston right now, but trying to touch the Arizona market."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Jaydon Mickens has been hit with 2 criminal charges stemming from his March arrest ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to court docs, prosecutors have levied 2 misdemeanors against the 27-year-old Super Bowl champ after they say he was illegally carrying a loaded firearm in his car in L.A. on March 5.

As we previously reported, cops initially pulled over Mickens after they said the tint on his ride was too dark.

During the stop, though, they said they found a gun inside his car -- NOT on his person -- and arrested him over it.

Prosecutors clearly felt there was enough to move forward with the case ... and it could spell bad news for Mickens, 'cause the two gun charges he's facing each carry a maximum of one year in jail if convicted.

The Bucs said in a statement shortly after the arrest they were monitoring the situation ... but Mickens has not been cut over it all and he's still set to be with the team when it opens up training camp later this month.

Mickens has been mostly a special teams player for the Bucs ... and returned kicks for the team in their Super Bowl win over the K.C. Chiefs last February.

Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis is at least somewhat confident Aaron Rodgers will show up for training camp later this month ... telling TMZ Sports he "thinks" the QB will be there.

Rodgers -- who's been feuding with Green Bay brass for MONTHS now -- still has not committed to playing for the Packers this season ... and it's unclear if he has any plans at all to join the club for training camp when it kicks off on July 26.

But, Lewis says he's predicting his quarterback will show up to the mandatory workouts in two weeks ... telling us out at LAX, "I think so."

"I hope so," the 37-year-old added. "I hope to see my guy there."

Lewis, though, made it clear he doesn't have too much inside information on the situation ... explaining, "We'll see what happens."

Rodgers has reportedly been upset over his contract situation, as well as some of the personnel moves the team has made ... and, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it's unlikely he comes to camp without some sort of guarantee that he'll be traded after the season.

As for how the quarterback has handled this offseason amid all the drama -- staying away from the Packers and instead jettisoning around the globe with his fiancee, Shailene Woodley -- Lewis tells us he's all for it.

"It's probably good for him to just give him some time to himself -- some family time," Lewis said. "Hopefully I see him on the 26th."