Football

Colin Kaepernick hasn't played a single snap in the NFL since January 2017, but he's still a better QB than half the starters in the league ... this, according to the new Madden 22 ratings.

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... the 33-year-old ex-San Francisco 49ers star-turned-social justice icon is featured in the newest edition of the uber-popular EA Sports franchise ... and comes with an eye-popping 81 overall rating.

To compare, that's a higher rating than Los Angeles Chargers star signal-caller Justin Herbert, who just won Offensive Rookie of the Year with 4,336 passing yards, 31 TDs, 10 INTs and 230 rushing yards.

In Kap's best statistical year -- 2014 -- he threw for 3,369 yards, 19 TDs, 10 INTs and 639 rushing yards.

Kap's 81 rating is above Herbert (80), Kirk Cousins (79), Trevor Lawrence 78, Ben Roethlisberger (78), Joe Burrow (77) and Jared Goff (77).

While Kap's speed rating is NOT good -- he's at an 83, which is the same as Baker Mayfield-- he's in the top 10 for QB awareness with 87 ... ahead of guys like Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford and Kyler Murray.

Of course, there's a touchy history between Madden and Kap -- remember, his name was removed from Big Sean's "Big Bank" verse on the game's soundtrack in 2018 ... but EA Sports apologized and chalked it up to a mistake by a member of their team.

Kap was also featured in Madden 21 ... with a better rating than guys like Baker Mayfield and Cam Newton.

Kaepernick -- who first started his national anthem demonstration in August 2016 -- has accused the NFL of blackballing him ... and commissioner Roger Goodell later admitted the league mishandled the player protests.

Terrell Owens says he's "100 percent" sure he can still play in the NFL ... telling TMZ Sports he wants a team to sign him and give him a chance to play ASAP!!!

"There's no doubt, 100 percent, that I can play in the National Football League today," Owens says.

The 47-year-old Hall of Famer tells us he's still in amazing shape -- claiming to have run a 4.4 40-yard dash just days ago -- and says if a team signs him, it won't be disappointed.

"I'm not washed up," Owens tells us ... adding, "Once you know how to ride a bike, you know, you don't forget how to ride that bike."

Of course, T.O. hasn't played a regular-season down in the league since the 2010 season, but he was effective that year ... piling up 983 yards and 9 TDs on 72 catches.

And, Owens says he really hasn't stopped training since ... despite being a free agent for more than a decade.

"I've been on the track, and, honestly, I just ran probably like a week ago," Owens tells us. "I was clocked at like a 4.4. Faster than I probably ever have in probably in a while."

In fact, Owens says he's actually drawn interest from at least one "individual" in the NFL this summer ... who the wideout says told him to stay in shape for the possibility of a signing this year.

"With that conversation that I had, they asked me to keep myself in shape -- anything can happen," Owens tells us. "And, so, that's what I'm doing."

In the meantime, while Owens waits for a possible call, the receiver is launching a new season of his "Getcha Popcorn Ready with T.O. and Hatch" show on Fubo Sports Network.

Brett Favre is calling for a ban on youth tackle football ... saying he believes no child should participate in live, full-contact games until at least the age of 14.

The Hall of Fame QB explained his stance to Harvey and Charles on "TMZ Live" ... saying he believes the ban could help prevent concussions and long-term brain issues.

"What I was told basically is the human head is completely developed by age 15 to 18," Favre said. "And I may be wrong or off a little bit, but that's what I remember."

"And, so, even though the brain will continue to move around at impact at 30 or at 18, you give yourself more of a fighting chance by your head being more developed."

Favre is so passionate about the cause ... the 51-year-old participated in a PSA this month urging parents to keep their kids out of the tackling game until their 14th birthday.

Favre emphasized he is by no means calling for an end to the sport ... saying he believes the removal of the hitting game at the youth level could actually make football better down the road.

"You'd probably do the kids a lot more justice," Favre said. "Teach them the fundamentals."

Favre added his 3 young grandchildren have yet to compete in the tackling game at the youth level ... something he says he has zero issues with at the moment.

File under: "Perks of having a 7-time Super Bowl champ for a dad."

Tom Brady's son, Jack, got a front-row seat to watch his pops at work -- getting ball boy responsibilities at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp this week!!

The pics are adorable ... with the 13-year-old chatting it up with coaches and TB12 while the reigning champs prep for the upcoming season.

Brady couldn't be more proud of his son ... with the proud father showing off on Instagram about his kid's new gig.

"Buccaneers got a new ball boy this week," TB12 said. "He takes his summer job and every rep very seriously ... just like his dad!!"

No word on if this is a full-time summer job for Jack now, or if it was a one-time thing ... but either way, it's very cool to see.

Of course, TB12 and Jack have spent a lot of time bonding over football together over the years ... remember, the QB juked the hell outta his son during a backyard workout back in 2018 -- which is just as hilarious 3 years later.

The FBI is now involved in the Deshaun Watson sexual misconduct case ... so says the NFL star's accusers' attorney, who claims federal agents have launched their own probe into the quarterback.

Tony Buzbee -- who represents the more than 20 female massage therapists who have alleged Watson was inappropriate with them during rub-down sessions -- made the surprising claim this week.

In an interview with League of Justice & Amy Dash, Buzbee says FBI agents have spoken with him and Watson's accusers on multiple occasions over the past few days.

"They contacted me and I've met with them three times now and now they've met with several of the plaintiffs in the case," Buzbee said.

Buzbee explained the agents told them they think they have jurisdiction in the case due to the way Watson allegedly reached out to the women in several states over social media direct messaging -- and the alleged encounters themselves took place in different states.

But, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, is calling B.S. on it all ... saying in a statement, "I have absolutely no reason to believe that Deshaun is being investigated by the FBI."

He added, "Mr. Buzbee's comments are just part of a long, continuing pattern of just trying to harm Deshaun in the public perception. It is despicable conduct and I hope one day people will hold him accountable when the whole truth comes out."

The FBI, meanwhile, would not confirm nor deny if it was investigating the 25-year-old ... according to the League of Justice & Amy Dash's report.

Jalen Reagor did his best Odell Beckham Jr. impression during Eagles practice Tuesday ... hauling in a pass with one hand -- and the grab was absolutely INSANE!!!

The Philadelphia wideout snagged the football over Patriots defender Michael Jackson Sr. ... getting up several feet in the air to haul the football in with his right paw.

Reagor was clearly impressed with the reception ... he posted video of it to his social media page -- and it's now got everyone wondering, did it top Odell's famous 2015 catch?!

Of course, OBJ gets more points 'cause his was actually in a real game ... but still, Reagor's was, after all, worth six points in a joint-practice with the Pats!!

Either way ... the grab is a great sign for Reagor and the Eagles -- 'cause, you'll recall, Philly has been widely panned for picking the former TCU star over guys like Justin Jefferson and Tee Higgins in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Reagor has been a star so far in Eagles camp ... he made a similar eye-popping, one-handed catch just a few days ago.

Tebow time in Jacksonville is officially over ... the Jaguars have just cut Tim Tebow.

The former Heisman Trophy winner announced the move himself Tuesday morning ... saying in a statement he was "grateful for the chance" the Jaguars gave him by signing him in the spring.

"Thankful for the highs and even the lows, the opportunities, and the setbacks," Tebow said. "I've never wanted to make decisions out of fear of failure and I'm grateful for the chance to have pursued a dream."

Tebow added, "Thank you the @Jaguars organization and everyone who has supported me in this journey."

The Jags inked Tebow to a 1-year contract back in May ... giving him the opportunity to switch from quarterback to tight end.

And, initially, things looked to be going well for the 34-year-old ... he looked jacked and was clearly a crowd favorite at training camp practices.

In fact, Tebow had a few highlight moments during workouts over the past few weeks ... even catching a touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence!

But, Tebow appeared to struggle during his first and only preseason game with Jacksonville ...  missing some key blocks.

It's unclear if Tebow will latch on with another team before the season starts next month ... or if we've officially seen the last of Tim on an NFL field.

Ex-NFL star James Harrison says there's no need for a stunt double on the set of his new wrestling TV show ... revealing he does his ALL his own moves -- and it hurts!!!

As we previously reported, the former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker is taking his talents from the gridiron to the screen ... kickstarting a career in acting after 15 years in the NFL.

Harrison plays a journeyman wrestler named Apocalypse in the new Starz show, "Heels" ... which is about 2 brothers going to war with their rivals over their father's wrestling promotion in a small Georgia town.

Harrison joined "TMZ Live" to talk about his new gig ... and he says he's really doing all the complex moves himself!!

"The pain is real but the actual competition of it is not," Harrison said.

"The things that we're doing, we're actually working with each other to make sure that we do it safely and make it look painful as possible."

The 43-year-old ain't afraid to do anything -- from "jumping off the top rope, landing on someone, someone landing on you, taking a clothesline, taking a bump, when you hit your back on the mat, whatever -- that is real!

"That's real pain!!!"

In fact, 6-foot, 242-lb. Harrison tells us the first time he flipped out of the ring ... injuring his right knee, which required a 2-month break from shooting.

It's obvious Harrison -- who won 2 Super Bowls with the Steelers -- is taking acting very seriously ... and he's coming for The Rock's job!

NFL cornerback Cameron Kinley -- who fought to delay his U.S. military service to play in the league -- was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced.

The former Navy standout signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent shortly after graduating the Naval Academy ... but because of his commitment to serve as an officer, the Navy refused to delay his service.

The 22-year-old fought hard to get the decision reversed ... even asking President Joe Biden for help when we spoke to him in June ... saying, "I'm just asking that you consider helping me with this situation I am currently in."

The Secretary of Defense finally gave Kinley the delay on July 6 which was right in time for Bucs' training camp -- and he got to see the field in the preseason opener this past weekend, banking in 6 tackles.

But, on Sunday, the Bucs announced they waived three players -- including Kinley.

"I'm definitely grateful I had an opportunity to be a part of the organization," Kinley told ESPN after the cut.

"I was able to learn a lot on and off the field from the players, coaches and support staff. I wish the Buccaneers the best this season and I look forward to what God has next for me."

Kinley is subject to waivers and if he's unclaimed, he can sign with another team as a free agent.

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera is absolutely sick and tired of the fake news about the COVID vaccines ... calling misinformation spreaders "f***ing a**holes" who are causing people to die.

The 59-year-old -- who is immune deficient after battling skin cancer last year -- has been a strong advocate for getting his team and others to take the COVID-19 vaccine this season ... saying back in July he was "beyond frustrated" with players who hadn't been vaccinated.

Rivera says one of the biggest hurdles he's had to get over is all the wild lies that "experts" have been sharing on the Internet ... which is leaving a negative impact on the younger crowd.

"Gen Z is relying on [phones]," Rivera told Sports Illustrated. "And you got some, quite frankly, f***ing a**holes, that are putting a bunch of misinformation out there, leading people to die."

"That’s frustrating to me, that these people are allowed to have a platform. And then, one specific news agency, every time they have someone on, 'I’m not a doctor, but the vaccines don’t work.' Or, 'I’m not an epidemiologist, but vaccines are going to give you a third nipple and make you sterile.'"

"Come on. That, to me? That should not be allowed."

Brandon Marshall says he's changed his tune ... the ex-NFL star is now admitting to TMZ Sports he actually thinks the Dallas Cowboys will make a run to the Super Bowl this year!!!

We got the former Giants wideout at Catch in L.A. earlier this week with his "I AM ATHLETE" co-host Channing Crowder ... and the guy couldn't help but gush about Dallas despite his past feelings on the team.

"The last two months," Marshall said, "I've shifted. I think they're a true contender."

As for why he believes the Cowboys have gone from a 6-10 squad to now a true threat in the NFC?

"Dak Prescott healthy. Defense, middle of the road -- Super Bowl!" he said.

Crowder, though, ain't convinced ... the former Miami Dolphins linebacker said he believes it'll take Dak Prescott a full TWO YEARS to bounce back from his gruesome ankle injury.

"You recover from injury two years after the injury," Crowder said. "I don't think Dak's going to be back this year."

We also talked with the guys about Deshaun Watson ... and they told us they hate the idea of the quarterback currently being listed as the fourth string on Houston's depth chart.

The two agreed that if the NFL won't put Watson on paid leave amid sexual misconduct allegations ... the Texans should either start him or trade him to another team that will.

By the way, the dudes are KILLIN' IT with their "I AM ATHLETE" show ... and after talking ball with us, they promised big things are coming with the show and the brand in the near future!

The Rams lost their game Saturday, and at least one of the fans lost a considerable amount of blood watching it happen ... after an insane brawl broke out in the stands.

Fans squared off during the Rams/Chargers game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood during a preseason game.

The game was close and tension in the stands was palpable during the second quarter. You see two fans square off ... first just jawboning and then the fists start flying, leaving the face of one of the dudes bloodied.

It's unclear what security was doing, but it took them a LONG TIME to mosey over and break up the fight.

The guy in the white shirt -- the one throwing the punches -- was escorted out and the game continued.

Derrius Guice won't be seeing the NFL field anytime soon -- not only is the free agent running back without a team, but he's also now been suspended 6 games by the NFL.

Of course, the 24-year-old was arrested in August 2020 after 3 alleged violent incidents between February and April with his then-girlfriend ... when he was accused of choking and pushing her to the ground ... as well as destroying her phone.

Guice reached a settlement with the victim back in June 2021 ... and while details on the deal were not made public, a rep for the prosecutors said the "process permits the parties to control the direction and outcome of such matters."

Despite the charges being dropped, the NFL confirms the punishment is a result of the 2020 incidents.

Guice was a 2nd-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft -- he didn't play a single down of football until 2019 due to injury ... and has only played 5 total games in his career.

Legendary college football coach Bobby Bowden is being remembered with a public tribute on Friday ... with a Lie In Honor at the Florida State Capitol.

Coach Bowden's casket arrived via motorcade at the state Capitol in Tallahassee early Friday morning ... which was placed and covered in roses.

Family and fans have showed up to pay their respects ... including Gov. Ron DeSantis, who ordered flags to be at half-staff at state and local government buildings.

This is part of a 3-day service for Bowden -- he will also receive a tribute at the Moore Athletic Center at FSU’s Doak Campbell Stadium.

A funeral will be held at FSU's Tucker Civic on Saturday, which will be open to the public and available to watch on live stream ... and Sunday, Bowden's service will be held at Reid Chapel on Samford University's campus.

The private burial will follow in Trussville, Alabama -- Bowden's home state.

As we previously reported, Bowden died on August 8 at the age of 91 -- his son, Terry, stating, "My father passed away peacefully early this morning with all six of his children and my mother here by his side."

Terry said a month prior that his father was battling pancreatic cancer.

Rey Maualuga is very lucky to be alive today ... 'cause TMZ Sports has obtained crash-scene photos that we're told show the ex-NFL star's ride T-boned a parked car straight into a tree Wednesday.

Maualuga was arrested in Villa Hills, Kentucky ... after cops say he drunkenly plowed through yards and mailboxes and then slammed into a car in his white Mercedes.

And, in photos of the aftermath of the crash, you can see just how fortunate Maualuga was to have avoided tragedy.

The pics show damaged mailboxes in the neighborhood, tire marks in people's grass, and a mangled Mercedes that appears to have hit a Hyundai so hard, it wedged it into a neighbor's tree trunk several yards away.

You can see in the photos, the Mercedes' airbags were deployed ... clearly showing just how fortunate Maualuga was to walk away unscathed.

Rey, though, is now facing some serious trouble regardless ... 'cause after cops took him from the scene, they booked him on multiple charges, including DUI and criminal mischief.

34-year-old Maualuga had already been arrested for DUI on other occasions in the past ... which means he could face serious punishment if he's ultimately charged and convicted.

Rey Maualuga is in trouble with the law again ... the former NFL and college football star was arrested on Wednesday, TMZ Sports has learned.

Jail records show the 34-year-old -- who was a 2nd-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft -- was booked into Kenton County Jail in Kentucky at 8:19 PM.

Details surrounding his arrest are unclear -- we're working on it -- but records show Maualuga was booked on three charges, including DUI, criminal mischief first degree and criminal mischief third degree.

Maualuga -- who was listed at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds on his booking sheet -- was arrested by the Villa Hills Police Dept., the records show. He's due in court later Thursday.

Of course, this is far from Maualuga's first brush with the law ... in fact, he was just arrested by the Villa Hills Police Dept. back in July 2020.

In that case, Maualuga was accused of driving drunk and driving recklessly.

Maualuga was also arrested back in 2010 on suspicion of DUI ... and in 2017, he was arrested for allegedly attacking an employee at a Miami nightclub while he was a member of the Dolphins.

Maualuga is one of the best college football linebackers ever, starring at USC from 2005 through 2008. He went on to play 9 seasons in the NFL, starting 108 total games, before leaving the league after the 2017 season.