Football

Tom Brady's massive new home is seemingly nearing the end of construction, as new photos show the extent of the build taken on by contractors for the NFL legend.

The home is huge, no doubt, but it's the extent of accessories and add-ons that the finished project is set to contain that is really the shock factor.

According to Daily Mail -- the home is estimated to cost close to $11.5 million when all is said and done -- complete with a waterfront, a massive pool with spa, multiple gyms and room for plenty of cars in his garage.

Of course, Tom purchased the property back in 2020 when he was still married to Gisele Bundchen for a reported $17 million.

Tom's taken the last year off after retiring last season from the NFL, considered the best QB to ever do it. Don't worry though, the lack of work doesn't have him strapped for cash -- Tom's worth an estimated $500 million.

Not to mention, whenever he's ready for it, he's signed on with FOX as an NFL commentator for $375 million ... so ya, if he wanted, he could build the same house a bunch of times over.

Legendary Kansas City running back Christian Okoye is urging the Taylor Swift critics to shake off their hate -- telling TMZ Sports the pop star is absolutely not the reason for Travis Kelce's struggles this season.

"She has nothing to do with how the team's doing right now," Okoye said emphatically this week.

Of course, there are many who are disagreeing with the Nigerian Nightmare these days ... as Kelce's play has dropped off dramatically from where it had been earlier this season.

He's only scored one touchdown since Week 8 -- and the Chiefs have subsequently lost five of their last eight games.

But Okoye says none of that is Swift's fault -- telling us defenses have simply come up with schemes to neutralize Kelce.

"Taylor Swift is not on the field," Okoye said. "Travis is playing like he always plays. Teams are just doubling up on him now knowing that our receivers are dropping the balls."

Okoye says the game film tells the real story -- explaining, "All of the sudden teams figured out if they can double him up and hold [Patrick] Mahomes in the pocket, everything will be all right for them. And that's what they're doing."

Okoye added he's loved what Swift has brought to the team this year.

"When you're doing bad, people have to find excuses," Okoye said. "And they have to point fingers. Especially those who don't like the situation about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce."

"Those people are pointing fingers and making it up right now. So I have to tell you they are wrong."

Okoye was hopeful the team could get back on track when Swift undoubtedly attends K.C.'s game later Sunday against the Bengals.

El legendario corredor de Kansas City, Christian Okoye, está instando a los críticos de Taylor Swift a sacudirse de su odio, diciéndole a TMZ Sports que la estrella del pop no es en absoluto la razón de las luchas de Travis Kelce esta temporada.

"Ella no tiene nada que ver con la forma en que el equipo lo está haciendo ahora", dijo Okoye enfáticamente esta semana.

Por supuesto, hay muchos que están en desacuerdo con la pesadilla de Nigeria. El juego de Kelce ha caído dramáticamente desde donde empezó a principios de esta temporada.

Solo ha anotado un touchdown desde la Semana 8 y los Chiefs han perdido posteriormente cinco de sus últimos ocho partidos.

Pero Okoye dice que nada de eso es culpa de Swift y nos dice que las defensas simplemente han ideado esquemas para neutralizar a Kelce.

"Taylor Swift no está en el campo", dijo Okoye. "Travis está jugando como siempre. Los equipos simplemente lo están doblando ahora al ver que nuestros receptores están dejando caer los balones".

Okoye dice que la película del juego cuenta la historia real y explica: "De repente, los equipos se dieron cuenta de que si pueden doblarlo y mantener a [Patrick] Mahomes en el bolsillo, todo estará bien para ellos. Y eso es lo que están haciendo".

Okoye agregó que le ha encantado lo que Swift ha aportado al equipo este año.

"Cuando te va mal, la gente tiene que buscar excusas", dijo Okoye. "Y tienen que señalar con el dedo. Especialmente a los que no les gusta la situación de Taylor Swift y Travis Kelce".

"Esa gente está señalando con el dedo e inventando ahora mismo. Así que tengo que decirles que están equivocados".

Okoye se mostró esperanzado de que el equipo pueda volver a la normalidad cuando Swift sin duda asista al partido del domingo contra los Bengals.

If Michael Lombardi was running the Bears, this season would be Justin Fields' last in Chicago -- 'cause he tells TMZ Sports dumping the QB and drafting a different one is what's best for the franchise going forward.

The former Cleveland Browns general manager said he simply hasn't seen enough from the Bears' current starter to pass on guys like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Michael Penix Jr. in next April's NFL draft.

"I think you need a better player at the position," Lombardi said. "Someone who can throw the football with more regularity that doesn't have to wait for the second play."

Don't get it twisted, Lombardi says Fields will definitely have value on the trade market due to his unique ability to run with the football ... he just believes Chicago needs a more pure passer to make a serious runs at the playoffs.

"I think at the end of the day, it's still a passing league," he said, "and you have to throw the football effectively."

The Bears, of course, have not come to a decision with their current signal-caller ... although one will definitely need to be made in the next few months -- as they're poised to own the top pick in the draft due to a trade with Carolina in the offseason.

Lombardi also had some advice for the Patriots -- another team that will have to make a tough choice this offseason -- explaining to us that he would not move on from Bill Belichick if he were running that org.

Ray Rice will be honored by the Baltimore Ravens this weekend in front of fans -- this almost 10 years after he infamously knocked out his significant other in an elevator.

The ex-star running back has been tapped to be the focus of Sunday's "Legend of the Game" ceremony at M&T Bank Stadium ... where they'll formally recognize his achievements both on and off the field during and after his time with the team, which ended in 2014.

His professional accolades are unquestioned -- 3-time Pro Bowler and a SB champ, among other impressive stats -- but the obvious question ... is he worthy of a spotlight after his horrific domestic violence incident? The Ravens seem to think he's earned a 2nd chance.

The team's own article on this major news is quoted as saying ... "Rice is being recognized for the player he was, and for the redemption he has worked towards. Out of the public eye, Rice has been working on himself, his relationship, and within the community."

On that front, it's true ... Rice has become an incredibly philanthropic person in and around Baltimore since 2014 -- having contributed to a number of charitable orgs, speaking on behalf of important causes (preventing DV) and contributing mightily to local youths' lives.

Rice has also acknowledged how wrong he was for punching his then-girlfriend/now-wife, Janay Palmer, which left her completely unconscious. He now says, "I truly understand why I was let go and why so many hearts changed. But hopefully people can see where I'm at now. They say people can change, right? I am not the same person I was 10-12 years ago. That's just not who I am." He says he's trying to be the best version of himself in 2023.

Ravens Prez Sashi Brown adds ... "He was also consistently in the community, giving back. Importantly, after Ray's incident he owned it. On his own accord, Ray undertook critical work within himself and to bring awareness to and educate others on domestic violence. Nothing will change his past or make it right, but Ray's work has allowed him to atone for his actions and rebuild relationships personally and professionally, including with the Ravens."

Ray has returned to Baltimore before for a 'LOTF' ceremony -- notably in 2018, when he attended on behalf of others being honored and received a warm welcome from fans.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is getting a true taste of freedom ... at her favorite fast food restaurants!

The recently sprung ex-con hit up a Burger King in DeQueen, Arkansas Friday night, stopping to take a pic with one of her supporters.

Gypsy looks relaxed and happy, just days after her release after serving 7 years behind bars for the murder of her mom.

It's not her first fast food adventure post-prison ... earlier in the day she hit up a McDonald's, waiting patiently in the drive-thru line for a burger.

Gypsy has been experiencing freedom in some pretty basic ways ... going shoe shopping, taking selfies -- things like that.

We're told this weekend she's headed to Kansas City for the Chiefs game against the Cincinnati Bengals on New Year's Eve. We're guessing football isn't the motivator ... she's a huge Taylor Swift fan and hopes to meet her.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard está literalmente disfrutando cómo se siente su nueva libertad, ¡en sus restaurantes favoritos de comida rápida!

La recientemente ex-convicta fue a un Burger King en DeQueen, Arkansas el viernes por la noche y se tomó una foto con uno de sus seguidores.

Gypsy se veía relajada y feliz, a pocos días de su liberación después de cumplir una condena de siete años tras las rejas por el asesinato de su madre.

No es su primera aventura en un restaurante de comida rápida después que salió. Más temprano en el día había ido a un McDonald y había esperado pacientemente en la fila de autoservicio para una hamburguesa.

Gypsy ha estado experimentando la libertad de algunas maneras muy simples, como ir a comprar zapatos, tomarse selfies y cosas por el estilo.

Nos dicen que este fin de semana irá a Kansas City para el partido de los Chiefs contra los Bengals en la víspera de Año Nuevo. Estamos adivinando que el fútbol no es su principal motivación, ella es una gran fan de Taylor Swift y espera conocerla.

Dak Prescott's shoe closet got a major upgrade on Christmas thanks to his girlfriend -- 'cause she gifted him a custom pair of Air Force 1s ... that paid homage to their love for each other!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Sarah Jane -- who's pregnant with the Dallas Cowboys superstar's baby -- reached out to Chesler Customs at the beginning of December to get the one-of-a-kind Nike kicks made for her man for the December holiday.

She asked for them to feature their favorite flower -- a rose -- and she wanted a matching pair for herself too.

The footwear artist was able to get it all done by the 25th -- and as you can see, they came out awesome.

Prescott's pair features a rose in black paint, while Sarah's shoes are adorned in pink ... and Chesler says it all took him about 10 hours to put together.

"It’s an unbelievable feeling for sure," Chesler said of making custom kicks for NFL's potential MVP. "I dreamed of moments like this when I first started customizing shoes. It’s definitely a dream come true!"

The 2x Pro Bowl signal-caller and Sarah -- who's worked in the hospitality industry -- have kept their relationship mostly under wraps ... but recently, they've started opening up about their love for each other on social media.

John Legend puede ser un ganador del EGOT, pero ¿puedes igualarlo y descubrir los cambios menores en estas dos fotos? Ven a dar un paseo con John en el parque ... Quizá quieras ponerte la chaqueta, ¡hace frío aquí fuera!

A principios de semana, el cantante se abrigó en Nueva York y demostró sus habilidades futbolísticas. Puede que te esté tomando el pelo con los discretos cambios, pero, ¿te alegras de ver a John con el balón bien agarrado?

John Legend may be an EGOT winner, but can you win over the minor switch-ups in these two shots? Come take a stroll with John in the park ... you may wanna throw on your jacket ... it's cold out here!

Heading into the New Year in style, the singer bundled up in NYC earlier this week and showed off his footballin' skills! He may be stringin' you along with the discreet changes, but .... orange you glad to see John with a firm grip on his ball?

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashaan Evans was arrested on Tuesday ... and on Friday, cops released his mug shot -- and you can see, he was not thrilled to have been thrown behind bars.

The 28-year-old -- who was cut by America's Team on Wednesday following the arrest -- took the photo hours after cops placed him in handcuffs after officers say he reeked of weed in his 2021 Ram 1500 near the Cowboys' practice facility in Frisco, Texas.

According to police documents, cops say at around 10:46 PM they drove by Evans, who was in the driver's seat of his car ... and smelled a strong odor of marijuana.

They claim when they eventually questioned the football player, he told them there was "just a nugget" in the ride.

Cops say, however, that when they searched the Ram, they found burnt marijuana residue, marijuana cigarettes, rolling papers and a vacuum-sealable bag containing three separate baggies of marijuana.

They say the baggies weighed a total of 2.240 ounces.

Evans was ultimately booked on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. And, hours later, the Cowboys moved on from him.

Evans had just joined Dallas' roster in October. He had played in nine games so far this season -- including the Cowboys' loss to Miami on Sunday -- tallying nine total tackles.

If Dr. Bennet Omalu -- the inspiration for the famous Will Smith "Concussion" movie -- were advising Elijah Moore following his scary head injury on Thursday night ... he says he'd tell the Browns wideout to retire.

"That is my recommendation," the famed neuropathologist tells TMZ Sports.

Moore was hurt in the second quarter of Cleveland's win over the Jets on "Thursday Night Football" -- and the scene was horrifying.

The 23-year-old's face slammed into the turf ... and after he appeared to lose consciousness, he convulsed on the ground several times.

Moore did not finish the game and stayed the night at a local hospital -- and Omalu says if he had things his way, it'd be the last time Moore ever sees an NFL field again.

"He was having a seizure," Omalu said Friday. "A seizure is a manifestation of brain damage, brain injury."

"That is permanent damage."

There currently is no timetable for a return for Moore -- he's been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol while he remains at home recovering.

Omalu tells us if Moore doesn't retire -- he'd at least urge the receiver to sit out the rest of this season ... even if that means missing Cleveland's upcoming playoff run.

"Given what I saw in that video, he should be benched for rest of the season," Omalu said. "For at least three months."

David Njoku helped the Browns clinch a playoff berth on the field on Thursday night ... and then he helped Cleveland's fans celebrate off of it -- shooting booze with Dawg Pound supporters in a parking lot!!!

The star tight end was seen performing the awesome gesture just minutes after Cleveland's 37-20 victory over the Jets.

In video from the scene, you can see Njoku -- who had 134 receiving yards in the "TNF" victory -- grab a shot glass, surround himself with fans and give a little toast before he throws the drink back.

The 27-year-old, though, had already gotten the party started well before he met the supporters outside Cleveland Browns Stadium ... he was spotted on the TV broadcast chugging a beer when he jumped into the stands following the dub.

Of course, it's great to see Njoku in good spirits ... because, remember, the former first-round pick nearly lost his eyesight in a terrifying fire accident on Sept. 29th.

9:37 AM PT -- Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski just revealed Elijah Moore spent Thursday night in the hospital ... though he said the wideout is now at home resting.

"Glad that he's back home," the coach said.

The Browns' win on Thursday night came with a cost -- their star receiver, Elijah Moore, suffered a terrifying head injury that sent him into convulsions right on the turf.

The scary moment happened just before halftime of Cleveland's "Thursday Night Football" tilt with the New York Jets ... when Moore slammed his head face-first into the grass at Cleveland Browns Stadium after making a big catch.

Replays of Moore's grab showed he wasn't able to brace himself as a Jets defender flung him to the ground -- and almost immediately, he appeared to be knocked out.

What's worse ... while seemingly unconscious, his body twitched repeatedly.

Moore eventually regained consciousness and was taken off the field by trainers. He did not return to the game ... and he's since been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol.

His status for Cleveland's regular-season finale against the Bengals next week is now in doubt -- though further details surrounding his condition have not been made immediately available.

Moore had been having a big game prior to his injury -- the 23-year-old caught five passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Cleveland still managed to get the 37-20 win in Moore's absence -- securing a spot in the playoffs ... something we all hope can lift Moore's spirits while he recovers.

No deal in the history of the NFL has been more awful than the one the Broncos made to get Russell Wilson ... at least, that's according to ex-NFL general manager Michael Lombardi, who tells TMZ Sports Denver's trade for the QB "is going to go down as the all-time worst."

The former Cleveland Browns decision-maker didn't mince words when discussing Wilson's benching with us this week ... explaining he believes the Broncos' 2022 swap with the Seahawks will now go down as a historic blunder.

"When you add the contract and the trade," Lombardi said, "it's the worst of all time."

The Broncos gave up a bevy of picks -- including a first-rounder and a second-rounder -- plus three other players in the move to acquire Russ before the '22 season. They then signed the 35-year-old to a massive $245 MILLION contract extension.

But, Russ played terribly in 2022 ... and wasn't all that much better in 2023 -- which forced Sean Payton to sideline him this week for Jarrett Stidham.

The head coach's decision likely signals the end of Wilson's Denver tenure -- and with it all but over, Lombardi's ready to dub it the most disastrous NFL deal ever.

Lombardi said prior to the Broncos' move, there had been other historically bad ones -- including the Vikings' infamous 1989 trade with the Cowboys for Herschel Walker -- but he said "none of those trades had contracts attached to them that impact the salary cap in future years."

"Russell will move from Denver," Lombardi said. "But his cap problems will remain for two more years."

Move over, Santa Claus ... Travis Kelce was the real MVP of Christmas in Kanas City this year -- 'cause the tight end gifted a grip of custom-made velour jumpsuits to his Chiefs teammates for the December holiday!!

The K.C. star revealed his act of generosity on the latest episode of his "New Heights" podcast this week ... explaining he teamed up with Los Angeles-based designer Daniel Patrick to get some of his guys some one-of-a-kind drip.

"Everyone this winter can just enjoy a nice velour top and bottom," Kelce said of the presents, "just a hoodie and sweatpants. So good."

Patrick tells TMZ Sports getting all the gifts together was a bit stressful -- as Kelce hit him up for the job only just a couple weeks before Xmas.

"We literally had to move heaven and earth to get it done in time," Patrick said.

But, DP -- who launched his luxury sports brand in 2012 -- somehow got them all ready and delivered before the 25th ... and as you can see from Chiefs offensive lineman Donovan Smith's Instagram ... the guys were clearly diggin' how they came out.

We're told Kelce got 38 custom pieces in total from Patrick -- who has worked with other A-list celebrities including Usher, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber -- and the Chiefs players either received a black or grey oversized hoodie with parachute sweatpants.

Of course, Kelce wasn't the only Chief who hooked up his team for Xmas ... Patrick Mahomes also gifted some of the guys custom golf carts featuring their names and jersey numbers.