Football

Red Bull who, Monster what?? Saquon Barkley is entering the energy drink game in a big way ... buying an ownership stake in X2 Performance, TMZ Sports has learned.

We're told 24-year-old Barkley -- who missed most of last season with a torn ACL -- spearheaded a round of funding totaling $15 million ... making Saquon an owner in the growing brand.

Before bringing Barkley on board, X2 wasn't lacking star power ... NBA MVP Kawhi Leonard is also a part-owner of the company.

X2 says they work with over 25 professional sports franchises ... with whom they provide their energy drinks and pre-workout supplements.

As for Barkley, the NY Giants star is one of the most marketable football players in the world.

He previously signed deals with companies like Nike, Pepsi and Visa.

Former Navy CB Cameron Kinley is asking for President Joe Biden's help ... after the U.S. Military continues to deny his request to delay his service -- so he can play in the NFL.

Kinley -- a 22-year-old former Navy FB team captain -- just graduated from the Naval Academy and signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, Kinley committed to serving as an officer in the Navy following graduation (service he still intends to fulfill) ... but first, he wants to play some ball -- and he's hoping to get an assist from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

"President Biden, first off thank you for all that you do. I have a lot of respect for you, for anybody who's willing to lead our country," Kinley says.

"I'm just asking that you consider helping me with this situation I am currently in and allowing me to delay my commission so that I can go play in the NFL and then serve my commitment whenever I get done playing."

Kinley also believes his presence in the NFL will be a great recruiting tool ... showing potential recruits you can serve your country AND follow your dreams as a pro athlete.

"There's so many different ways that I can recruit, there's so many ways I can bring positivity to our fighting forces, to allow young men and women to see the opportunity that you have and to see that dreams can come reality."

We also asked Kinley's agent, Ryan Williams-Jenkins if he's considering taking legal action if the decision isn't reversed.

"That's not the case here at this time," Williams-Jenkins says ... "What we'd like to do is take all the proper channels and do things correctly. We believe there is a case to be made from Cameron to be played."

RWJ also points out that several graduates of Army and Navy -- like Malcolm Perry and Keenan Reynolds -- were approved to play in the NFL .. and he's confused about why Kinley is being denied.

"The list goes on and on of players that were able to delay their commission and play in the NFL or be commissioned and play in the NFL simultaneously which is another avenue that we're exploring for Cameron," Williams-Jenkins says.

Darren Waller says if Tim Tebow wants his advice on the tight end position ... he'd gladly give it -- telling TMZ Sports he's down to be a mentor of sorts for the new Jaguar!

"If he thinks he can learn from me," Waller said of Tebow, "then I'd love to help him and help make his transition smoother."

The Las Vegas Raiders superstar definitely knows a thing or two about what Tebow is going through ... you'll recall, Darren actually started his NFL career as a wide receiver before making the switch to TE.

And, while even Waller admits that's a far easier task than changing from QB to TE, he says he can still relate to Tim and help him out.

"I tried to find any information I could from watching guys play or asking people when I moved," Waller says. "So, I'd love to continue to pass that on and help him be a better player."

Even if Tim doesn't reach out ... Waller tells us he's pretty confident the 33-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner can succeed -- even despite his long football layoff.

"Football is in his blood," Waller says. "So, I feel like he'll find a way. He'll find a way. He's physical, he's athletic. So, I wish him nothing but the best going forward."

As for Tebow's first few months in the role ... Jacksonville head coach Urban Meyer recently said Tim's done a "decent job" adjusting so far.

Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke loved Kobe Bryant SO MUCH ... he got a tattoo of the Lakers legend on his calf -- and it's AWESOME!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Locke idolized the Black Mamba growing up, and when the former NBA superstar died in 2020, he felt it was only right to honor him with a new tat.

So, we're told Locke hit up Joshua Butierres at Filthy Family Tattoo in Denver last month to get the Mamba ink ... and after 9 hours in the shop, the masterpiece came out great!

The piece -- centered on Locke's left calf -- features Kobe in his #24 Lakers jersey waving. Locke also added an image of a gorilla and a pic of himself to the artwork as well.

Locke tells us the pic of himself in his Texas Longhorns gear means a lot ... as it's from one of his best college games.

And, when it comes to the gorilla, Locke explained that represents his work ethic and "competitive edge."

Locke says the reason behind combining all three images is to symbolize and remind himself that, "Bro, you a beast!!!"

NFL legend Bruce Smith says the Packers are SCREWED if they don't remedy the Aaron Rodgers situation ... telling TMZ Sports Green Bay is NOT a contender without the QB.

Smith didn't mince words when talking about the Cheesehead drama ... saying straight-up, "With [Rodgers], they are a contender. Without him, they are not!"

Of course, the Packers certainly know that -- Rodgers is one of the greatest football players EVER -- but for some reason, they still haven't been able to squash the beef.

Rodgers has made it clear he's upset over his contract situation ... and reportedly, the 37-year-old ain't too happy with some of the team's personnel moves over the past few years either.

Smith is warning the Packers to get it all behind them quickly ... explaining the drop-off from Rodgers to Jordan Love in 2021 could be significant.

"My advice would be to hash out their differences," Smith said.

Smith tells us at the very least, the Packers have to figure out a way to hold onto Rodgers for at least one more year before they move on.

"It would be in everyone's best interest that Aaron is happy going into this season or he at least knows what his future is going to look like after the season is over."

College football legend Reggie Bush says he's fighting like hell to get his Heisman trophy back ... but claims both the NCAA and the Heisman Trust are giving him the stiff arm.

Bush forfeited his 2005 trophy back in 2010 when the NCAA ruled the running back had received improper benefits while at USC ... which vacated his stellar junior season with the Trojans.

Now -- on the day NCAA athletes have been given the green light to make money off their name, image and likeness -- Bush addressed his efforts to have his beloved trophy returned ... and says he's been getting the cold shoulder.

"Over the last few months, on multiple occasions, my team and I have reached out to both the NCAA and The Heisman Trust in regard to the reinstatement of my college records and the return of my Heisman," Bush said Thursday.

"We left multiple messages for Michael Comerford, the President of the Heisman Trust but instead received a call from Rob Whalen, the Executive Director, who stated that Mr. Comerford would not be calling us back and that, in any event, they could not help us."

Bush said he also called the NCAA over the matter, but received "no help or got no response at all."

There has been a massive campaign to get Bush his trophy back -- fellow Heisman winner Johnny Manziel voiced his support on Wednesday with a tweet.

"Give Reggie Bush his Heisman back while we’re at it," Johnny said.

Ex-NFL receiver Torrey Smith added ... "Just like America needs to right it’s wrongs with Marijuana convictions, the NCAA needs to make things right with @ReggieBush!"

Reggie stated his case on the matter ... saying, "It is my strong belief that I won the Heisman trophy 'solely' due to my hard work and dedication on the football field and it is also my firm belief that my records should be reinstated."

Michael Irvin says someone stole one of his favorite pieces of jewelry -- a diamond necklace with TONS of sentimental value -- and he's mortified that it's now gone.

The Dallas Cowboys legend lamented losing the piece to his social media followers on Wednesday ... saying the ice was jacked by a thief in Miami last weekend.

Irvin says when he was returning to his hotel from a Univ. of Miami football event ... he set his black Louie Vuitton bag down -- which had his necklace in it -- to interact with some fans.

Irvin claims while he was sidetracked ... a man grabbed the bag and bolted.

Michael pleaded with his followers to help find the scumbag and return his stuff, but the former NFL superstar seemed to believe Wednesday there was no hope of getting it back.

And, Irvin said he was straight-up depressed over it, because his chain was PRICELESS to him.

"I have to come out of this depression. So I am sharing with ALL," Irvin said. "This is my necklace that was in my bag. I designed it as a first down chain, holding an all diamond football, which is holding an all diamond cross."

"On each end of the cross are diamonds I acquired at the birth of my children Myesha, Chelsea, Michael and Elijah. It was a piece I built over my life that represents. Faith, Family and Football and my own sentimental way of praying to GOD please always protect my babies."

Irvin added, "I am so hurt its gone."

College athletes will FINALLY be able to rake in money off their name, image and likeness ... with the NCAA making the groundbreaking decision Wednesday to suspend its current rules.

The NCAA's board of directors voted to implement an interim policy starting Thursday ... which will allow all incoming and current student-athletes to start cashing in on endorsement deals immediately.

NCAA president Mark Emmert released a statement on the decision ... saying, "This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities."

"With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level.

"The current environment -- both legal and legislative -- prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve."

The organization says the temporary policy will remain in place for all three divisions until new federal legislation or NCAA rules are adopted.

Players still will not be able to be paid as a direct result of their athletic performance ... but this now allows them to make money off opportunities like signing autographs, social media deals, advertisements and camps.

The decision comes right as several states were set to make it illegal to follow the NCAA's rules preventing student-athletes from these money-making opportunities.

Chad Pennington's star quarterback son is following in his footsteps ... announcing that he's committed to Marshall University --- his father's alma mater!!!

Cole Pennington -- a 3-star junior QB at Sayre H.S. in Lexington, KY -- made the announcement Wednesday via Twitter ... saying he's stoked to join the Herd.

"To be a college student-athlete has always been a dream of mine," Cole says.

"Thank you, Coach Huff, Coach Cramsey, and the rest of the Marshall Football Staff for giving me this opportunity to say I'm 100% committed to Marshall University!!!! Go Herd!!!"

CP got interest from other schools like Akron, Ball State and Eastern Kentucky ... but come on, the dude is destined to take his talents to Huntington!!!

After all, Chad was a legend at MU -- he played QB from 1995 to 1999 and holds the Herds record for most passing yards (14,098) and is second all-time in passing TDs (123).

In fact, he was a finalist for the Heisman in '99.

Chad was selected 18th overall to the NY Jets in 2000 ... making 3 playoff appearances for the Green and White. He also had a short stint with the Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2011.

And, get this -- Chad got a new gig in retirement ... he's Cole's football coach at Sayre!!!

"To my parents and brothers, thank you for your unconditional love and being my greatest support," Cole added.

The NFL is making it clear it stands firmly with the LGBTQ+ community ... releasing a powerful video Monday that featured the message, "Football is gay."

The clip, which is 30 seconds in length, added, "Football is lesbian. Football is beautiful. Football is queer. Football is life."

The messages didn't stop there ... they even went on to say, "Football is transgender" and "Football is bisexual" -- before the video ended with, "Football is for everyone."

A league spokesperson confirmed to Outsports on Monday the video was a direct response to Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Carl Nassib announcing he's gay last week.

"I am proud of the clear message this spot sends to the NFL’s LGBTQ+ fans: This game is unquestionably for you," another rep for the league, NFL diversity director Sam Rapoport, added to Outsports.

"I will be playing its first line over and over in my head all season."

As part of the video message, the NFL once again encouraged people to donate to The Trevor Project -- an org. established to try to help prevent suicides in the LGBTQ+ community.

Nassib said last week he was donating $100K to the organization during his video announcement ... and the NFL quickly followed suit matching the donation hours later.

"NFL proudly supports The Trevor Project," the league said in Monday's video. "LGBTQ+ youth with at least one accepting adult have 40% lower risk of attempting suicide."

Offset had his hands full announcing baby #2 with Cardi B on Sunday, but he wasn't TOO busy to keep an eye on his Atlanta Hawks ... telling TMZ Sports his beloved team WILL bounce back from their Game 3 loss!!

Of course, it was a huge night at the BET Awards for Migos -- the trio put on one hell of a performance with the "Up" MC as she set social media on fire with her baby bump.

But, even with all the chaos surrounding the baby news, Offset was able to check in on Trae Young and co. as they fell 113-102 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday ... and the dude's pretty optimistic.

"We gon' bounce back," Offset told us outside BOA. "That was some bulls**t. We bouncin' back."

But, if 1/3 of Migos having confidence in the Hawks ain't enough, we also spoke with Quavo ... and he's just as confident Young will lead the squad to the Finals -- and WIN IT ALL!!!

"We gon' get that ring," Quavo told us outside the Highlight Room. "It's the year."

Bruce Smith says he has a ton of respect for Carl Nassib for coming out -- but the Hall of Famer tells TMZ Sports gay players in the NFL is nothing new.

"We had a gay player in our locker room," Smith says ... "I think it was the mid to late 90s and I think we might have had 2 but that wasn't what we were focused on."

Remember, Smith's Bills were legendary in the '90s ... making the playoffs 8 times (including 4 Super Bowl appearances).

But, Smith says he never cared about anyone's sexual orientation -- as long as that player could ball out on the field.

"We were focused on winning games and each and every person that was in that locker room contributing to the goal at hand which was winning football games. None of that other stuff mattered. This was about winning football games and trying to be a good person."

Smith says he completely understands the cultural significance of having an openly gay player in the NFL -- and believes Nassib's decision to come out will have a tremendous impact.

"Obviously, we like to see the inclusion part. We like to see folks that understand that the world is changing and you have to embrace those that may be a little bit different and it's okay."

But, ultimately, Smith believes NFL locker rooms have been more inclusive than people think ... and the notion that older players wouldn't have accepted a gay teammate is just wrong.

This is one of the sweetest videos you'll see today.

Philadelphia Eagles rookie DeVonta Smith just thanked his mother, Christina, in a HUGE way this week -- by gifting her a new home!!

The 22-year-old Heisman winner posted footage of the big reveal to his Instagram on Thursday ... saying, "To the world you are a mother, but to me you are the absolute world."

The vid is priceless -- Christine walks into the front door of her new digs and immediately bursts into tears ... giving her son a big hug.

Smith -- the #10 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- is giving back to his loved ones fresh off inking his 4-year deal worth $20.1 million with a $12 million signing bonus.

But, don't worry ... Smith previously said he's not really intending to make any other big purchases with his big payday ... telling reporters he's mainly going to keep it in the bank.

Smith was an absolute baller for Alabama ... earning 24 TDs with more than 1,800 receiving yards during his senior season.

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis got in a "mini" car accident on Wednesday ... and we mean that in more ways than one.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Davis -- the son of legendary Raiders owner Al Davis -- was involved in a wreck with another vehicle in a shopping complex near the Vegas strip early Wednesday afternoon.

From the looks of it, it was a fender bender -- nobody appeared to be seriously injured or anything like that.

In fact, it was such a minor incident, cops confirm no officers were called to the scene.

The bigger issue ... Mark Davis -- reportedly worth more than $500 million -- was spotted near a TJ Maxx and drives a Mini?? How financially responsible!!

Hey, Derek Carr is in the middle of a $125 million contract ... gotta save up so the man gets paid!!

We've obtained video following the accident ... showing Davis driving his Mini away from the scene. So don't worry, Raider fans -- your owner's car seems to be okay!!

We've reached out to Davis and the Raiders for comment ... so far, no word back.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is gonna love this ...

Tom Brady is a HUUUUGE fan of the musical "Hamilton" -- he's seen it live a whole bunch of times -- and busted out one of the songs last night with James Corden!

"Doesn’t everybody love it?!" Tom said during an appearance on "The Late Late Show ... "I mean it’s just, it’s so good!"

Brady explained his father was obsessed with Broadway growing up -- and it eventually rubbed off on him.

Then, TB12 and Corden busted out the opening number from the musical -- "Alexander Hamilton."

Did Tom mess up some of the lyrics? Yes. Did he have a great time doing it? Absolutely!

There's a lot more ... TB12 also teaches Corden the proper way to work out with stretch bands.

Corden heckles Brady during their golf outing (Tom threatens to smash James in the face).

And, Tom also talks about what it's like to be the greatest football player of all time.

It's good stuff ... but we're here for the show tunes.

Las Vegas Raiders star Darren Waller says he couldn't be happier for his teammate, Carl Nassib ... telling TMZ Sports the whole team will continue to love and support the guy no matter what.

28-year-old Nassib made the groundbreaking decision to come out as gay earlier this week ... becoming the first active NFL player to do so.

Waller says he was pumped for his teammate when he heard the news ... but hopes these sort of announcements aren't such a big deal in the future.

"My initial reaction was like, ‘oh, that’s dope,'" Waller tells us. "I feel like one day, maybe we’ll get to a point where if somebody says they are gay, like it won’t be this huge thing. It’s just like, hey that’s who he is, and he’s being who he is 100%."

"And so, it’s all respect, all love for Carl, but just because Carl came out and announced that doesn’t mean he’s gonna be a different person. He’s gonna be the same person he’s been all along and we love having him on our team."

Waller added he's "super proud" of Nassib ... calling him a pioneer for speaking his truth and making a real impact in the world.

Nassib has received support from friends, teammates and others throughout sports since coming out on Monday ... and even got a shoutout from President Biden!!

As for the organization, Waller says everyone will continue to love Nassib the way they always have ... and will do whatever they can to show support.

"I feel like the people in the building are good people," he said. "And you know, good people show unconditional love and accept people as they are no matter if it's against what you believe or what you’re used to."