Los Angeles Rams

The L.A. Rams and Buffalo Bills' season opener nearly went up in smoke on Thursday ... when protesters rushed the field with a pink flare -- with one being dragged off by security.

Two women somehow found their way onto the field during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium ... as many in the sold-out crowd whipped their phones out to record the debacle.

Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho was one of them -- and you can see in his footage one of the two women was holding up a pink smoke bomb while racing down the field like a running back.

SoFi security quickly caught up to her and tackled her to the ground -- right in front of the Bills' defensive huddle -- before hauling her away.

The protesters wore a RightToRescue.com shirt, which is a website that claims to help "the whistleblowers facing prison time for exposing factory farm abuses and rescuing suffering animals."

Direct Action Everywhere took responsibility for the protest and released a statement saying the two women were there to bring awareness to the upcoming trial of Smithfield Foods factory farm whistleblowers.

"The protest aims to shine a light on what DxE calls a landmark trial for animal rights, food justice and free speech, and more broadly, on the entire animal agricultural industry, which DxE says is inherently abusive and exploitative."

O.J. Simpson slaughtered his ex-wife and her friend -- so says a civil jury that awarded the victims' families $33 million -- but you wouldn't know it by the reception he received 13 miles from the murder site, because fans were beyond stoked to rub elbows with him.

O.J. returned to L.A. -- as far as we can tell for the first time in years -- to watch the Bills trounce the Rams at SoFi Stadium.

Simpson was like a rock star outside the stadium ... with fans flocking to him for a precious selfie. They could not mask their excitement, screaming his name, hugging and fist-bumping him ... they just couldn't contain their glee.

True enough, O.J. was found not guilty of murder, but the civil jury ruled he did indeed kill Ron and Nicole -- who was almost decapitated by the knife -- and left her dead on the front doorstep. If it weren't for a curious pedestrian, his children would have found the body.

The action at SoFi Stadium didn't end with the final whistle of the Rams vs. Bills game on Thursday night -- because some of the two teams' fans got into a wild brawl in the streets surrounding the venue afterward ... just feet in front of ex-NFL star LeSean McCoy!

Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho captured the scene on video and posted it to his social media page ... showing two L.A. fans getting into it with a man in a Stefon Diggs jersey.

In the clip, you can see the Diggs supporter threw a punch at a guy wearing a Cooper Kupp shirt -- and then all hell broke loose.

A man in a Cam Akers jersey raced in to try to get a piece of the Bills backer -- before he slipped and nearly ate a couple of punches.

Eventually, a police officer ran in and grabbed one of the men, which appeared to end the altercation.

McCoy and Acho were standing right behind the fracas the whole time -- commenting on it all as it was going down.

"They can't fight!" said McCoy, a former Bills running back.

No word if any arrests were made -- we've reached out to cops, but haven't heard back yet.

The NFL will honor Queen Elizabeth II before the 2022-23 season kicks off ... with the league holding a moment of silence, TMZ Sports has learned.

Tributes throughout the sports world have been pouring in on Thursday ... with many athletes, organizations and events sharing condolences over the passing of Her Majesty.

In addition to the NFL's tribute, the BMW PGA Championship has suspended play until further notice ... with organizers saying golf would be paused for the time being in the wake of the Queen's death.

"Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday, and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast,” a statement from the Tour reads, according to GOLF.com.

"Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday, and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed."

Thursday was the first day of the BMW PGA Championship tournament -- which is held in Europe -- and one of golf's biggest names, Rory McIlroy, was competing in it.

As we reported, the Queen's family rushed to be by her side once the palace announced she was under medical supervision at her estate in Scotland.

The Royal Family announced the 96-year-old Queen -- the longest reigning monarch --  "died peacefully" hours later.

Another tribute took place at a match between FC Zurich and Arsenal ... with a moment of silence after halftime.

Players from both clubs stood with their arms behind their backs ... while fans in attendance followed suit by paying homage to the Queen.

An image of the Queen was also shown on a big screen ... saying, "In memorial Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

The Queen's impact was certainly felt ... evidenced by the reaction her passing is receiving from notable athletes like F1 star Lewis Hamilton, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and pro boxers Tyson Fury and Jake Paul.

Hamilton expressed concern about Queen Elizabeth's well-being in the waning moments of her life ... saying he was hoping for better news and calling her a "real fighter."

"Dignity defined. An inspirational leader for many generations. Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth II," Paul tweeted.

Adrian Peterson ain't done with football yet ... the future Hall of Famer says he still wants to play -- and he revealed to TMZ Sports he's got his eye on joining one of the three big Super Bowl contenders this year.

The former Minnesota Vikings star -- who's training his ass off to fight Le'Veon Bell in a celeb boxing match this weekend -- said despite his newfound goals in the ring ... he's hoping someone gives him a call to play football later this season.

Specifically, the running back said he's targeting the Bills, Rams and 49ers.

"There's a couple teams out there," A.P. admitted out in L.A. on Wednesday while gearing up for his big fight night with Bell. "Buffalo Bills would be a good team. The Rams, I don't know what need they'll have at running back. San Fran would be a good look."

Peterson said while Buffalo, L.A. or San Francisco would be ideal -- the plan is to ultimately chase a ring somewhere this year.

"There's a lot of teams that have the opportunity to advance far into the playoffs that I've thought about," he said.

For now, Peterson -- who last played for the Seahawks in 2021 -- is solely focused on boxing ... as his match with Bell is scheduled to go down at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday.

Adrian tells us he isn't worried about the age gap between him and the former Pittsburgh Steelers star (37 to 30) ... and is hoping his power and awareness get him a win.

Don't be surprised if SoFi Stadium has a heavy tint of blue and red at Thursday night's Rams vs. Bills game ... because if Wednesday night is any indication -- THOUSANDS of Buffalo fans will be there supporting their team at the NFL's opening matchup.

TMZ Sports has obtained pics and video of a Bills Mafia meetup event in Hermosa Beach just 24 hours before Thursday's kickoff ... and you can see hundreds of people wearing Buffalo gear flocking to the bars and restaurants in the area to party ahead of the big game.

Dozens of fans in Josh Allen jerseys slugged beer, chomped on wings and led loud "Let's Go Buffalo!" chants.

People even hung signs and posters from the businesses in the city ... and we're told the celebrating went well past midnight.

First whistle for Thursday's contest will happen at around 5:20 p.m. PT -- but Buffalo fans have already planned a big tailgate at SoFi Stadium hours before that.

And, yes, we're sure tables will be broken and Zubaz pants will be aplenty.

Aaron Donald temporarily lost his mind during a wild, joint-practice brawl with the Bengals on Thursday -- ripping off a Cincinnati player's helmet and then appearing to attack his opponents with it.

The crazy scene just went down minutes ago in Cincy -- at the end of a heated practice between the L.A. Rams and the Bengals.

Video from the scene shows both teams got involved in a big scuffle at midfield -- when, suddenly, Donald grabbed one of his opponents' headgear and flew off the handle.

The 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year can be seen in the footage swinging the helmet repeatedly, and at points, seeming to make contact with some of the Bengals' players.

Eventually, Donald was corralled by his teammates, and he dropped the helmet. Practice ended moments later.

It doesn't appear anyone was injured, and after it all calmed down, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor brushed off the altercation in a meeting with media members.

"It just got a little scuffle-y," he said. "And so, we just called it."

The two teams are slated to meet up again on Saturday night in a preseason contest -- though it seems unlikely Donald will suit up for the game.

Aaron Donald asked to be ringed following his Super Bowl-winning sack in February ... and on Thursday, the Rams sure as hell delivered him what he requested -- unveiling some insane bling for the championship victory!!

Nearly six months after L.A. beat Cincinnati to take home the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LVI -- the Rams finally got their rings ... and they're flashy!!!

The ice features one Lombardi Trophy, two palm trees and a GRIP of diamonds. Underneath the removable top, there's a replica of SoFi Stadium, with a piece of a Super Bowl game ball tucked into it.

The team touted the bling as the "most carat weight in history of a sports championship ring."

The rings also have the players' names and numbers on them ... and feature the team's rallying cry this year, "We not me."

Rams players and coaches received the keepsakes at a private ceremony in L.A. on Thursday night -- and it ain't hard to see the guys LOVED them.

And, yes, Donald did come full circle with his "ring me" celebration at the party.

Aaron Donald just got a $40 MILLION raise from the Rams ... but he still might be underpaid -- so says NFL legend Bruce Smith.

The former Buffalo Bills pass-rusher explained his opinion to TMZ Sports just one day after Donald re-worked his contract with the Rams ... saying AD is so good, he could have asked for, and legitimately received, far more cash than he got.

"Aaron Donald deserves that and more," Smith said of the new, 3-year, $95 million contract Donald now has with the Rams. "He's worth every penny he's being paid."

As for why, Smith, who logged 200 sacks in his own epic 19-year career, believes Donald is just that good -- telling us there aren't many players who have more of an impact on the game than AD does.

"Aaron has proved that time and time and time again," Smith said. "His ability to take over a game and single-handedly will his team to a victory has just been remarkable to watch."

In fact, Smith said even though Donald has only played eight seasons, he already belongs in the conversation for greatest defensive player of all time.

Seems there's a lot of opposing QBs who'd agree -- because, after all, AD has 98 sacks in just 127 total games ... and also has three Defensive Play of the Year awards too.

Odell Beckham doesn't need a damn invite to have a good time -- the NFL superstar straight-up crashed Sean McVay's wedding over the weekend ... and the Rams coach loved every second of it!!

McVay got hitched to his longtime GF, Veronika Khomyn, at an incredible ceremony in Beverly Hills ... but while on the "I Am Athlete" Sirius XM radio show, coach explained the guest list was kept pretty short, so only a few current Rams players made the cut.

"So, I just invited the captains from last year's team and then there was a couple of other guys that are retired players that you still have great relationships with," McVay said on the pod.

But, that didn't stop the free-agent receiver from popping up unexpectedly ... with McVay saying OBJ pulled off his best Owen Wilson/Vince Vaughn and crashed the party.

"Only in Odell's fashion could he be the wedding crasher at our wedding," coach added. "So, O showed up, crashed the wedding and I loved it that he was still there."

As it turns out, OBJ's appearance came with a cost -- 'cause coach joked the Super Bowl champ now has to re-sign with the Rams this offseason!!

Another interesting note ... McVay says Odell -- who tore his ACL during the Rams' win over the Bengals -- was looking smooth on the dance floor ... even to the point where the team doc had to tell him to chill out.

Rejoice, Rams fans ... Aaron Donald is coming back!

Arguably the best defender in the NFL has re-worked his contract with the Rams, putting him in line to come back for his ninth season in 2022.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Donald's new deal with L.A. contains a $40 million raise. A.D. is now set to make $95 million between now and 2025.

The staggering figure is a record for non-quarterbacks, Rapoport reported.

Of course, Donald is worth every penny, he's a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who played a huge role in the Rams' Super Bowl win in February.

Through 127 career games, Donald has logged 98 sacks and 448 combined tackles -- both extremely impressive totals, considering he plays defensive tackle.

Donald had been pondering retirement after the Super Bowl -- but it's clear, the Rams' elite roster and the new loads of cash have drawn him back to the game.

Sean McVay's June just keeps getting better and better!

Two of the best moments in Sean McVay's 2022 have now featured a Lombardi Trophy ... 'cause just four months after he lifted the prize at the Super Bowl, he ate a cake in the shape of one at his wedding!

The L.A. Rams head coach finally tied the knot with his longtime model girlfriend, Veronika Khomyn, with a gorgeous outdoor ceremony in Beverly Hills this weekend ... and, at one point during the proceedings, he got to munch on a Lombardi cake!

The 36-year-old, wearing a sweet white tuxedo, took a big bite out of the pastry -- and then the crowd around him cheered as he fist-pumped.

As for the rest of the wedding, it looked amazing -- Khomyn walked down the aisle in a beautiful white gown, while dozens of guests looked on.

At the reception, McVay and Khomyn danced the night away ... and the two even jumped onstage and sang with the live band.

The good-looking couple met way back when McVay was working for the Commanders ... and she was a student at George Mason University.

McVay proposed to Khomyn in 2019 prior to becoming the youngest coach to win the Super Bowl in February 2022.

"I've watched this guy grind nonstop. Day in and day out. No breaks," Kohmyn said on IG after the Super Bowl LVI win.

"He always puts everyone else first, and winning this Lombardi trophy for his team, his family, his friends… is a dream come true!!!"

"I love you babe, you deserve this times a million. Victory tastes pretty damn good!"

Sean McVay's fiancée has taken her disdain for Vladimir Putin to her bathroom ... revealing she just recently added some Putin toilet paper to her house.

Veronika Khomyn, who's been dating McVay -- the L.A. Rams head coach -- for years, showed off the new bath tissue on her social media page on Sunday evening.

The T.P. in her crib now has Putin's face all over it ... and Veronika insinuated there might be more than just one roll -- captioning the photo, "Home accents," with a poop emoji.

Of course, Veronika is from Ukraine and has been one of Putin's biggest detractors since Russia invaded the country in February.

Khomyn initially called the first hours of the conflict "the hardest day I've ever experienced." She and McVay later took the stage at the Critics' Choice Awards in March to pan Putin for starting the war, and praise Ukrainians for their resiliency.

"I proudly stand with my fellow Ukrainians and I admire their strength," Khomyn said at the awards show with McVay by her side. "They have faced unimaginable adversity with such profound grace and bravery, their fight and the way they have united the world is truly inspiring."

"There is no place in our world for this kind of violence and our prayers go out to all the lives that have been lost."

Could Andrew Whitworth pull a Tom Brady and unretire this season?!? According to the former L.A. star offensive lineman -- it's a possibility!!

"You never say never," the 40-year-old told TMZ Sports. "I did learn that. That's for sure."

The left tackle was leaving Craig's earlier this week when he left the door open on a comeback ... doubling down when we asked him if the possibility was really real.

"You never know!" he said.

Whitworth just retired in March -- a month after winning the Super Bowl -- and he appeared to be completely finished with the game at the time.

His comments this week, though, sure make it seem like if Sean McVay gets in a pinch this season ... his phone won't be off!!

Whitworth has been staying in shape, too ... just a couple days ago he posted a workout video and he still looked like a beast.

If a comeback truly isn't in the works, we spoke with Whitworth about potentially getting into broadcasting. And, he's sure hoping Brady's new reported $375 MILLION deal with Fox Sports can help him with a contract if he ultimately jumps into that game.

"Yeah," he told us with a smile. "I would love $375 million! That would be fantastic!"

Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller played huge roles in the Rams winning the Super Bowl ... and, now, TMZ Sports has learned they'll have a big say in how L.A.'s championship rings look, too!

We got celeb jeweler, Jason of Beverly Hills (who's creating the Rams' title bling this year), out in Las Vegas this week -- and he told us he's actually working closely with Beckham and Miller on the drip's design.

Jason said Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald have been calling him with input as well ... and he tells us he's expecting the final product to be epic.

"That is going to be a legendary ring," Jason said.

In fact, Jason said with the help of all of the Rams players ... he's anticipating "something that's never been done before."

"I'm from L.A.," Jason said, "so to make the best Super Bowl ring in history is a big deal to me."

Jason tells us OBJ has been great throughout the initial design process ... saying the wideout "is really creative."

But, developing a piece that tops Jason's past works of art won't be easy. You'll recall, the jeweler has created championship rings recently for the Milwaukee Bucks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Still, Jason is gunnin' to somehow accomplish the feat.

Sneakerheads brace yourselves ... Odell Beckham just put his Ohio crib on the market for $3.3 million -- and the walk-in closet looks just like Footlocker!

Take a look (the awesome video was shot by EZ Media) ... the 13,800-square-foot pad sits on 2.13 acres in Columbia Station -- 20 miles west of Cleveland -- and comes with 4 bedrooms, 7 baths, a huge kitchen and 3 car garage.

The two-story home comes has a whole bunch of entertainment with the club-like bar, movie theatre, golf simulator, game room that's big enough for a hockey rink, pool and Ping-Pong table plus a private one for live-stream gaming.

There's also a swimming pool with a slide and gym with a basketball hoop for outdoor fun.

But, what stood out the most was this insane custom-made walk-in closet that looks like a sneaker boutique with the outrageous amount of room for probably 100 pairs of kicks!

Well, OBJ is considered one of the best-dressed players in the game right now so it makes sense why he had this Footlocker-looking closet made.

This cool pad was listed this week by Megan Pettine of Keller Williams ... and has a $3.3 million price tag.

Of course, OBJ is officially giving O-H the deuces after the 3x Pro Bowler was released by the Cleveland Browns last November.

Beckham ended up signing a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million with the Rams and won his first Super Bowl this year. He's currently a free agent.