Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine has officially begun his road to recovery after suffering a horrific leg injury in a game on Sunday -- the team just announced he's undergone successful surgery to fix his compound fracture.

Cine sustained the gruesome injury while playing against the Saints in London -- and it was bad. He came down awkwardly on his left leg while trying to make a block ... and a bone in his lower leg snapped in half.

WARNING -- video of the play is hard to watch.

The injury was so bad ... Cine stayed overseas to receive medical care, but on Tuesday, the Vikings said the Cleveland Clinic London's Dr. Aswinkumar Vasireddy operated on him -- and, thankfully, everything went smoothly and he should return home soon.

"We look forward to welcoming Lewis back to Minnesota to be around his teammates and coaches," the Vikings said in a statement, "and begin the rehabilitation process with the Vikings medical staff in the very near future."

Cine was the Vikings' first-round pick in this year's NFL draft. He had played in three games for the team this season.

Adrian Peterson's transition from the football field to the boxing ring is clearly going just fine -- the former Vikings star showed this week he has a NASTY right hand, flattening a guy with it during a recent sparring sesh.

The 37-year-old posted a video of the impressive KO on Monday ... showing him crushing his opponent with a right that caught the man square in the jaw.

In the clip, you can see the dude hit the canvas almost as soon as the punch landed -- and he was so dazed from the blow, he couldn't immediately take Peterson's offer for help up.

Peterson seemingly threw up the vid as a message to Le'Veon Bell -- 'cause he captioned it, "September 10," AKA the date he and the former Steelers star will square off in the Social Gloves boxing event at Banc of California Stadium.

Bell got wind of the footage late Monday night -- and posted a tongue-in-cheek response, appearing to joke about how he was scared to fight Peterson now.

Of course, Bell has looked more than ready for the challenge in the last few weeks -- posting impressive sparring footage of his own.

Le'Veon Bell's football career is over -- at least for now -- the NFL star says he won't play this season ... and it's all 'cause he wants to now focus on his boxing career.

The running back made the announcement just minutes ago at a promotional event for his upcoming fight with Adrian Peterson -- revealing he's going to try to take this year to begin his formal transition from football player to full-time fighter.

"Last year, I almost sat out the whole year to try to focus on boxing, because I kind of knew that's what I wanted to transition to," Bell said.

"This year, I know I'm not going to be playing this year because I want to focus on boxing."

Bell -- who played eight total games last season for the Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- has been slowly making the move into the fight world, incorporating mitts into his workouts routinely.

But, at 30 years old, most thought he'd still try to extend his NFL career.

Bell, though, made it known he believes he can carve out a real niche in boxing -- and he said he's hoping a win over Peterson during their match later this month kick starts all of that.

"This is my introduction to kind of showing what I've been doing," Bell said, "and how I've been going about myself."

In case it wasn't already clear, Justin Jefferson's good friend let everyone know the Vikings star is indeed the King of the Griddy ... by gifting the wideout a custom pair of 'Griddy' cleats last week!!!

"Jets" was given the awesome spikes by cleat artist I Am Luke Dangler at the receiver's first-ever Jets Youth Football Camp on May 28 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

TMZ Sports has learned Dangler brought the items -- which took around 40 hours to make -- as a thank you gift to Jefferson after the 22-year-old football player had extended him a special invite to the camp.

"How could I not show up with some show-stopping Griddy cleats?!" Luke told us this week.

The blue-painted Under Armour shoes are awesome -- they feature Jefferson in his #18 Vikings gear doin' the hip-hop dance on both sides.

They also have 'Get Griddy!' and 'Got Griddy?' inscribed on them ... and judging by the way Jefferson danced with kids at the camp in them, it sure seems like he loved 'em!!

"The cleats quickly became the center of attention," said Luke, who's made cleats in the past for Las Vegas Raiders stars Josh Jacobs and Johnathan Abram. "The kids went nuts for them ALLL DAYY LONGGG!"

"The Griddy is just so big," Luke added, "and it's all because of Justin Jefferson."

Jefferson wasn't the only one getting gifts at the camp ... the youngsters also got limited-edition Justin Jefferson Camp t-shirts, a group camp photo, and Chick-fil-A!

Jeff Gladney, Arizona Cardinals cornerback and former 1st round draft pick, died early Monday morning following a car accident in Dallas.

He was only 25 years old.

The details surrounding the fatal Memorial Day crash are not yet clear.

Gladney, born in Texas in 1996, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 31st overall pick in 2020 ... after starring at TCU.

The standout corner played in all 16 games for the Vikes in 2020 ... racking up 81 tackles (63 solo).

However, Jeff was cut by Minnesota in the summer of 2021 after being accused of assaulting his girlfriend. The case ultimately went to trial, and Gladney was found not guilty. But, because the trial took time, JG was forced to sit out the entire 2021 season.

After the not guilty verdict, he was free and clear to resume his very promising football career. In fact, the Cardinals just signed Jeff to a new contract in March 2022.

Gladney's agent released a statement, saying ... "We are asking prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time."

The NFL world is also mourning the passing. The Cardinals organization issued a statement addressing the tragic news.

"We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss."

Jeff's former TCU teammate, Eagles WR Jalen Reagor, is grieving the loss of his close friend.

"Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man… ain't too much more I can take man damn! R.I.P Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please."

New Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt spoke on the tragedy, writing "Horrifying news to hear this morning. Just tragic. Rest In Peace Jeff."

The Vikings also issued a statement.

"We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff's current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon."

Rest in peace.

The NFL world is mourning the loss of former Minnesota Vikings star defensive tackle Doug Sutherland ... who died Tuesday, the team announced. He was 73.

"Doug [Sutherland] was one of our proudest legends," Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement. "His humble nature did not allow for him to talk much about his own playing career, but Doug was a key member of some of the best defenses in NFL history and three Super Bowl teams."

"Doug was also the consummate teammate after football. He was one of the most active members of Vikings Legends events and didn't miss a chance to help out at a community event or lend a hand where needed."

"Our thoughts are with Doug's friends and family."

Sutherland was drafted out of the University of Wisconsin-Superior by the New Orleans Saints in 1970 ... but he spent 10 of his 12 NFL seasons with the Vikings.

Over the course of his career, Sutherland played in 164 total games ... compiling 29 sacks and recovering 4 fumbles.

Sutherland was a part of the Vikings teams that won eight central division titles ... and 3 NFL championships. In 2010, Sutherland was named one of the franchise's 50 greatest players.

Dalvin Cook did his best Nostradamus impression earlier this month ... guaranteeing to TMZ Sports that he will win the Vikings a Super Bowl.

The Minnesota star running back promised to bring home the ring when we spoke with him at a Super Bowl party last weekend ... saying he and Justin Jefferson will get the job done.

"We gon' win us one," he said. "We gon' win us one. Yeah."

As for when ... Cook couldn't pinpoint an exact date -- but reiterated, "We gon' win us one. We working, though!"

It's a bold prediction ... considering the Vikings have only won two playoff games since 2017 and just fired their head coach this offseason. But, watch the clip, Dalvin seems as confident as ever.

If the team does win next season, Cook will be sporting a different number for the celebration -- he tells us he's officially switching digits to #4 in 2022 because it's the number his late father would've wanted him to wear.

As for the #33 chain Dalvin customarily rocks ... he told us that's not going anywhere -- but he will be adding another pendant to it next season.

The Minnesota Vikings say they're concerned for the health of Everson Griffen ... after the defensive end posted a series of disturbing things on his social media page Wednesday -- including a video of him waving a gun.

Griffen sent out the scary posts overnight ... and in the terrifying video, which is roughly 30 seconds in length, the 33-year-old can be seen staring wide-eyed and speaking quickly with a firearm in his hand.

"Yo, yo, yo," Griffen can be heard saying. "I'm in my house. N*****s trying to pop me. I still got clips left. This is my gun."

Griffen also shared screenshots of a series of troubling text messages that he allegedly sent ... appearing to show him asking for help while saying, "People are trying to kill me."

The Vikings said in a statement Wednesday morning that they are aware of it all and are concerned ... adding that they have been in contact with Griffen.

"Vikings representatives and the team's mental health professionals have been on-site at Everson Griffen's home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement," the team said.

"Our only concern at this time is the safety and well-being of Everson and his family. We will have further comment at the appropriate time."

Head coach Mike Zimmer, meanwhile, added that he's worried for Griffen as well -- and said he was not sure if his player was "safe."

"We're only concerned about his well-being," Zimmer said.

Griffen has battled mental health issues in the past ... including an incident in 2018, in which cops say he jumped out of an ambulance after he feared "someone was going to shoot him."

A police investigation into allegations that Dalvin Cook beat up his ex-girlfriend is NOT currently underway ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Despite domestic violence allegations against the NFL star in a new lawsuit filed by Cook's ex, Gracelyn Trimble, this week ... the Inver Grove Heights P.D. tells us it has not been contacted by any alleged Cook victims -- and therefore, has not launched a probe into the football player.

But, the Inver Grove Heights chief of police, Melissa Chiodo, said that all could change if someone does file a report.

"At this point in time," Chiodo said, "we have not been contacted by anyone for police assistance or that would like to file a police report."

"When anyone does contact us we will be responsive, we are only a phone call away for any citizen or visitor to Inver Grove Heights or they can come in person to our police station to file a report or ask for any police assistance."

As we previously reported, Trimble -- in her lawsuit -- claims Cook punched, hit and threw her violently during an altercation in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. in Nov. 2020. She says she was left a bloody and bruised mess.

She claimed at one point during the incident, Cook held a gun to her head and told her she was going to die. She also said the Minnesota Vikings player held her against her will for hours -- before eventually letting her go.

In her suit, Trimble never said she went to cops over it all, but we've reached out to her attorney to see if she now has plans to -- but so far, no word back.

As for Cook, he's maintained he was the real victim, saying Trimble broke into his home and held him hostage at gunpoint. Dalvin's reps claim the accusations are nothing more than an attempt to extort the football player.

It's worth noting, police also tell us they are NOT investigating Trimble, either.

"I just want everybody to know I'm the victim in the situation," Cook told reporters earlier this week. "The truth and the details about the situation will come out at a further time."

The Minnesota Vikings are still allowing Dalvin Cook to practice with the team ... this despite new allegations that he roughed up his ex-GF during a violent Nov. 2020 incident.

Vikes head coach Mike Zimmer just revealed the news ... saying Cook will work out with the team Wednesday.

Zimmer added that, as of now, the star running back is slated to be available to play in Minnesota's game against the Chargers on Sunday as planned too.

Of course, it's a surprising announcement ... considering Cook's ex, Gracelyn Trimble, has accused the football player of being violent with her on multiple occasions since 2018.

In a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, Tremble says Cook got physical with her throughout their relationship -- including a Nov. 19, 2020 incident in which she claims he left her a bloody mess.

During the alleged confrontation ... Trimble says Cook hit her repeatedly and even at one point aimed a gun at her head and told her she was going to die.

For his part, Cook -- through his representatives -- has denied the allegations ... and claimed he was actually the victim in the situation, adding that Trimble was attempting to extort him.

The NFL has said it's investigating it all ... explaining in a statement this week, "The matter will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy. We will continue to monitor developments but there's no change to [Cook's] status."

Justin Jefferson was not only the best player on the field for the Vikings this weekend -- he was also the most swagged out ... 'cause he rocked a pair of Swarovski crystal-filled spikes that were AWESOME!!

JJ hit up celeb shoe artist Mache for the pieces earlier this season -- and the dude went crazy on the spikes ... icing out a pair of all-black cleats for the Minnesota star to wear against the Seahawks.

On one of the shoes, Mache threw crystals on a big jet -- a nod to Jefferson's "jet" nickname (as well as his sweet diamond pendant). On the other, the artist made two "Js" shine as well.

And, Jefferson certainly didn't disappoint in his first game wearing them -- catching 9 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.

It wasn't hard to see Jefferson was in love with the pair even before ballin' out in them, 'cause Mache shared a video of the moment the wideout received them, and he was in awe.

Everson Griffen will miss the Vikings' game this weekend ... after he injured himself attempting to swerve out of the way of a deer in the road on Thursday.

Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer explained the situation to reporters Friday ... saying Griffen crashed his car while trying to avoid the animal.

Zimmer said the 33-year-old pass rusher was later diagnosed with a concussion ... and is now out of action indefinitely.

"Swerved to miss a deer," Zimmer told media members of the incident. "Got in a car accident."

We've reached out to law enforcement for more information on the wreck ... but so far, no word back yet.

Griffen -- who played for Minnesota from 2010 to 2019 -- re-signed with the Vikings just a few weeks ago ... and played in the team's opener against Cincinnati last Sunday.

Kirk Cousins is getting cut -- not by the Minnesota Vikings, but his hometown hospital ... and it's all thanks to his stance against taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

Cousins is one of the most famous celebs out of Holland, Michigan ... becoming a high school superstar before taking his talents to Michigan State.

The 32-year-old signal-caller has served as a spokesperson for the Holland Hospital in the past ... but a spokesperson says they will be distancing themselves from Cousins for the time being.

"While we acknowledge that each person is entitled to their own viewpoints, those who speak on our behalf must support the messages that align with the hospital’s position on matters of vital importance to individual and community health," the statement said.

Remember, Cousins said he'll do everything in his power to stay healthy and safe during the NFL season ... that is, except getting the vaccination.

As a hospital, they saw no choice but to move on from Cousins, who is actively and openly refuting recommendations from leading medical experts and the CDC.

Holland Hospital was nice during the breakup, however, ... adding, "We are proud of our association with Kirk. He embodies many values we respect and share as a part of our work culture."

Worth noting -- while the NFL is implementing rules that push their players towards the vaccine, Cousin’s Vikings have among the lowest vaccination rate of any team in the league.

Vikings corner Jeff Gladney -- a star rookie for Minnesota in 2020 -- has just been indicted on a felony domestic violence charge ... and his football future is now very much up in the air.

Gladney was accused of violently beating his girlfriend in the Dallas area back in April ... after cops say the couple got into an argument over the contents of the woman's cell phone.

According to court docs, Gladney's accuser told officials the football player snapped after he found something on her phone ... hitting her, choking her, and dragging her by her hair across the ground.

Gladney was eventually arrested and posed for a mug shot.

It took several months, though, for a grand jury to hear the case ... but on Tuesday, it was revealed they indicted Gladney on a felony charge of third-degree family violence assault.

It's a VERY serious matter for the NFL player -- who's been away from the Vikings since his arrest -- because if convicted, Gladney faces up to 10 years behind bars.

With the case now moving forward -- potentially even resulting in a trial -- Gladney could now be asked to stay away from the Vikings indefinitely ... or even find himself cut from the roster.

Gladney is also facing a civil lawsuit from his accuser, who filed docs in court last month seeking $1 million in damages.

In her suit, the woman says after Gladney was violent with her, he "attempted to bribe, threaten, blackmail, and manipulate" her to keep quiet about it all.

Gladney has not publicly commented on the allegations.

The former TCU star -- a Vikings first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft -- started 15 games for Minnesota last season, recording 81 total tackles and 3 pass breakups.

NFL coach Rick Dennison is now no longer a member of the Minnesota Vikings staff ... and it's reportedly all 'cause the guy refused to take the COVID vaccine.

Dennison, according to ESPN, recently affirmed his decision to not get the shots ... and with the NFL rules making it nearly impossible for coaches to coach without them, he's now OUT in Minnesota.

The 63-year-old had been the Vikings' offensive line coach and run game coordinator ... working with the team since 2019.

If you weren't aware, the NFL made it mandatory this offseason for all Tier 1 staffers -- which includes coaches -- to get the vaccine in order to have direct contact with players in meeting rooms and on the field.

The league did allow exceptions -- saying valid medical or religious reasons would be considered -- but it's clear Dennison did not meet those standards.

ESPN reports Phil Rauscher, who was the team's assistant offensive line coach, will now fill for Dennison in 2021.

Dennison -- who's coached in the NFL since 1995 and helped Dalvin Cook blossom into one of the league's best rushers -- is believed to be the first NFL coach to leave his team over the league's vaccine rules.

The Vikings, meanwhile, are set to begin training camp next week and kick off their season in September.

Story developing ...

"The whole stadium is not nice. There's nothing fancy about it. It's bleacher seats!"

That's Vikings star Adam Thielen taking a verbal dump all over Lambeau Field ... and, yeah, Packers fans ain't exactly loving it.

The Minnesota wide receiver threw the jabs on GOLF's Subpar podcast earlier this month ... straight-up saying Green Bay's famous stadium is just not as nice as the Vikings'.

Of course, the comments have been polarizing ... with even Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas racing in to defend the facilities.

"Lambeau field is the coolest stadium to play at in pro football," the former O-lineman said.

But, Thielen is admittedly biased ... he's a longtime Viking who's been trained to hate the Pack -- and he even said Lambeau is actually his favorite place to play because a win there is just so sweet.

"There's nothing better than leaving Lambeau with a victory," the 30-year-old said. "There's literally nothing better."

Thielen continued, "On the reverse side, there's nothing worse than losing there."