New England Patriots

Tom Brady was apparently ready to get back on the gridiron not long after announcing his retirement (again) this year ... now revealing he damn near put on his shoulder pads again.

The retired QB and the G.O.A.T. of football made the shocking confession in an end-of-year IG post that featured a collection of photos of him, his kids and other loved ones in various settings throughout 2023 ... all of which looks to be quality time well-spent with family.

He writes, "Looking back on 2023 grateful for every moment. Cherishing the highs, learning from the lows, and looking forward to what’s coming next. I’m blessed to have family and friends filled with so much love, joy, and compassion surrounding me."

TB12 goes on to say that he recommends everyone connect with the people they love as much as possible, as they're all that matters at the end of the day.

He then ends with this ... "PS: The only downside to 2023 was when I was about to unretire in May and my friends threw a surprise retirement party. Kind of forced my hand."

Sounds like he's serious ... which, if true, then it's absolutely nuts -- especially when you consider he already faked retired the year prior, only to undo it and go for another season.

This also seems to prove that he was somewhat BS'ing when he claimed a report saying this exact thing could possibly happen was "fake news." As it turns out, there was in fact some truth to it ... but in the end, Tom obviously decided to stay retired for good.

Of course, he's got that big FOX Sports broadcasting job for him on the horizon -- which, by all accounts, he's been vigorously prepping for next season. Still, the dude can't seem to stay away from football -- as a matter of fact, he's been critical of the state of the game lately.

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.

Two men have been hit with criminal charges for their alleged roles in an altercation that eventually ended with the death of a Patriots fan at Gillette Stadium earlier this year, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to the Foxborough Police Department, 59-year-old John Vieira and 39-year-old Justin Mitchell were charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct this week after investigators say they were involved in a fight with Dale Mooney just prior to Mooney's death at the Pats vs. Dolphins game on Sept. 17.

The FPD says the charges came down after the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that Mooney died from "probable cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during a physical altercation."

The FPD, however, added that despite the OCME ruling the manner of Mooney's death as a homicide ... the evidence its investigators gathered did not establish "a basis for criminal prosecution of charges related to homicide in Mr. Mooney’s death."

Vieira is slated for arraignment on Jan. 19 ... while Mitchell is set to be arraigned a week later.

“We thank the members of the public who made their private videos of the altercation available for our review," Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said in a statement Friday, "and the investigators at the Foxborough Police Department, for their help in establishing a clear picture of these tragic events."

The greatest wide receiver in NFL history is ... Randy Moss!

That's according to the first-ballot Hall of Famer himself who gave his list of greatest wideouts ever when he joined Kevin Hart on his Cold As Balls" show this week ... and yes, that means he's better than Jerry Rice.

"Hands down, I consider myself as the greatest wide receiver to ever play the game," the 46-year-old said.

"It wasn't a shot at Jerry. I still have respect and love for Jerry, but I just thought the way that I changed the game of football."

Of course, it's a debate that's been raging for decades ... with many believing Rice is not just the WR G.O.A.T., but also the best football player, period. With 3 Super Bowl wins, including an SB MVP, and a gang of NFL records, it's a strong argument.

On the other hand, Randy has ridiculous numbers, too ... and he didn't play with two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Joe Montana and Steve Young. In fairness, Moss did play several seasons with Tom Brady.

The rest of the wideouts making up Randy's Mount Rushmore ... "Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice, Calvin Johnson."

Taylor Swift is in Tom Brady country this weekend — once again dropping in to catch Travis Kelce run and catch … hoping for better luck this time around.

The pop star was up and at ‘em early Sunday to catch the Chiefs’ game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough … where she swung by Gillette Stadium for all the action, proving to be a loyal NFL fan after attending games the last few weeks.

Of course, she’s obviously there for her boyfriend — but the fact TayTay keeps on coming out (even on the road) is impressive.

Anyway, there’ve been sightings of her all morning … she arrived in a pack of SUVs and was whisked away inside through a private entrance. Looks like she had on some Chiefs gear for this latest outing.

She’ll be in her private suite like she usually is, and cameras will pan to her like always. And yes, we’ll eventually get pics of her cheering on Travis and co. — so stay tuned.

This might actually be the first time T-Swift is seeing Travis since her birthday festivities late last week in NYC — which he missed cause of work. Ya gotta figure they wanna make up for lost time … and also, ya gotta wonder if her good luck charm vibes have run out.

The Chiefs suffered a brutal blow last week against the Bills — but lucky for them, they’re playing the sad sap Pats today … who are fledgling in these final weeks under Bill Belichick. Should be an easy W.

Then again ... you never really know how these things will go, especially if refs screw it up.

Anyhoo, it's almost game time -- and Taylor's all ready to wave the pom-poms.

Taylor Swift está en el país de Tom Brady este fin de semana. Una vez más asistió a ver a Travis Kelce correr y atrapar con la esperanza de que tenga mejor suerte en esta vez.

La estrella del pop se levantó temprano el domingo para ver el partido de los Chiefs contra los New England Patriots en Foxborough, donde se pasó por el Gillette Stadium para ver toda la acción, demostrando ser una fiel seguidora de la NFL después de asistir a los partidos de las últimas semanas.

Por supuesto, ella estaba allí por su novio, pero el hecho de que TayTay sigue asistiendo (incluso mientras está de gira) es impresionante.

De todos modos, ha habido avistamientos de ella durante toda la mañana. Llegó y fue llevada al interior a través de una entrada privada. Parece que llevaba cosas de los Chiefs.

Estará en su suite privada como siempre y las cámaras la enfocarán como siempre. Y sí, al final tendremos fotos de ella animando a Travis y compañía, así que estén atentos.

Esta podría ser la primera vez que Swift vea a Travis desde su cumpleaños a finales de la semana pasada en Nueva York, que se perdió debido al trabajo. Tienes que imaginar que quieren recuperar el tiempo perdido, y también tienes que preguntarte si la magia de sus amuletos de la buena suerte se han agotado.

Los Chiefs sufrieron un golpe brutal la semana pasada contra los Bills, pero por suerte para ellos, juegan contra los Pats hoy, que son novatos. Debería ser una victoria fácil.

Por otra parte, nunca se sabe realmente cómo estas cosas van a ir, sobre todo si los árbitros lo arruinan.

De todos modos, es casi la hora del partido y Taylor está lista para agitar los pompones.

Bill Belichick was asked multiple times if he was going to keep his job with the New England Patriots on Wednesday ... and the legendary coach proved once again he's the king of rejecting questions he doesn't want to answer -- shutting each and every one down with his signature cold demeanor.

BB spoke with the media ahead of the Pats' matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend ... and when the topic changed to his future with the team he helped lead to six Super Bowl victories, he made it clear he was only going to talk about their upcoming opponent.

Of course, there are reports Belichick is a sitting duck in Foxborough ... with some rumors stating he'll inevitably get the boot once the Pats' disappointing season is over.

Not surprisingly, Bill wasn't ready to sing like a bird about where he stands with team owner Robert Kraft ... instead, he made it clear he would much rather talk about Patrick Mahomes and Co.

"Getting ready for Kansas City," Belichick said. "That's what I'm doing."

He basically repeated himself several times using the same phrase ... something he's been known to do over the years.

Bill Belichick won't be hanging up his headset after this season ... and, in fact, the New England head coach will likely be back with the Patriots in 2024!!!

... at least, that's according to Rob Gronkowski, who tells TMZ Sports there's "no chance" his former coach retires following the Pats' rough 2023.

"The guy loves football," Gronk said. "He breathes football. He eats football. He sleeps football. He yells football -- let me tell you that!"

Gronk did tell us there is a small possibility Belichick and Robert Kraft could "mutually agree to split" following this season ... but he added, "I can't really see that happening."

"He literally loves the game of football that much," the ex-Patriots tight end continued. "That's why he helped develop me as a great player, 'cause I got to learn from the best, baby."

Of course, there are some NFL pundits who feel differently than Gronk ... believing that because this year has been such a mess in New England (the team is currently 3-10), there could be a huge shake-up involving the coach.

Some have speculated if The Hoodie doesn't retire, the Patriots could trade him and start fresh.

Los Chargers están en último lugar de la tabla y prácticamente todo el mundo cree que es inevitable que el entrenador Brandon Staley pierda su trabajo y de acuerdo con Antonio Gates, uno de los mejores jugadores en la historia de la franquicia, eso sería un error.

TMZ Sports se encontró con el jugador a principios de esta semana en Los Ángeles, quien pasó sus 16 temporadas en los Bolts, y le preguntamos si era hora de que Staley de un paso al costado después de otra temporada decepcionante en el sur de California.

"Yo personalmente no creo que [el entrenador deba ser despedido]", nos dijo Antonio Gates.

El candidato al Salón de la Fama explicó su razonamiento: "Solo por la relación que tiene con los jugadores. ¿Puedes conseguir que los chicos jueguen para ti? Siento que Staley tiene una buena relación con los jugadores, y creo eso porque he estado en ese vestuario".

Staley ha sido el entrenador desde la temporada 2021 y aunque el equipo está lleno de talentos, incluyendo la estrella Justin Herbert, el equipo ha tenido dificultades para conseguir éxitos en la post temporada. La temporada pasada, los Chargers, con 10 victorias, perdieron ante los Jaguares de Jacksonville en la ronda de Wild Card, y este año ha sido un desastre.

Las cosas han ido tan mal para el equipo 4-7, que la conversación sobre quién podría sustituir a Staley es casi constante después de su casi garantizada desaparición y Bill Belichick está a menudo en la parte superior de la lista.

Las cosas no van precisamente bien para el entrenador ganador de 6 Super Bowl (8 en total) en la otra costa. Según los informes, Bill y el propietario Robert Kraft han tenido tensiones y no es una locura pensar que Belichick se alejará o incluso será despedido después de la temporada 2023.

Le preguntamos a Gates si cree que Belichick encajaría bien en Los Ángeles.

"Creo que Belichick es un ganador histórico y probado. ¿Por qué no sería bueno para cualquier equipo? No sé cómo sería ahora la transición de los entrenadores de la vieja escuela. Yo vengo de esa mentalidad de la vieja escuela, pero no sé si estos chicos pueden comprometerse con ese estilo de juego. No estoy seguro. No lo sé".

"Pero lo que sí sabemos es que es un ganador probado. Simplemente, no sé si su estilo de juego todavía se considera valioso en la Liga Nacional de Fútbol".

A los Chargers les quedan 6 partidos, incluyendo un enfrentamiento con los Pats este domingo.

The Chargers are in last place and virtually everyone believes it's a foregone conclusion head coach Brandon Staley will lose his job ... and that'd be a mistake, according to Antonio Gates, one of the greatest players in franchise history.

TMZ Sports ran into the 8x Pro Bowler earlier this week in L.A., who spent all of his 16 seasons as a pro with the Bolts, and asked him whether it was time Staley got the ol' heave-ho after another disappointing season in SoCal.

"Ya know, I don't personally think [the coach should be fired]," AG told us.

The Hall of Fame candidate explained his reasoning ... "Just because of the relationship he has with the players. I'm big on, 'Can you get the guys to play for you?' I feel like Staley has a rapport with the players, and I believe in that particularly because I've been in that locker room."

Staley's been the HC since the 2021 season ... and while the squad is chock full of talent, including star QB Justin Herbert, the team has struggled to find any postseason success. Last season the 10-win Chargers lost to the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round, and this year has been a disaster.

Things have been so bad for the 4-7 squad, there's near-constant talk about who could replace Staley after his all-but-guaranteed demise ... and Bill Belichick is often at the top of the list.

Things aren't exactly going smoothly for the 6x Super Bowl-winning head coach (8 total) on the other coast, either. Bill and owner Robert Kraft have reportedly had tension, and it's not crazy to think Belichick walks away or even gets fired after the 2023 season.

We asked Gates if he believed Belichick would be a good fit in Los Angeles.

"I think Belichick is a proven, historical winner. Why wouldn't he be good for any team? I don't know how the old-school coaching would transition now. I come from that old-school mentality, but I don't know if these guys can commit to that style of play. I'm not sure. I don't know.

"But we do know what we know is that he's a proven winner. I just don't know if his style of play is still considered valuable in the National Football League."

The Chargers have 6 games remaining … including a matchup with the Pats this Sunday.

It wasn't even a milestone birthday, but don't tell Patriots DT Davon Godchaux ... he gifted his fiancée Chanel Iman with a brand new Mercedes Benz G-Wagon for her upcoming 33rd birthday, and it literally brought the model to tears!

The 7-year NFL pro shocked Iman with the 4-wheeled gift on Tuesday -- three days before her actual birthday (December 1) -- and shared the surprise on his Instagram story.

You can see the bright blue whip, which starts around $140k, sitting in the driveway with a massive red bow on the hood ... as the Victoria's Secret Angel stood next to the Benz, smiling ear to ear.

"Thank you so much, honey!" Iman yelled. "This is the best gift ever! I love you!"

Chanel was super excited ... there was even dancing and some (very happy) screaming.

"She was crying lol," Godchaux said in the caption. "Big baby!"

Making the whole scene even sweeter ... the couple's little newborn daughter got to witness mom and dad's joy from the baby stroller.

"Happy early birthday to you baby! Thank you for always holding it down," Godchaux said.

"Real ones do real things."

Godchaux -- who signed an extension with the Pats last year -- and Iman went public with their relationship in 2022 ... before revealing they were having a baby in May.

The 29-year-old proposed to Iman shortly after the pregnancy announcement ... and the couple welcomed Capri in September.

"I never thought I would be getting down on one knee," Godchaux said in May, "but LOVE will make you do some amazing things in life!"

Tom Brady is going to bat for his old coach ... saying it's not Bill Belichick's fault the New England Patriots are having a terrible season right now.

TB12 addressed the state of his former team in an interview with Stephen A. Smith this week ... where he was asked whether it was time for BB to move on to a new team after more than two decades in Foxborough.

Brady -- who won six Super Bowls with Belichick -- had nothing but positive things to say about the mastermind ... and pointed the finger at other issues that could factor into the Pats being 2-8.

"I think he's an incredible coach," Brady told SAS. "He's the best coach, in my belief, in the history of the game."

"The thought of him not being in New England is hard for me to think about. He prepares the team really well. Ultimately, you got to have a lot of people around you to succeed. You got to have a lot of things in place for the organization to be successful."

In fact, Brady thinks BB is coaching just like he did when the Pats went undefeated during the 2007 regular season.

"I'm sure he's preparing the team the same way," he added. "The results are different. But again, that's why the sport's so challenging."

TB12 said there's other roles outside of the head coaching gig that have a greater impact on gameday performance -- like the quarterback and defensive coordinator -- but claimed he's not taking a shot at the Patriots' current situation with Mac Jones.

Of course, Brady's comments are interesting ... considering the belief is that Belichick helped usher him out of New England before he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.

If anyone in New England still had thoughts of cutting ties with Bill Belichick this season despite the Patriots' upset win over the Bills on Sunday ... Rob Gronkowski tells TMZ Sports they need to change that mentality ASAP.

Out at LAX just a day after his old team beat Buffalo on a last-second touchdown, Gronk said he's nearly positive Belichick will continue his squad's turnaround after improving its record to 2-5.

"They could definitely build off that momentum now," the former Patriots tight end said, "and do a little damage this year."

While never quite this bad, Gronk told us he saw some darker times with Belichick when he was with "The Hoodie" in New England ... and yet, he explained Belichick "always" found a way out of it.

"He'll keep it together, that's for sure," Gronk said. "If there's one thing that he taught us, it's to always black out the outside noise. So, I'm 100 percent sure that's what he's doing."

Of course, some fans aren't as convinced ... while the Pats' win over their divisional rival was a big one -- a loud portion of New England faithful still seem ready to move on from Belichick.

But, according to Gronk, there needs to be patience when it comes to the coaching GOAT.

Los fans de los Patriots que claman por la cabeza de Bill Belichick necesitan tomarse un calmante, o al menos eso piensa Jay Glazer, quien le dijo a TMZ Sports que el entrenador en jefe del New England no debería ser despedido a mitad de temporada.

"Así es la cosa con Bill", dijo Glazer en LAX esta semana. "Nunca se sabe. El tipo es un genio. Es un genio".

Belichick es sin duda el mejor entrenador de todos los tiempos. Ha sido 8 veces campeón del Super Bowl, seis como entrenador en jefe, ha ganado 299 partidos en su carrera, pero está pasando por una mala racha en Foxborough, desde la salida de Tom Brady.

Y las cosas se han puesto aún más difíciles. El equipo ahora es solo 1-5, y un fuerte contingente de aficionados de los Pats ha dejado claro que quieren expulsar a Belichick.

Glazer, sin embargo, instó a los partidarios del New England a tener paciencia, diciendo que ve a Belichick cambiando las cosas pronto.

"Todos en la NFL, las personas, solo quieren la cabeza de alguien", dijo Glazer. "Cada vez que tienes una mala semana o un mal comienzo... pero las personas cambian; mira a los Lions el año pasado. Empezaron muy lento y lo dieron vuelta".

No está claro si el equipo tiene suficientes estrellas para enderezar el rumbo, incluso si Belichick hace su magia. El propio Glazer lo reconoce, pero el famoso periodista asegura que lo ve hasta el final a pesar de todo.

Patriots fans clamoring for Bill Belichick's head need to take a chill pill ... at least, that's according to Jay Glazer, who tells TMZ Sports the New England head coach is a guy who should never be fired midseason.

"Here's the thing with Bill, man," the NFL insider said out at LAX this week. "You never know. Guy is a genius. He's a genius."

Belichick is undoubtedly the greatest coach of all-time -- he's a 8X Super Bowl champ, six as a head coach, who's won 299 games in his career -- but he's hit a rough patch in Foxborough ever since Tom Brady's departure.

And, things have gotten so bad recently -- the team is now just 1-5, and a loud contingent of Pats fans have made it clear they want Belichick ousted over it all.

Glazer, though, urged New England supporters to have patience ... saying he could see Belichick turning things around ASAP.

"Everything in the NFL, people just want someone's head," Glazer said. "Every time you have a bad week or bad start -- but people have started out; look at the Lions last year. They started off really slow and turned back around."

It's unclear if the team has enough stars to get the ship righted even if Belichick comes up with the magic touch -- which Glazer himself acknowledged -- but the famed journalist made it known he'd see it to the end regardless.

"I'm never going to stick a fork in that guy during the middle of a season," Glazer said.

Rob Gronkowski está tratando de hacer su fiesta anual del Super Bowl extra increíble este año, ¡diciendole a TMZ Sports que quiere a la pareja más popular del mundo allí!

Y, escucha esto, él espera que la estrella del pop cante ¡mientras Kelce se luce en la pista de baile!

"¡Ella puede interpretar una canción contigo bailando en el escenario!" le dijo en un mensaje a la estrella de los Chiefs.

Por supuesto, muchas cosas pueden suceder de aquí a que se realice la fiesta anual de Gronk "Gronk Beach" del Super Bowl de esta temporada en Las Vegas. Kelce y Swift podrían no seguir juntos y Travis podría estar participando en el Gran Juego, lo que le impediría salir de fiesta de todos modos.

Pero Rob dejó claro que si ese no es el caso, él quiere a la pareja allí, sobre todo después de que él y el tight end de Kansas City realmente congeniaron en una fiesta "Gronk Beach" en el Draft de la NFL 2022.

¡De hecho, Gronk nos explicó que allí es donde supo que Kelce realmente puede moverse, algo que cree que atrajo a Swift en primer lugar!

"¡Tiene unas caderas increíbles!" Dijo Gronk.