NFL

Ex-NY Giants DL Barry Cofield -- a key member of the '07 Super Bowl team -- has pled not guilty to all charges stemming from an insane police chase where he allegedly smashed into a cop car.

... oh, while allegedly carrying heroin in his pocket.

Cops in Seminole County, Florida say they found the 34-year-old passed out behind the wheel of a Cadillac Escalade around 2:40 AM on July 3 ... and when they tried to wake him up, he punched the gas and led cops on a wild chase.

Cops say the 6'4", 250-pounder drove into a white 4-door vehicle -- but didn't stop -- and eventually led officers into a gated community ... where he continued to drive like a maniac.

Eventually, cops say they used a squad car to block Cofield in -- but he tried to ram through the vehicle. That's when cops got out of their cars and tried to smash in Cofield's window in an effort to drag him out of the driver's seat.

Cofield ultimately surrendered -- and cops say during the arrest they found two small baggies of heroin in his pocket.

Cops also say Cofield reeked of alcohol.

He was initially booked on 5 charges -- heroin possession, assaulting an officer, DUI, resisting arrest and fleeing from police.

But, the charges were later reduced to just heroin possession and DUI causing damage or injury.

Cofield's attorney appeared in court on Wednesday and entered a not guilty plea on the ex-NFL player's behalf.

If convicted, he faces up to 5 years in prison.

Baker Mayfield will be hittin' dingers for a cause this weekend ... signing on to join Christian Yelich, Charlie Sheen and more in a celeb softball game to raise money for CA fire and shooting victims.

Yelich -- along with Ryan Braun, Mitch Moustakas and Jared Goff -- created the California Strong campaign in the wake of the recent tragedies. They're all from California and decided it was their duty to help out.

Besides launching a website and partnering with the YMCA, the guys decided to host a celeb softball game to help raise money for people affected by the Borderline shooting in Thousand Oaks and the wildfires that ravaged the state.

It's all going down at Pepperdine University on Sunday, January 13 -- featuring huge names like Reggie Miller, Justin Turner, Mira Sorvino, Camille Kostek, Rob Riggle and Patrick Schwarzenegger.

The cause hits home for Yelich ... who told us last month he would consider donating his MVP trophy to his old hot spot, the Borderline Bar, where 12 people were killed in November.

Props to all involved.

L.A. Chargers defensive lineman Brandon Mebane rejoined his team Wednesday after taking time off to be with his hospital-stricken infant daughter, who passed away last week.

While still in the womb back in July, Mebane's daughter, Makenna, was diagnosed with a heart defect as a result of a chromosomal condition called trisomy 13.

The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Mebane's wife, Amena, and unborn child could be treated by doctors who specialized in the condition.

Makenna was born more than 1 month premature in November and later developed an intestinal infection known as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (also known as NEC) -- a fast-striking, devastating condition that can be fatal if not caught and treated immediately.

Doctors treated Makenna for weeks -- and Mebane used the team owner's private jet to travel to the last 2 regular season games when Makenna's health seemed to be stabilizing.

But unfortunately, her health took a turn for the worse earlier this month and she passed away on January 3.

Obviously, Mebane is devastated -- but says he plans to play in the Chargers' playoff game against the New England Patriots this weekend.

NY Jets tight end Chris Herndon -- a breakout star in 2018 -- pled guilty in his DUI case stemming from a June 2018 crash, TMZ Sports has learned.

As we previously reported, the 22-year-old smashed into another car on the 1-80 highway in New Jersey on June 2 after witnesses say he was speeding at more than 100 mph.

The police footage, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows Herndon's 2018 Nissan Armada flipped on its side and badly damaged. Miraculously, both Herndon and the other driver -- a 76-year-old man -- escaped without any major injuries.

Herndon bombed a field sobriety test and was arrested for DUI. He claimed he only had 2 cups of wine before getting behind the wheel that night.

Now, we've learned Herndon's case went before a judge on Wednesday.

Court records show Herndon entered a guilty plea -- though it's unclear if he copped to a lesser charge. We've reached out to court officials but so far, no one seems to have the answer.

What we do know ... Herndon was sentenced to complete 12 hours of an intoxicated driver education program. Plus, his driver's license was revoked for 90 days. He was also hit with $639 in fines and fees.

The former Miami Hurricanes star had a pretty solid rookie season with the Jets -- catching 39 passes for more than 500 yards and 4 TDs.

The NFL and NFLPA both say Eric Reid was NOT targeted for excess drug tests as a punishment for kneeling ... claiming they have PROOF the process was truly random.

The Carolina Panthers safety is currently suing the NFL for collusion -- claiming owners blackballed him (along with Colin Kaepernick) for taking a knee during the national anthem -- and believes the 7 drug tests he was forced to take in 11 weeks this season was payback.

"That has to be statistically impossible," Reid told reporters last month ... "I'm not a mathematician, but there's no way that's right."

But, in a joint statement released by the league and the NFL Player's Association on Wednesday ... both say, "Mr. Reid's tests were randomly generated via computer algorithm" and "his selection for testing was normal."

"There is no evidence of targeting or any other impropriety with respect to his selection for testing."

The league and the player's association added, "We take any claim questioning the integrity of our collectively bargained performance-enhancing drug policy seriously."

So far, no comment from Reid -- guessing we'll hear from him soon.

This counts as being humble ... right?

Terrell Owens ran into Jerry Rice at the airport Tuesday night -- and ADMITTED that #80 is the greatest wide receiver of all time ... even better than #81.

Hey, it's obvious to most people ... but hearing it come from T.O.'s own mouth is a big deal from a guy who once proclaimed, "I love me some me!"

During the encounter, Owens said ... "I know I'm great. But, I've always said there's only one person better than me at the pigskin and guess who that guy is?!"

Owens added, "You heard it here from the horse's mouth. He's #1. I'm always gonna be 1A, Anybody else they can be #2."

Both guys had pretty solid NFL careers -- Owens ended up with more than 1,000 receptions, 15,934 yards and 153 TDs.

Rice had 1,549 career catches, 22,895 yards and 197 TDs.

USC head coach Clay Helton says there's no hard feelings with Kliff Kingsbury for leaving the coaching staff to take an NFL head coaching job ... saying he doesn't blame the guy for jumping ship.

Of course, Kliff -- who was fired from Texas Tech -- signed a contract to become USC's offensive coordinator just last month ... only to back out this week when the Arizona Cardinals expressed interest.

Kliff officially signed with the Cards on Tuesday -- and his short-lived boss, Clay Helton, finally broke his silence about all of the drama that's been going down behind the scenes.

"I am happy for Kliff," Helton said in a statement.

"Any time you get an opportunity to be an NFL head coach, it is special. He is a talented coach, that’s why we brought him here. I wish him nothing but the best."

Helton continued ... "USC has always attracted the best coaches in the country from all levels. We will spend the upcoming weeks finding the best possible fit for USC and our program."

Devon Still says he's rooting hard for Marvin Lewis to get another shot to coach in the NFL -- telling TMZ Sports he'll always be grateful to Lewis for helping to save his daughter's life.

Remember, it was Lewis who kept Still on the Cincinnati Bengals roster back in 2014 when his daughter Leah was battling cancer ... so she could keep the team health insurance coverage.

The story made national news -- and people from all over the country bought Still's Bengals jersey to show their support for Devon, Leah and the Bengals organization. It was an amazing thing.

The good news ... we got Still out in New York with 8-year-old Leah -- who's been cancer-free for 4 YEARS! It's an amazing story and Devon tells us he'll always be grateful for his former coach.

"He did a lot for me and my family during a time where I really couldn't do nothing for that organization," Still says ... "So, I definitely want to see him fall on his feet."

Lewis got the ax in Cinci last month after 16 years with the organization. The 60-year-old has suggested that he wants to continue coaching.

Still has chronicled Leah's battle in his new book "Still In the Game" -- in which he describes how he handled the pain and stress of watching his daughter fight for her life.

"I basically wanted to share my playbook that I taught my daughter how to beat cancer with, so people can overcome the struggles they're facing in their life."

How 'bout them Cowboys!?

Jerry Jones just bought himself one of the sickest yachts we've ever seen -- 357 feet long with TWO helipads and a gym ... and a reported price tag of $250 MILLION!!!!

The ship is called "Bravo Eugenia" -- which the 76-year-old billionaire named after his wife, Gene Jones. It was built in the Netherlands and delivered to Jones on Dec. 20 ... an early Christmas present.

The ship can hold 14 guests with 30 members ... and has all the bells and whistles you'd expect.

Fun features include a steam room, full gym, massage room, plunge pool, rain shower and a storage area for all of the cool water toys Jones decides to take out to sea.

The interior is also top of the line -- featuring light woods and lacquered surfaces.

One of the designers, Pascale Reymond, issued a statement on his work ... saying, "We worked very closely with the Owner to find the perfect artisans and craftsmen in creating bespoke artworks, fabrics and signature furniture pieces that reflect the Owner's style and essence and combine to create a warm, inviting environment for all on board."

Sorry, Baker Mayfield ... Rashad Jennings says there's NO DEBATE who the Rookie of the Year is ... and the ex-NFL star says it's "hands down" Saquon Barkley.

TMZ Sports spoke with Jennings about the tight race for ROY between guys like Mayfield, Barkley, Phillip Lindsay and Nick Chubb ... but R.J. says it ain't even close.

It really could go any way ... after each rookie has posted huge numbers this season:

Barkley -- 1,307 rushing yards, 721 receiving yards and 15 TD.

Mayfield -- 3,725 passing yards,131 rushing yards and 27 TD.

Lindsay -- 1,037 rushing yards, 241 receiving yards and 10 TD.

Chubb -- 996 rushing yards, 149 receiving yards and 10 TD.

R.J. says he predicted Barkley would win ROY last March -- before the dude was even drafted -- and he's sticking with his preseason pick.

His movie lost ... but his football team WON!!

After getting shut out at the Golden Globes for "A Star Is Born," Bradley Cooper found comfort in his Eagles jacket on Monday ... after his team beat the Chicago Bears in the NFL playoffs.

Cooper is a HUGE Eagles fan -- he's from Philly and famously played an Eagle-aholic in "Silver Linings Playbook."

He was rocking his throwback Eagles jacket Monday morning in L.A. -- so, when we saw him at the TLC Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, we had to ask him about The Birds.

The Eagles have some tough sledding ahead ... they take on the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round.

The Eagles are 8 point underdogs -- the biggest underdogs of the NFL playoff weekend. It's not surprising considering the Saints wiped the floor with the Eagles when they faced off in Week 11 ... beating Philly 48 to 7.

But hey, any given Sunday ... right?

Antonio Brown might want out ... but here's one guy who REALLY wants to be on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster next season -- ex-Browns backup QB Brogan Roback!!!

You remember Brogan from this season's "Hard Knocks" ... he busted his ass behind Baker Mayfield and Tyrod Taylor in the preseason. And then, he famously took his smokin' hot GF to a butterfly garden.

Yeah, she's insanely hot.

It didn't work out for Brogan in CLE ... but the former Eastern Michigan star got a bunch of workouts with other teams after getting cut and ultimately signed a reserve/futures deal with Pittsburgh.

We spoke with Roback and you can tell he's SUPER excited about his shot in the Steel City -- telling TMZ Sports he's laser-focused on making that roster.

"I want to help in any way I can. If that's practice, do cards, whatever it may be. I just want to be able to prove myself."

He added, "[Making] that roster is the biggest thing. This is a dream."

Brogan says he's grateful to have an entire offseason to learn the Steelers playbook and promises to study like crazy so he's prepared for camp.

Ouch.

This Seattle Seahawks fan had a painful Saturday night -- because after his team lost to the Cowboys, he tried to fight a bunch of Dallas fans at AT&T Stadium ... and lost.

The person who shot the footage tells TMZ Sports ... the Hawks fan was runnin' his mouth to Dallas fans after the game and finally, one of the locals had enough.

You can see in the footage, the Seattle fan was throwin' haymakers -- but never really connected. Turns out, having long hair in a street fight can really work against ya.

The Hawks' fan's friend tried to help his buddy out -- but like the Seahawks, it just wasn't his night.

We're told event security eventually got into the middle of the action and broke it up -- unclear if anyone suffered any major injuries.

Ex-NFL star Jamal Anderson -- the guy who created the Dirty Bird dance -- was so zonked out of his mind during a Dec. arrest, he handed cops a bag of chips when asked for his I.D.

Cops were called to a gas station in the Atlanta area to respond to a limo driver who complained that Anderson stiffed him on a $50 ride around 5 AM on Dec. 23.

When cops arrived, Anderson was a mess -- stuffing his face with a bag of potato chips.

One of the officers asked for his driver's license, Anderson reached into his pocket and presented the cop a pack of cigarettes.

When that didn't work, Anderson offered up his chips. She didn't accept that as a proper form of identification either.

Anderson denied being intoxicated, but cops say he was hammered and arrested him for public intoxication. The limo driver declined to press charges over the $50 fare.

Cops also asked Anderson how he paid for the smokes and the snacks -- and someone inside the gas station said another patron ponied up the dough for the Atlanta Falcons legend.

Anderson was placed in cuffs and hauled to a nearby police station where he continued to profess his innocence.

The 46-year-old has had tons of problems ever since his NFL career ended back in 2001 -- he's been arrested multiple times for things like cocaine, DUI and exposing himself in a gas station.

Melvin Gordon went head to head with his Uber driver over who's going to win Sunday's Wild Card matchup between his Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens ... and the guy didn't have a clue who he was talking to!

The video's hilarious -- the Chargers stud RB playfully goads his friendly driver to make predictions on the game and ends up getting some spicy trash talk out of him ... especially about Philip Rivers.

After praising Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and basically telling Gordon the Chargers QB sucks, he adds ... "I'm going to pull for Phil Rivers to get up off the ground because they gonna put him on the ground."

The driver also feels confident in Baltimore because they've been playing more as a team now that Flacco's on the sidelines, but clearly ... he doesn't have much info on that Melvin Gordon guy.

Even funnier ... despite making it clear he's pulling for the Ravens, the driver eventually admits he's from Texas, but he's "got to talk that crazy talk" since he's picking up Baltimore residents.

New York Giant's running back, Saquon Barkley is spreading his good fortune -- literally -- by passing out hundred dollar bills like they were playing cards at a blackjack table.

Barkley, who's up for Pepsi's Rookie of the Year, was at Red Rabbit nightclub Friday night in New York City, and he cheerfully doled out $100 bills to folks waiting in line in the freezing cold to get inside.

Barkley is reportedly pulling in $31.2 million over 4 years. Not bad for a 21-year-old.