NFL

Arizona Cardinals owner and billionaire businessman Bill Bidwill died on Wednesday ... the team announced. He was 88 years old.

"Bill Bidwill was a person of faith, family and football ... and throughout his life, the 3 were intertwined," Cards superstar Larry Fitzgerald said in a tribute video.

"In the NFL, Mr. B was consistently at the leading edge when it came to embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities," Fitzgerald added.

Bidwill hired the NFL's first black female executive (Adele Harris) and first head coach/GM combination (Dennis Green and Rod Graves).

Derek Carr is going to bat for his Oakland Raiders teammate, Vontaze Burfict -- insisting he's not the violent monster people think he is ... he's just misunderstood.

The Raiders QB was asked about the linebacker Wednesday morning after the NFL suspended Burfict for the rest of the 2019 season for a dirty hit on Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle.

The NFL justified its severe punishment based on Burfict's well-documented history of dirty hits throughout his career ... including a nasty shot on Carr's former Raiders teammate, Antonio Brown.

But, Carr says Vontaze is "a great person" and thinks he's getting a bad rap.

"I think he's one of the most misunderstood people in the NFL," Carr said.

Carr says he didn't know anything about Burfict before the Raiders signed him during the offseason ... but "he quickly turned into one my favorite teammates I've ever had."

"He's one of the most genuine, awesome people I've been around. He's a great teammate. He works his tail off and he's a great guy."

Carr added ... "I know he's had history in other places, but I think people change."

"I don’t think he was trying to hurt that man. The man was going down, you know we can, you see it all the time, there's flags flying everywhere, but if we think about football, the guy caught it here and he's already going to hit him and he starting to go down, obviously you’re going to hit him a little higher than you expected."

"We see other people choking people out and they're going to play this Sunday. We see other people hitting people in the helmets and they're going to play this Sunday. And, Vontaze won't play for the rest of the year? I think that’s a little excessive if you ask me. I don’t think it's fair."

Carr says Burfict's "heart is broken" over the suspension ... "He just wants to play football."

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden also weighed in on the punishment ... saying, "It hurts our team really bad. And, I'm anxious to see what the appeal says. I'm not happy about it, at all. And, I don't want to say anything else about it. I'm obviously upset about it."

Jennifer Lopez might be considered a star because of her TV career, but she's not a big enough name in music to land the Super Bowl Halftime Show in Miami ... at least according to Uncle Luke.

The former 2 Live Crew frontman is standing by his criticism of Jay-Z and the NFL for choosing J Lo and Shakira as headliners for SB54 ... because he feels Pitbull and Flo Rida are at a higher level.

Uncle Luke tells us there's a very short list of performers -- and most of them are no longer alive -- who warrant top-billing for a Super Bowl no matter where it's being played ... and Lopez isn't on it.

So, he's doubling down on his stance that the upcoming Miami SB should feature famous artists who are actually from the city ... and the current duo doesn't qualify.

The Baltimore Ravens say Marlon Humphrey NEVER choked Odell Beckham Jr. in their game Sunday ... and they say they've got the up-close video that proves it.

Odell and the Ravens DB went at it all afternoon during the Ravens-Browns game over the weekend ... but tempers REALLY flared late in the 3rd quarter.

On a run play, Odell and Marlon grabbed a hold of each other ... and a violent wrestling match ensued.

Beckham appeared to throw a punch at Humphrey's helmet after grabbing his face mask ... and then Marlon grabbed him by the collar of the jersey and took him to the ground.

Fast-forward to Tuesday morning when the Ravens dropped new video showing the players while they were tussling on the grass ... Humphrey's hands slid from Odell's collar and into the receiver's neck area.

The Ravens say this is evidence Marlon did NOT choke OBJ ... with team writer, Ryan Mink saying, "[Humphrey] did not wrap his hands around Beckham’s neck and did not choke him."

Of course, Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens vehemently disagrees ... because after the game, he said, "He was getting choked on the ground. They get away with that because it's Odell."

As for Beckham, he never claimed he was choked ... saying after the game, "It’s hot out there. We’re just competing. I’m just upset that I lost my earring."

For what it's worth, we watched the video several times and never saw OBJ's earring fly off. Also, still no word if it's been found.

For Humphrey's part, he said of the incident, "I definitely told the referee [Beckham] should have been ejected ... But, it is what it is. Emotions flare. I enjoy going against a top guy like that."

Bill Romanowski admits Vontaze Burfict's hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle was illegal ... but tells TMZ Sports the full-year suspension is absolutely "bulls**t!!!"

We talked to Romanowski -- a 4x Super Bowl champ and 2x Pro Bowler with a rep ranging from a player who was ultra-physical to downright dirty -- about Burfict's controversial hit, and season-long (12 games) suspension.

"You're in the heat of battle. Your mindset is kill or be killed. Because the offensive linemen are still coming at you. You're in war. You're supposed to be able to be violent sometimes and other times you're supposed to just be able to take your foot off the gas like that. That is hard, my friend."

"I feel for this guy. Do I think he should be fined? Yes. Do I think he should be kicked outta the league? No. I think it is absolutely dead wrong. This guy has handled himself like a pro. And yes, he is a violent mother f'er and I love the way he plays the game of football."

It's worth noting, Burfict -- who's been suspended or fined a total of 13 times over his 8-year career -- has a personal relationship with Romanowski.

The two men spent time together at Raiders training camp this summer.

So, what should've been the punishment??? Romanowski broke it down.

Joe Thomas says Baker Mayfield's Twitter feuds aren't distracting the team -- matter of fact, he believes the QB's beefs can be the fuel that leads the Browns to the playoffs!!!

Baker's never been a fan of criticism ... and he's always willing to speak his mind -- see here, here and here.

TMZ Sports spoke with the future Hall of Famer/Cleveland Browns legend/ex-NFL Fat Guy/current Greek god-lookin' fella about Mayfield's ever-growing list of enemies ... and asked if all the drama will be an issue for the team.

But, Thomas sees it as a GOOD thing ... telling us it's what keeps Bake motivated.

"I think when Baker is engaging people and firing back at Rex Ryan and Colin Cowherd and Antonio Brown, he's kind of playing off who he is going back to his college days."

Of course, Thomas is referring to the fact Baker was overlooked heading into college -- he went from a 2-time walk-on to a Heisman Trophy winner and the top pick in the 2018 draft -- and how he's always kept that chip on his shoulder ever since.

"He does his best work when his back's against the wall when everybody seems to be out to get him .... he really feels he has something to prove in that moment and that's when you get the best version of Baker Mayfield.

Thomas says he wouldn't be surprised if Bake goes out of his way to start even more beef ... because the whole team will be motivated by it.

Sorry, Khalil Mack ... the Chicago Bears do NOT have the best defense in the NFL -- so says Patriots DB JC Jackson, who tells TMZ Sports that honor belongs to New England!

"I feel like we've got the best defense so far," Jackson says ... "I feel like we've got the best defense in the league."

The Pats have steamrolled to a 4-0 start ... and a big reason for that is the 11 dudes NOT on Tom Brady's side of the ball.

Through the first quarter of the season, the Pats are allowing a league-best 243 yards per game ... and have TEN interceptions -- at least 5 more than every other squad in the NFL.

For those reasons, JC -- who had two picks against the Bills on Sunday -- says the Pats deserve the NFL's top D title ... telling us, "Right now, we the best defense in the league."

Former Packers star James Jones loves Antonio Brown's skill set ... but he says Green Bay does NOT need to sign the guy to make a serious playoff run.

Brown's been a free agent ever since New England cut ties with him earlier this month ... and some believe he'd be the perfect fit with Aaron Rodgers and the Cheeseheads.

But, Jones tells TMZ Sports Brown has to get all of his legal problems squared away before that talk even remotely begins.

And ... even if AB is able to get all that taken care of, Jones says it ain't necessary for Matt LaFleur to go out and add the problematic wide receiver.

"They've got everything they need to make a playoff run right now," Jones tells us.

Dwayne Haskins needs to go back to the bench now ... 'cause Redskins legend Joe Theismann says the rookie QB ain't ready to face Bill Belichick and the Patriots.

The 22-year-old rookie out of Ohio State -- the 15th pick in this year's draft -- was thrown into the Skins-Giants game in the 2nd quarter ... and things didn't exactly go smoothly.

Haskins was 9 of 17 for 107 yards ... and he threw 3 interceptions. The Redskins lost 24-3.

That was against the mediocre New York Giants ... with the undefeated New England Patriots -- and their hellacious defense -- coming into town this week, Theismann says DH can't start at QB.

"You cannot start him against the New England Patriots. You can't start Dwayne Haskins against the New England Patriots. I mean, it can't happen. It wouldn't be good for him, it wouldn't be good for the franchise, it wouldn't be good for football for crying out loud."

Joe says he's seen all-time greats play bad in the beginning ... so just 'cause Haskins struggled, doesn't mean he won't be a star in the future.

"I go all the way back to Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning's rookie season, he threw 29 interceptions. And, you just have to be committed to somebody and realize that it takes time to be able to play this position."

Joe also says the Redskins problems go a lot deeper than QB.

"What bothers me more than anything was the undisciplined nature," Theismann says.

"The penalties that we got. The offsides. The continuing holding by the offensive line. Those are my concerns, besides Dwayne."

"So, if you're a Redskins fan, it isn't just the quarterback position, case missing people open, Dwayne having to go in and play and not really looking like he'd be able to handle it at this moment. But, it's those other things that really have got me concerned."

Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict's vicious hit on Jack Doyle has landed him a season-ending suspension ... the league announced on Monday.

Burfict -- who has a history of dirty plays -- was ejected from Sunday's game after hitting the Colts player with a helmet-to-helmet tackle.

The NFL handed down the severe punishment on Monday ... with VP of football operations saying in a letter to Burfict straight-up, “There were no mitigating circumstances on this play."

"Your contact was unnecessary, flagrant and should have been avoided. For your actions, you were penalized and disqualified from the game.”

The suspension is an NFL record for one violent play. Burfict has been suspended multiple times as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, which also contributed to the punishment.

“Following each of your previous rule violations, you were warned by me and each of the jointly-appointed appeal officers that future violations would result in escalated accountability measures. However, you have continued to flagrantly abuse rules designated to protect yourself and your opponents from unnecessary risk.”

“Your extensive history of rules violations is factored into this decision regarding accountability measures.”

A random Twitter troll got ethered on Sunday ... and it was all at the hands of NFL running back C.J. Anderson!!

The current free agent -- who recently got cut by the Lions -- was just minding his business and sharing his 2 cents about his old teammate, Todd Gurley, on Sunday ... when one guy decided to bring up his weight.

"At least you got a good view from your couch fat boy"

Now ... there are several ways to go about responding to Twitter trolls, but if you got money like C.J., the obvious choice is to bring up the bank account.

"Being paid to sit here my man. I believe that’s the difference between me on the couch and you."

Ouch.

But, the troll wasn't going down without a fight, hitting C.J. back with "Just be nice if you would spend as much time exercising as you do on Twitter , good to see your proud of getting paid to sit on the couch"

C.J. wasn't having any of that talk ... bringing everything back to perspective to land one final blow.

"This can go both ways right? ' I need to get off twitter to hit the gym' however, your trolling another grown man instead of trying to make sure ya life is straight. Lol you have officially become a clown."

NFL all-time sack leader Bruce Smith says there's one player in the league right now that reminds him of himself, and it's none other than Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett.

Bruce has 200 sacks -- the only member of the 200 sack club in league history -- and says he loves the crop of young, nasty, hungry defensive talent in the NFL right now.

"Von Miller, I can't say enough about him ... Aaron Donald. Stud. He gets after it and gets it done. Then you have Khalil Mack."

As much praise as he heaped on all those guys, there was only one talent that Smith described as looking in a mirror from the past.

"Myles Garrett reminds me of myself. Tremendously talented young man. He's strong, he's big, he's faster. I consider him to be able to put together a breakout year this year, and be one of the top choices for defensive player of the year."

FYI, Garrett currently sits at 26.5 sacks for his career ... leaving him only about 183 behind Bruce for the all-time record.

Bruce Springsteen seems stoked to see Jennifer Lopez and Shakira at the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show -- but, interestingly, he's not yearning for some good ol' rock 'n' roll.

We got the Boss Sunday in NYC, where we asked what he thought of the pop duo being announced as the headliners for Super Bowl LIV in February ... and he told us he thought they'd put on a fabulous show come halftime. He's a big fan of theirs, apparently.

Then, our photog asked an interesting question -- in light of Bruce's epic Halftime Show back in 2009, does he think Roger Goodell and co. are pivoting way too hard toward pop music ... and snubbing classic rock acts in the process for the big stage?

Antonio Gates says he's waiting by the phone for NFL teams to call him ... telling TMZ Sports he's "ready to play" ... and he's definitely NOT retired.

Of course, Gates is a Chargers legend -- racking up 8 Pro Bowls, 3 All-Pro selections during his 16-year career in San Diego/L.A.

The future Hall of Famer has been teamless since leaving the Bolts in 2018 ... and he tells us he's been staying in tip-top shape in case anyone needs a tight end.

"I'm ready to play if I need to play. If somebody gave me a call, I'm ready. I'm in shape."

The Buffalo Bills blueprint for success against the Patriots? Beat the ever living hell out of Tom Brady ... so says NFL great Bruce Smith.

The Bills and Pats have a HUGE game this Sunday in Buffalo. Both teams are undefeated at 3-0 ... and Bills mafia is STARVING for a win against Belichick and Brady.

FYI ... Patriots are 32-4 against Bills since 2001 -- the year Tom Brady took over starting duties.

We reached out to Bruce to see if the all-time sack leader had any advice for his old team in beating the Pats, and he says the key is pain.

"If you're able to every other series put him on his back, you hit him. I'm talking about hard, legal hits. That sticks in a player's mind."

Smith says the ultimate goal is to rattle Brady, making him so upset that he TURNS ON HIS OWN TEAM.

"They get flustered, they start venting to their offensive line. That causes dissension in the ranks."

BTW ... the Bills are a 7-point underdog AT HOME, so Vegas obviously thinks this is easier said than done.

The war between Tyreek Hill and Crystal Espinal is still raging on ... TMZ Sports has obtained new court docs which show the Chiefs star is fighting with his ex to share custody of their son.

Crystal obtained sole legal custody of her and Hill's child back in February 2018 ... but Hill claims he's had a huge role in his 4-year-old son's life nonetheless.

In the docs -- filed last week -- Hill says even though Crystal was awarded custody in 2018 while she lived in Arizona ... he traveled at least 8 times to visit and develop a relationship with the child.

He claims when he asked Espinal for even more substantial time with his son ... she denied it unless she was allowed to move in with him in his Kansas home.

Hill says she ultimately ended up moving in with him in Kansas around September 2018 ... and he claims he's played a key parenting role with his son ever since.

But, in the court docs, he alleges that after his relationship with Espinal went sideways over child abuse allegations earlier this year -- he's only been allowed minimal time with his son.

The 25-year-old is now fighting like hell to change that ... asking a Kansas court to give him joint legal custody of the child.

In the docs, Hill says if the amount of time he spends with his son is left up to Espinal, it would be "devastating" to his relationship with the boy.

He also says under their current arrangement, his role as an active parent "is being disrupted at a critical point in the child's life."

As we previously reported ... Hill and Espinal are also in a legal battle over their other two children -- who were just born this year.

Espinal filed docs in July asking the court to give her sole custody of those kids ... and also demanded a paternity test to prove Hill is the father.