NFL

The Carolina Panthers are losing one of their best players to retirement ... star linebacker Luke Kuechly just announced he's hanging up his cleats after 8 seasons in the NFL.

It's a pretty shocking development ... Luke was arguably the best linebacker in the league ever since entering the NFL way back in 2012 as a first-round pick out of Boston College.

In an emotional retirement video, Luke says now is the right time for him to step away from the game. He says the decision to quit playing the game he loves was super tough.

"In my heart I know it's the right thing to do," Kuechly says. "There's only one way to play this game since I was a little kid, is to play fast, play physical and play strong. And, at this point, I don't know if I am able to do that anymore. That's the part that's the most difficult."

Kuechly was a stud on the field with Carolina ... making 7 Pro Bowls and earning 5 first-team All-Pro honors. He was the NFL's defensive player of the year in 2013 and the defensive rookie of the year in 2012.

Draya Michele is setting the record straight on her recent dinner with NY Giants WR Corey Coleman ... telling TMZ Sports he's JUST A FRIEND ... and she's "single as f**k."

Draya -- who was engaged to NFLer Orlando Scandrick -- was reportedly spotted having dinner with Coleman at Tao in NYC a few weeks back, sparking immediate dating rumors.

We got to the bottom of things with Draya outside Poppy in L.A. late Monday night ... and she says she is 100%, without a doubt, NOT in a relationship with Coleman.

"Yeah, that's crazy ... Just friends," Draya tells us. "When you see me post it, it's real life. But, until then, I'm single."

Draya says she's having a lot of fun back in the single life ... pointing out, "I'm a f**king hot girl."

As for her future relationship possibilities ... Draya says she's definitely gonna date as much as she can this year.

"I'mma speed date the f**k out of 2020. Like, I'ma date like probably 20 people."

But, there is one type of guy she will NOT date ... any guesses??

The Hollywood Police Dept. is sick and tired of Antonio Brown treating their officers like crap -- so, they've severed ties with the NFL star and even returned a large donation check.

Things have been bad between AB and the HPD for weeks -- with things exploding AGAIN on Monday during a domestic incident at Brown's Florida home in which Antonio cussed out and insulted officers and posted the video to social media.

The Hollywood PD says Brown's behavior was "very rude and disrespectful" and they no longer want to have a relationship with him.

As we previously reported, the HPD had allowed Brown for years to work out at their Police Athletic League football field. We posted video of AB training there in October as he tried to get back in the NFL. A spokesperson told us at the time AB had a great reputation with the cops.

In fact, cops say Brown had financially sponsored the HPD's 7-on-7 football league.

No one expected the Titans to wreck Lamar Jackson and the Ravens ... that is, no one except Chris Johnson ... and he tells TMZ Sports his old team is about to pull off ANOTHER huge upset!!

Mike Vrabel's squad came away with the 28-12 dub over Baltimore in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday (they were 10 point underdogs) ... one week after taking down Tom Brady and the Patriots.

CJ2K says the Titans ain't done yet, 'cause he tells us Tennessee is about to take down Patrick Mahomes and co. in the AFC Championship game and punch some tickets to Miami.

"Man, listen, the Ravens had a explosive offense as well," CJ tells us. "We went in there and we did what we had to do. We held them to 12 points. so, we gon' do the same thing this week."

CJ -- who was so pumped about the win, he made t-shirts -- jokes that he's getting so good with his predictions, he deserves a TV deal!!

"I've been right on the head. I've been predicting it every week."

Christian McCaffrey really is one of the best utility players in the game ... not only can he run and catch ... he can also squeeze super hot models into the tightest pair of leather pants!!!

The Carolina Panthers superstar came in clutch for his incredibly attractive GF Olivia Culpo before their date in L.A. over the weekend ... helping her squeeze into her pants in a super sexy moment captured on her IG Story.

"Leather pants should come with a human to help put them on," OC said. "This was after I ripped the belt loop trying to pull them up myself."

But, don't worry, the shirtless assistance from CMC was helpful enough to get the couple out of the house for their romantic dinner at Delilah in West Hollywood.

Culpo and McCaffrey have been on fire lately ... they recently had their belated Christmas together and had a lil bae-cation before getting back to L.A.

The woman who died after being taken to the hospital by NFL player Montae Nicholson passed away due to an accidental fentanyl overdose ... TMZ Sports has learned.

We broke the story, back on Nov. 14, Nicholson and a friend found 21-year-old Julia Crabbe "foaming at the mouth" in Nicholson's Ashburn, Virginia home after a night out.

According to police documents, Nicholson and the friend took Crabbe to a nearby hospital ... where she was later pronounced dead.

Now, TMZ Sports has learned Crabbe's death has been ruled an accident ... a spokesperson for the county medical examiner tells us Crabbe died of "fentanyl intoxication."

FYI, the CDC characterizes fentanyl as an opioid pain reliever that is "50 to 100 times more potent than morphine."

Big win for Patriots safety Patrick Chung ... the New England DB just cut a deal in his cocaine case -- and he will NOT have to go to jail despite a felony drug charge.

Court officials tell TMZ Sports Chung and prosecutors made an agreement Monday in which Chung's charge will be dropped if he meets several requirements.

Officials say Chung's got to keep his nose clean for 2 years, submit to random periodic drug testing and complete 40 hours of community service.

It's a sweet deal for the 32-year-old New England defensive back ... because he was facing up to 7 YEARS behind bars for the charge.

As we previously reported, Chung was busted back on June 25 after cops in New Hampshire say they discovered drugs in the Patriots player's possession.

Chung initially pled not guilty to the charge at a court hearing in August.

As for why prosecutors cut the deal ... they said in statement there were numerous factors that led to the agreement.

Prosecutors say Chung had no prior criminal record, he was fully cooperative with police, the amount of drugs they allegedly found on Chung were "small" ... and they also say Chung passed a substance abuse evaluation.

Chung is still subject to NFL discipline based on the league's personal conduct policy.

No one -- on Earth -- was more fired up about the Chiefs' epic comeback against the Houston Texans than Patrick Mahomes' girlfriend, Brittany Mathews ... and it's all on video.

Brittany WENT FULL-ON BERSERK while watching her boyfriend engineer one of the greatest comebacks in NFL playoff history ... screaming, yelling, talking trash!!!

The 23-year-old was watching the game from a VIP suite at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City ... surrounded by other Chiefs players' GFs and her BFF Jackson Mahomes, Pat's younger bro.

As the Chiefs started cutting into the Texans 24-0 lead, Matthews could barely believe it -- LOSING HER MIND while Patrick went off on the field.

"THAT'S MY BOYYYYYYYYYYYYY," she yelled from the suite ... adding, "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!"

Once it became clear the Chiefs were taking control, Matthews sent a video message to all of her haters ...

"All those people that doubted us and hated on us, that thought we were gonna lose this game? GUESS AGAIN!!!"

Matthews ain't exactly a wallflower at Chiefs games -- she's as loud and rowdy as they come -- which might be why Patriots fans heckled the crap out of her during a regular-season matchup at Gillette Stadium toward the end of the season.

The good news for Brittany ... the Chiefs will be back at Arrowhead next weekend to take on the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship game.

Another bizarre police incident at Antonio Brown's Florida home -- this time, cops responded after a dispute with his baby mama ... and it turned VERY nasty.

We've reached out to cops to find out exactly why they were called to the home -- and who made the call. But, here's what we know so far ...

Several Hollywood Police Dept. officers arrived at Brown's home around 10 AM local time on Monday ... and Brown's baby mama, Chelsie Kyriss, was there too. They have 3 children together.

Brown repeatedly told the officers he had previously evicted her from his home -- but allowed her on the property so she could pick up her kids and take them to school.

But, Brown claims during the handoff, Chelsie tried to steal one of his cars -- and he wasn't having it.

How did Bill Cowher feel when he was surprised with his big Hall of Fame news on live TV on Saturday???

"IT WAS AWESOME!"

The legendary NFL coach was still giddy on Sunday when we spotted him out in NYC -- telling TMZ Sports he was stoked he got to share that special moment with the world

"It was pretty awesome. Pretty surreal to be honest with you," Cowher said ... "Very surprised!"

Cowher was doing his thing on the CBS pregame show before the Ravens vs. Titans game, when Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker suddenly walked in and interrupted to inform Bill he's getting a gold jacket!

The moment was amazing -- Bill got super emotional and thanked everyone who helped him along the way ... all while his cohosts cheered their faces off!

The very next day, Baker surprised Jimmy Johnson on the set of the NFL On Fox pregame show and delivered the same news to the ex-Cowboys coach. His former player, Troy Aikman, was so moved, he choked back tears.

Another emotional moment. Great stuff!

"That's what happens when you feel like you're on top of the world!"

That's Terrell Owens weighing in on Julian Edelman's arrest in Beverly Hills over the weekend -- telling TMZ Sports the Patriots WR clearly feels untouchable.

We broke the story, Edelman was arrested Saturday night for misdemeanor vandalism after cops say he jumped on the hood of a Mercedes-Benz during a night out with Paul Pierce and Danny Amendola.

Owens, who knows exactly what it's like to be a top-flight NFL star, didn't seem too shocked by Edelman's alleged actions ... saying, "That's Julian Edelman being Julian Edelman."

Edelman was scheduled to appear and participate in the California Strong Celebrity Softball Game at Pepperdine University on Sunday ... but never showed up. It's pretty obvious why.

But, a TON of stars did attend the event -- including Owens -- to help raise money for people affected by the wildfires and the mass shootings in Southern California.

The Chiefs beat the Houston Texans in spectacular fashion this weekend -- but nothing was more spectacular than one of their offensive tackles busting two beers together.

As Patrick Mahomes made a touchdown pass to Blake Bell at the top of the fourth quarter in Sunday's playoff game ... the guy's teammate Eric Fisher ran over to celebrate with him and showered in the glory with brew and an homage to Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Fisher ran over to the stands and grabbed what appeared to be two waiting beer cans that were conveniently placed, and then smashed them over his head like SCSA used to.

Looks the apparent owner of the beers -- the guy with the glasses -- wasn't too upset with the move either -- if anything, Fisher was getting cheered on by all the Chiefs fans.

Terrell Owens is dead wrong ... Dak Prescott -- NOT Tom Brady -- should be the Cowboys starting QB ... 'cause he's a flat-out better quarterback.

Chill, that ain't coming from us ... those are the sentiments of HOF signal caller Warren Moon, who's adamant, bringing TB12 to Big D is the wrong move.

Remember, during a recent radio interview, T.O. said Jerry Jones should sign Brady -- a free agent -- and hand him the starting job.

But, Moon tells TMZ Sports he ain't down with Owens' plan.

"I don't think it's a bad idea for anybody to sign Tom Brady cause I think he can still play, but I just don't think it's a good fit for the Cowboys right now because of the way that Dak Prescott has developed, and he's only gonna get better," WM tells us.

The Cowboys had a disappointing season as a team -- they missed the playoffs -- but Dak put up big numbers ... throwing for over 4,900 yards with 30 TD's and only 11 picks.

Prescott's stats -- with the exception of 3 less interceptions -- were significantly better than Brady's ... and according to Warren, that's not some fluke ... DP's numbers were better 'cause he's a better QB.

"[Dak] definitely played physically better than Tom," Moon says.

"Tom still has those mental gifts that you can't compare because he's got so much experience behind him, and he knows how to play in the biggest games, and that's something you gain when you bring in a Tom Brady."

"But, physically, Dak can really throw the football. He knows how to spread it around. He can run the ball and use his legs. So, I think physically he's a better quarterback than Tom right now."

Steve Harvey says he forgives Rob Gronkowski for Gronk-spiking the amazing LEGO statue of his head ... telling TMZ Sports he didn't want the thing anyway!!!

Our convo with the comedian was hilarious ... he tells us the sculpture was dope -- but there was no way in HELL his wife was going to let him keep it around the house.

So, when Gronk demolished it live on television during their New Year's Eve special last week ... he says he actually found it funny -- despite his on-air demeanor!!!

"That was an act, man," Harvey says. "Gronk's a cool dude. I like him."

Of course, that's been the sentiment surrounding the former Patriots tight end ever since he retired from football and entered the entertainment biz this past offseason

The future of Hall of Famer -- who's now a football analyst and a regular guest on a ton of different television shows and specials -- has been CRUSHING life after the game.

Everyone seems to be loving it too ... well, other than Tom Brady -- whose career plummeted after the TE bolted.

Seattle Seahawks rookie phenom D.K. Metcalf officially has the Michael Irvin stamp of approval ... 'cause The Playmaker tells TMZ Sports he LOVES the guy!!!

In fact, the Hall of Famer says he believes D.K.'s playoff performance last weekend against the Eagles is the start of NFL STARDOM!!!

"I think it's the beginning of his journey towards the elite areas of the NFL," Irvin says.

Metcalf posted a stunning 7 catches for 160 yards and a TD to lead the 'Hawks into the Divisional Round this weekend ... and Irvin tells us he's super impressed with the wideout.

And, why? Outside of the dude's insane skill set, Irv just loves how Metcalf didn't get down on himself after he slipped out of the first round in last spring's NFL draft.

"He put that chip on his shoulder, he went out, worked out with Russell Wilson, 5:30 in the morning, catching passes with Russell Wilson and he's produced this year."

Metcalf could have a tougher time repeating his Wild Card performance this week ... the Packers have a MUCH better secondary than the Eagles -- and it's supposed to be snowing like crazy for Sunday's game.

Retired NFL superstar Chris Johnson says he's still so fast ... he could beat Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in a race TODAY!!!

The former Tennessee Titans running back told the guys on "TMZ Sports" (airing weeknights on FS1) he has zero doubts about it too ... saying, "Yeah, I beat him right now."

It's a WILD statement from the 34-year-old ... considering nobody has been able to catch up to Lamar at all this season (the guy has 1,206 rushing yards on just 176 carries).

But, Johnson swears he's still got wheels ... remember, he told us back in March he could still get his 40-yard dash time down to a 4.2!!!