NFL

"I want to get it removed from my body. It's shameful that I had it on there ignorantly."

That's Patriots rookie Justin Rohrwasser fighting back tears and apologizing for the "3 Percenter" tattoo on his arm ... saying he'll now have it removed because "that's not who I am."

You've probably heard by now ... the 23-year-old has been under fire over the tattoo since he was drafted by the Pats in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Why? Well, Justin claims he got the tat when he was 18 as a tribute to the military -- but some experts and watchdog groups say the "3 Percenters" are actually a dangerous right-wing militia ... some chapters reportedly associate with "extreme racist groups."

3 Percenters' leaders have disputed the claims -- claiming they're just patriots trying to protect American liberties.

Still, Rohrwasser has been getting crushed on social media by people calling him racist, a white supremacist sympathizer and more.

So, the former Marshall kicker did an interview with WBZ-TV's Steve Burton (who is black) to explain why he's JUST NOW having regrets about the ink.

"When I was 18, I got it. [3 Percenters were] described to me as the percentage of colonists that rose up against the authoritarian government of the British, and I was like, 'Wow, that's such an American sentiment. A patriotic sentiment. And coming from a military family, I thought that really spoke to me and I always was proud to be an American. I'm very proud to be an American."

"The first time I found out what it was linked to was on Saturday. That's why it was so surprising."

Shocking statement considering the 3 Percenters made national headlines back in 2017 when several 3P members showed up at the violent Charlottesville protests in military fatigues while carrying weapons.

"As soon as I saw what it was linked to on Saturday, it's exactly that time I knew I had to get it totally taken off my body. I said cover it up, but I want to get it removed from my body. It's shameful that I had it on there ignorantly. I'm sorry for all my family that have to defend me.

Rohrwasser says putting his family and friends in the "compromising position" of having to defend his character is "one of the biggest regrets I'll ever have."

"I'm sorry I'm going to learn from this ... this is not who I am ... no matter what, that 's not who I am. Hopefully, you will all find that out."

For his part, Burton believes him ... tagging his report, "I did not find him to be a racist whatsoever. I found him to be very authentic and very apologetic. This kid deserves a chance."

Chiefs 1st-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire says he's ECSTATIC to play with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the QB is a Hall of Famer!

We spoke with the LSU superstar just days after he was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the NFL draft ... and it didn't take long for him to tell us he's PUMPED over the idea of sharing a backfield with Mahomes.

In fact, Clyde says when he found out Patrick had advised Chiefs brass to pick him before their draft last week ... he became even more enamored with the QB.

"It made me feel like this was the right place to be," Edwards-Helaire says. "This is where God wanted me to be."

"And, ultimately. Man, MVP quarterback, soon to be Hall of Famer -- he's going to be a Hall of Famer, so for him to send my name in and want me to play with him, it made me feel a little special."

Clyde -- who's expected to have a huge role in the Chiefs' offense catching passes from Mahomes in 2020 -- added, "I'm still kind of amazed by the entire situation."

WCW legend Rick Steiner says it's pretty damn cool to watch his son sign with the Baltimore Ravens ... telling TMZ Sports the pro wrestling community is already rallying around him with advice!!

Bronson Rechsteiner was a star fullback at Kennesaw State (averaged 8 yards per carry!) and just signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent.

Rick says he couldn't be more proud of his son -- saying it's another huge moment for his famous family!

"I watched him grow up. I watched the sweat and time and effort he puts into what he does and everything he does," Rick says.

"Just to see him totally succeed going to college, totally succeed with rushing yards and catches and everything else. It's just a super, super proud moment for our dad, for me being his father, to see him do that, see him accomplish that and now, take the phone call, take the next steps to be a professional athlete. Pretty cool, man."

Rick says he's already getting calls from his pro wrestler buddies -- some of whom played in the NFL.

"You got guys like Goldberg, who played in the NFL and all these other guys that were in there. I'm just getting a host of texts and emails congratulating me, proud of my son, proud of his accomplishments. Really makes me feel good, ya know."

Bronson tells us Goldberg -- who played with the Atlanta Falcons in the early '90s -- is already giving him some pointers!

Rechsteiner is a BEAST (just like his dad and uncle) -- in fact, he ripped off 35 reps on the bench press at his pro day, which would have been 3rd best at the NFL Combine.

The Cleveland Browns' newest star, Jedrick Wills, Jr., is ready to make the switch from right tackle to the other side of the line ... and he's got a future Hall of Famer helping him with the move -- Joe Thomas!!!

TMZ Sports spoke with the #10 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft fresh off the biggest day of his life ... and he says he can't wait to get to work.

"I wanna come in and establish my spot on the team," Wills tells us. "I didn't get drafted to just come in and watch from the back."

Of course, the big question surrounding the Browns' pick -- Wills played right tackle for Alabama ... and Cleveland just shelled out $42 million for fellow RT Jack Conklin this off-season.

But, Wills tells us there won't be a position competition with his new teammate -- he says he's already planning to protect Baker Mayfield's blindside on the left ... and has been in talks with Thomas to get adjusted.

"He probably already knew that I was gonna be a left, so he just told me that whenever the time comes, I'll be here to give you some pointers."

Wills says Thomas -- a 7-time First-Team All-Pro -- has offered advice and film sessions to get ready for the season ... and he's thrilled to have one of the best to ever play the position share his knowledge.

As for the draft experience ... Wills admits it sucked not being able to walk across the stage and shake Roger Goodell's hand ... but says the NFL did a great job trying to keep things as normal as possible for the prospects.

Wills says he's already been in contact with Baker about joining the team ... and he's fired up about joining the former Heisman winner.

Jason Pierre-Paul is revealing pics from the 2019 car crash that left him with a broken neck ... and the images show his $350,000 Ferrari was heavily damaged in the wreck.

As we previously reported ... the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star was driving a red 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista on May 2, 2019, when he lost control at around 3 AM and crashed.

Officials blamed weather conditions -- i.e. wet road surfaces -- for the accident ... and did NOT suspect JPP of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Now, nearly a full year after the wreck ... Pierre-Paul is reflecting on the crash -- sharing wild pics from the scene.

You can see in the photos ... the pricey ride was mangled pretty badly, with the passenger side door and rear quarter panel torn up.

Pierre-Paul captioned the pics with a message expressing gratitude for walking away from the crash alive ... saying, "I remember sittin home for months I mean months while time went by."

"But you know what kept me always going, I found somethin to be thankful for in this so call life bihhhh."

JPP added, "Fux a luxury car I got plenty of them. How can it be so luxury if you died in it and it. Live your best life TODAY!!!"

Pierre-Paul was sidelined for MONTHS with the neck injury ... but he returned to game action for the Bucs in Week 8 of the NFL season and went on to post 8.5 sacks.

Chase Young isn't just planning on seizing the moment now that he's in the NFL -- he wants to TERRORIZE IT!!

The newest Washington Redskins star -- the #2 overall pick in the NFL Draft -- filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to lock down the phrase, "Terrorize the Moment."

According to records, the 21-year-old defensive end filed his application back in February hoping to use the phrase on everything from hats to hoodies, jackets, pants and more.

In other words, Chase is trying to launch his own brand -- and with the heat this guy has behind him right now, can you blame him?!

It's a smart move by Young to lock down potential catchphrases early -- just look at when Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson got beat to the punch on "Big Truss."

Jackson says the person who owns that trademark threatened a lawsuit -- so he switched it up and went after "Truzz" instead.

As for "Terrorize the Moment" -- Young is known for wreaking havoc on opponents ... and if you need proof, WATCH THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO!

Awesome gesture by Eagles stud Malik Jackson ... he donated $100k to help families in Philadelphia -- this after he says he was inspired to give back during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I woke up one morning and realized, I said I wasn’t doing enough," Jackson tells TMZ Sports. "I actually watched a '60 Minutes' special and realized I wasn’t doing enough."

Jackson says he got with his camp earlier this month and quickly found an organization in Philly he wanted to give back to ... Fred's Footsteps.

The org assists families in the region with sick, disabled or injured children ... and Jackson tells us he's proud his money will help that cause during coronavirus times.

"With Fred’s Footsteps, they’ll get help," Jackson says. "I think we’ve really just tried to be a blessing. Because it’s a blessing to be a blessing."

Jackson, though, didn't stop the charity efforts there ... he also helped feed medical personnel at L.A. County USC Hospital with a donation last week as well.

As for football, the 30-year-old (who signed a 3-year, $30 MIL contract last season with the Eagles) says his injured foot is progressing well ... and he's hoping to be a dominant force in the NFL again this year.

Scary moment for Delanie Walker ... the NFL star was involved in a car crash in L.A. last month that wrecked his G-Wagon -- but TMZ Sports has learned the tight end made it out uninjured.

We're told Walker -- a Pomona, Calif. native -- was driving through Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. on March 4 in his pricey Mercedes-Benz when someone ran into him.

Law enforcement sources tell us a driver made an illegal turn in front of the Tennessee Titans star ... slamming into Walker and doing serious damage to his expensive whip.

Walker was able to escape the accident uninjured ... but you can see in video we obtained of the aftermath -- he wasn't exactly pleased about the condition of his ride.

We're told the car is still in the shop ... but for now, it seems to have avoided being totaled.

As for the other driver ... we're told he was taken to the hospital after the crash, suffering non-life threatening injuries.

Law enforcement sources tell us Walker is in the clear over the accident ... pinning the blame on the other driver in the case.

35-year-old Delanie -- who's in the second year of a 2-year, $17 MILLION deal with Tenn. -- is nearing the end of his NFL career ... with the 2020 season possibly being his last.

Tom Brady and Gronk just got a personal welcome from none other than the Mayor of their new home -- Tampa, Florida -- but it didn't come without a warning to both.

Mayor Jane Castor penned her open letter, telling the Boston expatriates/ex-patriots about the awesome things they can do in her fair City, but then she schooled the G.O.A.T., saying, "Tom, my apologies for the miscommunication when you arrived – not the best first impression. But, given my law enforcement background, I couldn’t help but have someone investigate the sighting of a G.O.A.T. running wild in one of our beautiful city parks. No harm – no foul, and thanks for being a good sport."

And, then there's Gronk. Mayor Castor wrote about one of the largest parades in the city, which is pirate-themed, saying, "You must be ready to pARRGHty ... but not too hard (I'm talking to you Gronk), as Super Bowl LV is the following weekend and we need to keep our eye on the prize -- a dent free Lombardi trophy!"

But, Her Honor wasn't done, adding, "There is plenty for you to do as well Gronk. Although we have to socially distance right now, in no time you will be able to enjoy our nightlife and eclectic neighborhoods ... Just remember 'No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service' is still in effect around here." Gronk, you've been warned!

And, then a message to both ... "We are so glad to have you here. While most people retire and come to Florida, you came out of retirement to head our way. That shows the competitive mindset we are used to, while sticking it to the AARP at the same time. Looking forward to growing used to the Gronk Spike!"

Brady had an interesting week. As TMZ reported, he went to visit one of his new coaches and ended up walking into the wrong house -- it's kind of a Stepford community -- and came face-to-face with a very shocked dude.

Joe Burrow did it. Same with CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs.

In fact, 10 of the top NFL Draft picks got custom jewelry for their big day with VERY special meaning behind each piece ... and we got the story straight from the jeweler!

The man behind the bling is Leo Frost who runs his own shop out of Houston, outfitting some of the top athletes on the planet.

You may have seen Ceedee Lamb's #32 diamond piece -- a tribute to his late uncle.

Back before COVID-19 shut down the country, he had a face-to-face meeting with the top draft picks to brainstorm meaningful pieces of jewelry to wear on the biggest day of their lives.

Raiders WR Henry Ruggs -- who famously holds up 3 fingers every time he scores a TD -- got the same hand gesture immortalized on a chain. It's all to honor his best friend, Rod Scott, who died in a car crash in 2016.

Andrew Thomas -- the massive offensive lineman selected by the NY Giants -- got an incredible bear pendant because he embodies a giant grizzly bear!

The piece is sick ... which has rubies on the tongue and eyes and it has a "glowing effect" when you put light around it!

Joe Burrow got a #9 -- but Frost says he's working on a special secret piece for the Bengals QB. Stay tuned for that!

There's more ...

Derrick Brown, Patrick Queen, Javon Kinlaw and Jerry Jeudy also hit up Frost's shop and copped some amazing pieces.

Yeah, they're rich now -- but Frost ain't no dummy -- hooking up the rookies with serious discounts in hopes to win back their business.

Smart and talented!!

Willie McGinest tells TMZ Sports he understands why Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski left the Patriots for the Bucs ... saying straight-up New England is a GRIND!!!

"You work your ass off," the former Pats superstar says. "In that system, in that organization, you work hard. And, there's a lot of pressure put on you."

Don't get it twisted ... Willie says that's why the Patriots are so damn good -- they treat every player the same way and expect results all across the board.

But, the Pats legend tells us that can be taxing ... and he gets why Brady and Gronk wanted to see a fresh perspective down in Tampa Bay at the end of their Hall of Fame careers.

"It's a tough atmosphere because there's a lot of pressure on winning," Willie says. "Everybody is held accountable."

As far as any animosity between Bill Belichick and his former superstars over the way things ended ... Willie says there's no hate there, telling us the guys still have a ton of respect for each other.

"What they did in New England together, as a duo -- as a trio," McGinest says, "will never be duplicated ever in football history again."

Willie tells us he expects Gronk and Brady to be at Patriots reunions as soon as their careers are over ... and even says ceremonial retirements in New England for both dudes are on the table.

That's a PUNTER?!?!?!

Meet Jamie Gillan -- aka "The Scottish Hammer" -- a former rugby player turned kicker for the Cleveland Browns!

AND HE'S MORE JACKED THAN HIS QUARTERBACK! (No shade, just facts).

The 22-year-old is a beast in the gym -- and clearly he's been packin' on the bulk after a pretty impressive rookie season.

Gillian was an undrafted free agent in 2019 -- but earned his spot on the Browns roster after blasting a 74-yard punt in a pre-season game. He went on to make the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team.

Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping him off the field, he's been locked in his home gym -- making some serious gains and flexing on the kicker community.

"Do pull-ups help me punt? Absolutely not," Gillan said ... "Do they help me look like a football player? Kinda #pintsandpunts."

The Scottish Hammer got his nickname because he grew up in -- you guessed it -- Scotland before coming over to the States in high school. After a life of rugby, Gillan took up American football and even played some college ball at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (The Golden Lions, not the Razorbacks).

Gillan's been keeping his followers entertained during the global pandemic ... showcasing his crazy talent in the process.

The NFL Draft had a record-breaking audience when Joe Burrow and Chase Young heard their names called Thursday night ... with an average of 15.6 MILLION people watching!

The league just announced the crazy numbers from Night 1 of the 3-day event ... touting a huge 37% increase from 2019.

And get this, the league claims the number ballooned to 19.6 MILLION watching from 8:45-9 PM. Wow!

Also worth noting ... the NFL says the top 3 metered markets were from Ohio -- Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

Obviously, the fact the Cincinnati Bengals had the #1 overall pick -- and selected Ohio-native Joe Burrow had a lot to do with that.

The 2020 Draft completely wrecked the previous record held by the 2014 draft, which brought in an average of 12.4 million.

Rounds 2-7 will go down Friday and Saturday ... and it's safe to say those numbers will be high as well.

The NFL's Draft-A-Thon was more like The Roast of Tom Brady on Thursday ... with the Tampa Bay QB getting all the jokes about his recent goof-up.

We broke the story ... TB12 accidentally entered the wrong house recently when trying to visit his coach, Byron Leftwich. The shocked homeowner could barely believe his eyes when he realized it was Tom Frickin' Brady.

Brady's buddies won't let him live the hilarious mistake down during the league's COVID-19 charity event ... 'cause the NFL Network's Rich Eisen made sure to hit him with a friendly jab about it after Brady tried to rip Russell Wilson for being in his car during the event.

"Tom's in the wrong house," Eisen said. "Tom strolled into the wrong house."

HAAAAAAAAA, good one, Rich Eisen.

Brady hit back with a joke of his own ... saying, "They got Wi-Fi, so I'm cool."

The whole clip is legitimately hilarious ... with Russ dogging Brady for having a zebra-striped chair, Kevin Hart roasting Deion Sanders for looking like Bill Russell, and more.