NFL

Brett Favre is already taking steps to return $1.1 MILLION in payments he received from the state of Mississippi ... claiming he had NO IDEA the cash was coming from a welfare program.

The backstory is bizarre ... officials claim the Mississippi Dept. of Human Services handed out $98 MILLION in welfare funds to 2 non-profit orgs., which were supposed to use the money to help the poor.

Instead, officials say several crooked people in those groups spent MILLIONS on things like concert tickets, football games, lobbyists and more.

Officials say $1.1 million was paid to Favre to deliver speeches in 2017 and 2018 -- but Favre never actually performed.

Auditors flagged the payments -- and although he has not been accused of any wrongdoing, Brett is speaking out to explain his side of the story.

"My agent is often approached by different products and brands for me to appear in one way or another. This request was no different, and I did numerous ads for Families First," Favre said.

"I have never received monies for obligations I didn't meet. To reiterate Auditors White's statement, I was unaware that the money being dispersed was paid for out of funds not intended for that purpose, and because of that I am refunding the full amount back to Mississippi."

"I have spent my entire career helping children through Favre 4 Hope donating nearly $10 million to underserved and underprivileged children in Mississippi and Wisconsin."

"It has brought a ton of joy to my life, and I would certainly never do anything to take away from the children I have fought to help! I love Mississippi and I would never knowingly do anything to take away from those that need it most."

Officials have confirmed Favre has already repaid $500,000 -- and plans to return the remaining $600,000 in various installments.

"I want to applaud Mr. Favre for his good faith effort to make this right and make the taxpayers and TANF families whole,'' Auditor Shad White said in a statement Wednesday.

Ex-Jacksonville Jaguars star Telvin Smith is fighting back in his underage sex case -- pleading NOT GUILTY to all charges, court record show.

The 29-year-old linebacker is accused of two sexual encounters with an underage girl back in 2019. Florida officials claim they have a mountain of evidence -- including DNA and text messages -- to prove his guilt.

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... Smith's lawyer sent in the not guilty plea in the mail last week ... waiving his arraignment and right to be present at all pretrial conferences.

Smith allegedly met the underage girl at her work in Duval County, FL days before their first sexual encounter at his home. Officials claim the accuser's coworker made it clear to Smith she was underage.

Officials say Smith and the minor had sex again in his Cadillac Escalade a month later.

As we previously reported ... the girl claims Smith pressured her into taking a $100 bill after the encounter, which she used to buy emergency contraception.

In November, investigators executed a search warrant and seized Smith's Escalade to collect DNA evidence. Officials insinuate in court docs, DNA collected in the car matches the alleged victim.

Unlawful sex with a minor is a Felony 2 ... which means Smith is facing multiple years behind bars if convicted.

"I would honestly say this is probably going to be one of my best seasons. Bigger, stronger, faster ... this is my time."

The Dawg Pound's gotta be salivating after hearing Odell Beckham's prediction for the upcoming season ... with the Cleveland Browns superstar WR saying he'll be more than ready to bounce back after a disappointing 2019.

Remember, OBJ says he played all of last season with a sports hernia injury he suffered during training camp ... which ultimately led to a lackluster start to his career in Orange and Brown.

The injury ultimately required surgery ... which Beckham had after the season.

"So pretty much, I was just f***ed up the whole year," Odell says. "I really didn't try and say anything about it. Probably one of the worst surgeries I've ever had."

Beckham gave an update on his status in a vlog posted on Monday ... saying he's putting in the work during rehab to get back to 100% during quarantine.

"Recovery's going well. Guess I'm really just trying to put my body back together. I've been playing for 23 years, so for me, I'm trying to put it all back together in seven months."

Beckham had just 4 TDs in 2019 as the Browns went 6-10 ... but this talk has to get fans fired up for 2020.

Larry Csonka and his Miami Dolphins teammate Manny Fernandez once caught a live alligator and hid it in Don Shula's shower ... and the story is nuts!!

The Dolphins legendary running back was remembering Shula on a Zoom call with reporters when he explained how he pulled off one of the most DANGEROUS pranks ever!!

It all started during a fishing trip in Florida with Manny -- a stud defensive end -- the day after an exhibition game.

Csonka says they saw alligators on the beach and Manny said he could catch one.

That's when Manny -- a MANIAC -- jumped out of the boat and caught a 3-foot gator with his bare hands!!

"It was like something in a movie. There was tumbling and screaming and growling and pretty soon Manny Fernandez came walking out of the bushes with a baby alligator!"

"Walked over and threw it in the boat. I jumped out of the boat!"

Larry says the guys threw the gator into his car and brought it back to the team practice facility the next day ... "and then we had the great idea of putting it in his shower."

Larry says the players took a vote on whether to tape the gator's mouth shut -- and it passed by ONE VOTE!

How'd it go over with the Coach???

BEAST MODE MIGHT NOT BE DONE YET!!!

Marshawn Lynch just said he's "in talks" with the Seattle Seahawks about yet another NFL comeback ... this time telling ESPN's Scott Van Pelt to "expect the unexpected" from him in 2020.

"Just as far as right now," Lynch said Monday, "what I do know is, imma keep it solid. My agent has been in talks with Seattle, so like I said, we'll see what happens."

Lynch has retired and unretired multiple times in his NFL career ... but after his short stint with the 'Hawks at the end of last season, most thought the 34-year-old was officially done.

But, Lynch sure seems like a guy who wouldn't mind making a run at Year No. 13 in the NFL.

"If it works out and I get back up there, it is what it is," Lynch said. "And, if not, sh*t, I'm looking good. So I ain't really trippin' too much."

Marshawn -- who's had a Hall of Fame-caliber career -- famously quit the NFL after the 2015 season ... but came back to the Oakland Raiders in 2017 after sitting out all of '16.

After playing 21 games for Oakland in two seasons, it appeared Lynch was finally done with football ... but then he surprisingly returned to Seattle to help with their playoff run last year.

AND, HE LOOKED GOOD!!

So, could he come back for a full season this time with the 'Hawks???

Everything's bigger in Texas ... including the mansions -- just check out the place Jason Witten is trying to sell!!

Now that the former Dallas Cowboys tight end is playing for the Las Vegas Raiders, he's parting ways with his 8,800-square-foot estate ... and this place is SICK!!!

We're talkin' 17 ROOMS -- including 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, wine cellar, movie theater, game room and wet bar!

OH, AND THE POOL AREA LOOKS LIKE A RESORT!

Waterslide? Yep. Diving board? OF COURSE!

It's all located in a very exclusive guard-gated community on a golf course in Westlake, Texas ... about a 30-minute drive from Dallas.

The neighborhood is also packed with other NFL and MLB players. Glenn Beck is also a neighbor.

Got guests? There's an 828-square-foot guesthouse too!

The property, listed by Engel & Volkers, sits on 1.2 acres of land. Asking price -- a cool $4.6 MILLION!

37-year-old Witten just wrapped up a 15-season run with the Cowboys -- he made over $70 million in contract money alone.

Now that he's playing in Vegas, seems he's ready to part ways with his longtime pad.

Tom Brady doesn't need access to Tampa Bay parks to keep his G.O.A.T. bod in shape ... the dude's taking his workouts to his backyard now -- IN FULL PADS!!!

TB12 was forced to move makeshift gym locations after local authorities gave him the boot from closed Tampa-area parks last month ... and the QB has clearly learned Derek Jeter's mansion can work just fine.

Brady posted video of his workout from the pad he's renting from the Yankees' legend on Monday ... and it doesn't seem the 42-year-old is missing anything.

Tom showed off some solid footwork and lateral movement ... all while he donned a helmet, shoulder pads, cleats and a knee brace.

Seems his Buccaneers gear still hasn't made its way to his doorstep, though -- 'cause his helmet still looks a hell of a lot like Patriots colors to us.

Then again, it's probably best Tom waits for the pirate swag to arrive at his place rather than going to get it himself ... remember the last time he ventured out in Tampa to get new Bucs stuff??

By the way, Brady's still mixing in some pleasure with work ... getting in a little family jetskiing after his morning sweat.

Just 'cause Rob Gronkowski is an NFL player again doesn't mean he's giving up his WWE 24/7 championship belt without a fight -- and he's already eyeing his own coach as a potential threat!!!

Remember, Gronk became the new 24/7 champ after beating up on Mojo Rawley at WrestleMania 36 last month ... pinning his friend to take over the shiny, new belt.

While it seemed like it was the beginning of a full-on career with Vince McMahon's org, the 30-year-old would end up BACK in the NFL weeks later to join his bestie, Tom Brady, on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So ... what's Gronk gonna do with his belt??

HE'S DEFENDING THE DAMN THING, BABY!!!!

Rob joined his brother, Chris, on his "Gronk'd UP" podcast to discuss the status of his championship ... and he makes it clear he's got his eyes peeled for anyone looking to steal his belt -- even Bucs head coach Bruce Arians.

"Imagine coming out of the meeting room, I'm like looking to my left down the hallway ... looking to my right to make sure no one is out of the meetings yet, and then all of a sudden ... Coach Arians just comes out of nowhere with a flying elbow and takes me out and pins me and becomes the 24/7 champ," Gronk says.

"That would be legendary. That would be an honor to lose to him."

Of course, the point of the 24/7 belt is ANYONE can come out of nowhere to try to take it from Gronk ... and he says he's gonna have a huge target on his back once the coronavirus pandemic is over.

Gronk even speculates someone could try taking it from him DURING AN NFL GAME ... but he's up to the challenge.

"So many different people coming at me from all angles."

KC Chiefs running back Damien Williams -- who scored TWO 4th-quarter TDs in the Super Bowl -- was robbed at a fancy rental home in L.A., TMZ Sports has learned.

Williams was not hurt in the incident -- but the suspects made off with roughly $1,000 in cash and now cops are on the hunt.

Here's what we know ... the 28-year-old had JUST checked in to a pricey L.A. home on Saturday night when 3 intruders broke into the property through a back door.

We're told the men surrounded Williams and his crew -- and even the suspects did not brandish a weapon, it was clear they wanted cash ... or else.

Williams and his guests complied. Our law enforcement sources tell us the suspects got around $1,000 in cash and then fled the scene.

Cops were called but so far, they have not located the men. We're told the LAPD is investigating and looking for possible surveillance footage. The suspects have been described as 3 African-American men.

A rep for Williams tells TMZ Sports ... the NFL player is doing okay.

Williams was a stud for the Chiefs in 2019 -- but REALLY broke out during the playoffs.

During Super Bowl LIV, he rushed for 104 yards and a TD against the SF 49ers -- and also caught 4 passes for 29 yards and a TD!

The receiving TD with 1:12 left in the game basically sealed the victory for KC.

Some people feel he could have been named Super Bowl MVP.

The NFL will NOT bring its games to London or Mexico this year ... Roger Goodell just announced the league will play entirely in the U.S. in 2020 over coronavirus concerns.

The Shield had planned to play one game in Mexico City and four games in London this season ... but Goodell and league officials said Monday those scheduled contests are now OFF.

"After considerable analysis, we believe the decision to play all our games domestically this season is the right one for our players, our clubs, and all our fans in the US, Mexico and UK," NFL exec Christopher Halpin said.

"We greatly appreciate the support of our governmental and stadium partners in Mexico and the United Kingdom, who all agree with this decision, and we look forward to returning for games in both countries in the 2021 season."

The Dolphins, Cardinals, Falcons and Jaguars had all committed to playing the international games ... but the NFL says those contests will now revert back to the teams' respective home stadiums.

The NFL has played in both London and Mexico for YEARS ... everyone from the Seattle Seahawks to the Kansas City Chiefs to the Oakland Raiders have played outside of U.S. soil recently.

Two cops smashed Darren McFadden's car windows and later pointed both a gun AND taser at the ex-NFL RB during his 2019 arrest ... and the intense standoff was all captured on new police video obtained by TMZ Sports.

The former Dallas Cowboys star was found asleep at the wheel of a Whataburger drive-thru in McKinney, Texas on January 21, 2019 ... and you can see in the video, cops did everything they could to wake him up.

One of the officers beats on the windows of McFadden's 2019 GMC Yukon repeatedly with his fist and flashlight ... before he eventually decided to rock the car back and forth.

But, the motion caused McFadden's foot to slip off the brake and onto the gas pedal ... and that's when things took a scary turn.

McFadden's ride nosedived into the side of the fast-food restaurant ... and in an effort to get Darren to wake up and stop the car, officers smashed the hell out of his windows.

Eventually, the officers were able to bust through and get the car to stop ... but that's when 32-year-old McFadden became combative -- and fought the cops.

In the video, you can see Darren got in a big-time struggle with THREE different officers ... before they eventually pointed both a gun and a taser at him to stop him from advancing.

Thankfully, before the taser or gun was fired ... McFadden gave up and was taken to the ground and handcuffed.

The former NFL player eventually got jail time over the incident after prosecutors hit him with charges of resisting arrest and DWI with a BAC of greater than or equal to .15.

As we previously reported, McFadden agreed to a deal in February 2020 in which he pleaded guilty to drunk driving in exchange for having the resisting arrest charge dismissed.

McFadden was ordered to spend 4 days in jail, although he did receive credit for 1 day of time served. He was also forced to pay fines and fees ... and his driver's license was suspended for 90 days.

Asante Samuel says playing for Bill Belichick and the Patriots was NOT fun ... and he tells TMZ Sports he believes the reason Tom Brady bolted was 'cause he just couldn't take it anymore.

"He probably just got fed up with it at the end of the day," the former New England cornerback says.

Samuel played with Brady and Belichick from 2003 to 2007 ... and he had a TON of success -- but he tells us he had ZERO fun along the way.

"It worked out for me, man. It made me a better man, but it's not something I enjoyed," Samuel says.

As for why Samuel says playing for The Hoodie is a grind ... it's because of the coach's strict rules and no-mercy personnel decisions.

In fact, Samuel says it was so tough ... he believes that's why Brady will head into the 2020 NFL season with a Buccaneers jersey on.

"He probably just got tired of it," Samuel says of TB12. "He probably got tired of some inner-circle things that he wanted. Maybe, he wanted receivers and tight ends to stay there with him and maybe Bill tried to trade them. Who knows what happened?"

Don't get it twisted, though ... Samuel still seems to respect the hell out of what Bill did for his career -- telling us he just didn't love the route it took to get there.

Ron Jaworski is going to bat for his Eagles ... telling TMZ Sports Philly did NOT screw up the Jalen Hurts pick -- saying the QB could be used like Lamar Jackson!!

"The guy has too much talent to have him sit on the bench," Jaws says. "You could create that package for him just like Lamar Jackson had when he first came to Baltimore."

Of course, Jaws' opinion ain't shared by too many in Philadelphia ... the team was blasted all week for taking the Oklahoma star in the 2nd round despite having 27-year-old Carson Wentz on the roster.

Jaws admits he doesn't know exactly how the veteran QB will respond to the draft choice ... but he says Doug Pederson will find a way to get them both on the field at the same time regardless.

"You fit him in, you teach him, you groom him, and eventually you've got a player!" Jaworski tells us.

But, Ron made it clear, there will NOT be a QB controversy in Philadelphia ... as long as Wentz stays healthy.

Brett Favre is wrong ... Aaron Rodgers WILL spend the rest of his career in Green Bay -- so says Pack legend LeRoy Butler, who tells TMZ Sports the QB won't be bothered by Jordan Love at all!

"Aaron Rodgers ain't going anywhere," Butler says. "And, neither do I want him to go anywhere because as long as No. 12 is getting dressed, the Green Bay Packers have a chance at going to the Super Bowl."

Green Bay shocked the NFL world last week, TRADING UP to draft Love in the first round instead of getting Rodgers some much-needed offensive weapons.

A lot of people close to the 36-year-old QB have insinuated he's upset over the move ... with Favre saying straight up he believes A-Rodge will now look to finish his career in another city.

But, when we spoke to Butler -- who played for Green Bay from 1990-2001 -- about the whole situation ... he had a different take on it all, saying Rodgers will have no problem sharing a QB room with Love!

"If it was me, if I was Aaron Rodgers, one of my favorite rappers is French Montana," Butler says. "He has a song called, 'I Ain't Worried About Nothing.' I'd just play that all day!"

"I ain't worried about nothing! There's nothing to worry about! No. 12 is still the man! He will always be the man!"

As for Rodgers' relationship with Love ... Butler doesn't expect any drama there -- saying he believes Aaron will treat the rookie better than the way Favre did when he came to the Pack in 2005.

Bashaud Breeland's arrest Tuesday nearly turned tragic ... terrifying video of the scene obtained by TMZ Sports shows the NFL player's face was within inches of a cop's drawn gun during the stop.

Breeland was detained at around 11 AM at a South Carolina gas station after a York County Sheriff's Office deputy says he saw the K.C. Chiefs player and 2 other men smoking weed.

The officer claims when he stopped Breeland for questioning ... the 28-year-old became combative -- and in new footage we obtained from the incident, you can see how the confrontation escalated in a hurry.

In the video, the officer attempted repeatedly to place the Chiefs cornerback in handcuffs ... but Breeland consistently refused.

At one point in the vid, you can see the cop pulled a taser on the 5'11", 195-pound defensive back ... ordering him to stop resisting.

"Put your hands behind your back or you will get tased," the officer said. "Turn around and face away from me! You'll get tased!"

Breeland, though, ignored the officers orders ... and when he wriggled away from the cop and got into his car -- things took a frightening turn.

The officer pulled his gun and put it inches from Breeland's face ... and screamed at the NFL player, "Let me see your hands! ... I'm not playing!"

Eventually, Breeland got out of the car, got on the ground and ultimately relented to the officer placing him in cuffs.

Breeland was taken to jail without further incident, police records show ... and he was booked on 4 charges, including resisting arrest and possession of marijuana.

For his part, Breeland said in a now-deleted post on his social media, "I really was at a gas pump got approach by two guys police pulled up they throw something my car as police pulled up which the cop saw."

"I was the one detained wit charges that really shouldn’t be charged."

Breeland's attorneys added in a statement Wednesday, "At the time of this encounter with law enforcement, Mr. Breeland was leaving a gas station store after making a lawful purchase."

"Moments after returning to his vehicle, a 2020 Range Rover with valid temporary paper tags, law enforcement officers approached Mr. Breeland and drew their weapons. We look forward to investigating why this level of force was necessary."

They added, "Bashaud Breeland is innocent unless proven guilty. We look forward to the truth coming forward."

Saquon Barkley is stepping up in a huge way for a police officer badly injured in a car accident ... offering Giants tickets and sending a special personal message of support.

Port Authority police officer Peter Siano was hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday after he was hit by a car while securing a crash scene.

Siano -- along with 3 Jersey City PD officers -- were handling traffic control around the crash when a driver sped through warnings and smashed into a JCPD cruiser, which hit Siano.

Officials say Siano suffered "serious" injuries -- and the driver responsible for the collision has been arrested and charged with assault by auto.

When the NY Giants found out about the situation, a bunch of players decided to make get-well videos for Siano ... including Barkley, Sterling Shepard and Grant Haley.

And, get this ... Barkley is even offering Siano a VIP experience with the team once he recovers.

"Thinking about you guys and once everything gets better, I would like to invite you guys to a Giants game," Barkley said.

"And to the police department, appreciate everything you guys are doing for us during this time."