NFL

UFC champ Tyron Woodley says he LOVES that Nike signed Colin Kaepernick -- because it's inspiring and brave ... and he strongly believes the QB is continuing the legacy of Muhammad Ali.

"When Muhammad Ali died, I think [Kaepernick] took the torch."

Tyron says Kaep could have easily taken his NFL money and shut up somewhere -- ignoring the glaring issues when it comes to police brutality against minorities ... but he did the courageous thing and spoke out.

... just like Ali.

There's a lot more on this episode of 'The Hollywood Beatdown' -- including Tyron's weight cut for his UFC 228 fight against Darren Till.

Tyron tells us everything about all of his last minute preparations -- including final meals and what music he listens to right before walking into the Octagon.

It's great stuff.

12:21 PM PT -- The Wichita PD tells TMZ Sports ... they got a call around 1 AM on Friday morning about a "rape in progress."

Cops responded to an apartment complex and found a 28-year-old woman "who had minor facial injuries, and reported being sexually assaulted by Randle."

"Through the investigation Randle was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office."

Ex-Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested for rape in Kansas early Friday morning ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The details surrounding the arrest are unclear -- but jail records in Sedgwick County, KS show the 26-year-old was booked for rape at 3:43 AM on Sept. 7.

According to his booking sheet, he's being held without bond at a local detention center. He's listed at 6'1" and 215 lbs.

Randle has been in trouble with the law before -- he was arrested 6 times in 17 months including an incident in which he stole underwear and cologne from a department store while he was still playing for the Cowboys.

Since then, he was arrested at a casino, busted at his ex-girlfriend's home, and allegedly ripped a TV off the wall in jail.

Back in June, he was sentenced to 5 years probation for an incident in which he tried to run over people with his car after losing at a drinking game at a party.

He had been bouncing between jail and mental health facilities after that incident -- but the court ultimately declared him mentally competent to receive his punishment for the crime.

Randle was a 5th round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft -- and was named the starting RB for the Cowboys during the 2015 season, but was waived by the team later that season.

Colin Kaepernick has another major supporter -- Miss Virginia -- who went to bat for the QB during a Miss America prelim competition on Thursday ... a prelim competition she WON!

22-year-old Emili McPhail was competing against 49 other women at night #2 in the 2019 Miss America prelims -- when she was asked how she'd advise the NFL when it comes to the kneeling issue.

"Kneeling during the national anthem is absolutely a right that you have to stand up for what you believe in, and to make the right decision that’s right for you,” McPhail said.

"It’s very important that we also have to take into consideration that it is not about kneeling: it is absolutely about police brutality."

The judges were so impressed with her answer, she was awarded the $1,000 prelim onstage question scholarship.

After the competition, McPhail talked about her answer with the Press of Atlantic City.

"I said standing up for what you believe in is the most important thing that you can do, and that’s what I did ... I was very happy to have that moment to be honest, because it’s not always easy."

There is not a thing Nick Foles can do this season to take Philadelphia's starting QB job away from a healthy Carson Wentz ... so says Eagles legend Ron Jaworski.

"The Eagles have made it crystal clear their franchise quarterback is Carson Wentz," Jaws tells TMZ Sports.

"He's the guy that's going to be the quarterback for the next decade."

Of course, Foles -- who Jaws says will one day have a statue outside the Linc -- is getting the starting nod tonight against the Falcons and perhaps for even a few more games after that -- as Wentz tries to return from a torn ACL.

But ... according to Jaws -- even if Foles balls out of his mind in Wentz's stead ... there will be no QB controversy when Carson gets back.

Ex-Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks pled guilty to insider trading Thursday and now faces up to 25 years in prison.

Kendricks -- who was cut by the Browns last week after he was indicted -- appeared in a federal courtroom in Philadelphia on Thursday where he owned up to his crime when questioned by the judge.

"Because I know I was wrong," Kendricks said ... "I know that I made the decision to accept information, secret information, and it wasn't the right thing to do."

Kendricks plied a Goldman Sachs analyst with kickbacks (including cash and NFL tickets) -- and in exchange got private info that allowed him to make roughly $1.2 million in profit.

By the way, Kendricks has more than $20 MILLION in NFL contract money during his career.

Not worth it.

The NFL Network has reached a settlement with the former wardrobe stylist who claimed she was sexually harassed by several high profile network stars including Marshall Faulk.

As we previously reported, Jami Cantor sued the network in 2017 claiming she was "subjected to ongoing and continuing sexual harassment by current and former on-air talent."

Among those mentioned in her suit ... Faulk, Warren Sapp, Ike Taylor, Donovan McNabb, Heath Evans and Eric Davis.

The allegations were graphic -- Cantor claimed Faulk pulled out his genitals in front of her and asked invasive questions. She claimed some of the other men sent her sexually explicit text messages and penis pics.

In her suit, Cantor claims she complained to NFL Network execs but nothing was ever done. Instead, Cantor claims she was fired in 2016 and replaced with a much younger woman.

The network suspended Faulk, Taylor and Evans in wake of the lawsuit ... and McNabb and Davis were fired from their gigs with ESPN.

NFL Network had previously filed legal docs denying wrongdoing and suggesting Cantor consented to the misconduct ... but now, new court docs show NFL Network reached a settlement deal with Cantor and the case will be dropped.

Devon Cajuste -- the breakout star of "Hard Knocks" -- says he's received real interest from other NFL teams after getting cut by the Browns ... but he's got a Plan B in case it doesn't work out.

The 25-year-old showed real promise during the HBO docuseries -- and made some solid catches in the preseason -- but was told he needed to work on his blocking.

Cajuste says teams have already reached out to him ... but not to sign him right away. They're more interested in having him in their back pocket in case there's a need for a TE later in the season.

That's okay with Devon ... he's still working out 4 hours a day -- every day -- so he can be ready when the call comes.

And, if it doesn't work out in 2018, he's prepared to play in the Spring League -- a showcase for free agents looking for an NFL team.

The good news ... Cajuste says "Hard Knocks" has done wonders for his life OFF the field -- he's been getting DMs from interested ladies and other people interested in crystal healing.

Yes, crystal healing!

Cajuste is an expert when it comes to the healing power of crystals (part of his collection was featured on the show) and now Devon says he's thinking about starting a podcast or YouTube channel dedicated to the craft.

Just because he's a Nike star now doesn't mean Colin Kaepernick is giving up on his NFL comeback ... he's still working out like a maniac in the hopes of landing a QB job.

That's according to one of Colin's close friends, Brandon Marshall -- who tells TMZ Sports he just spoke with CK and his sites are definitely still set on the NFL.

"I talked to him today and yesterday," the Denver Broncos linebacker told us Wednesday night ... "He's in high spirits. He's excited."

We also know Kaep's been working with a personal trainer for months. Remember, he was out throwing passes back in March and we're told that's still part of his training regimen.

Marshall and Kaepernick were teammates and fraternity brothers at the University of Nevada Reno -- and Marshall participated in Kaep's kneeling demonstration.

"It's like really historic what he's doing," Marshall said about his friend ... referencing Kaep's collusion lawsuit against the NFL and the impact he's having on social justice issues.

Marshall says he's spoken with other NFL players about Kaep -- and they're overwhelmingly supportive of the QB in his fight against inequality AND in his lawsuit.

Marshall also gave a special message for his friend -- "Keep fighting for what you believe in man. Keep going. You're doing everything you believe is right."

Nike didn't just embrace Colin Kaepernick because of his views ... its market research was clear -- the race, age and political views of most Nike customers are in sync with the new ad campaign.

Sources with direct knowledge of Nike's demographics have given TMZ an inside look into the company, and it paints a clear picture of consumers who generally support Kaepernick's protest.

African American, Hispanics and Asians are more strongly represented in Nike's consumer base than they are in the U.S. population.

For example, the company's market research shows 13% of Americans identify as African American, yet 18% of Nike buyers are black. Hispanics account for 16% of the population, but represent 19% of Nike buyers. And, Asians account for 3% of the population, but 5% of Nike customers.

Caucasians are under-represented in the Nike world. The white population in the U.S. is 75% -- but they comprise only 67% of Nike's customers. And, of those, Nike believes a very large percentage, especially young whites, support Colin.

BTW ... the percentages don't add up to 100, because some people in the company's marketing research identify as more than one race.

As for age ... according to Nike's stats, 18 to 34-year-olds comprise 30% of the U.S. population, but they represent a whopping 43% of Nike buyers. On the other hand, people 65 and older account for 19% of the population, but represent only 6% of Nike customers.

Now politics ... Nike consumers are 7% less likely to be Republicans than the general population, and 3% more likely to be Democrats.

Short story ... Nike made a big statement by its new Kaepernick ad campaign, but the people most likely to protest are outside the company's sweet spot.

That said, there was a bonus for Nike ... numbers aside, we're told they wanted a campaign promoting social change that current and future athletes would embrace.

Former San Francisco 49er Jason Hairston -- who, after pro football, founded an ultra successful hunting gear company popular with celebs -- is dead at the age of 47.

KUIU -- Hairston's company -- confirmed his passing, saying they were "shocked and saddened" by his death. Details surrounding his passing are unclear.

Hairston grew up in Orange County, CA and was a stud linebacker at UC Davis -- a division II school at the time -- but went undrafted out of college.

J.H. signed with the 49ers as a free agent -- and played 1 season under defensive coordinator Pete Carroll -- before retiring in '96 after a short stint with the Broncos.

For all the accolades he got playing football (he won a bunch at UC Davis) ... Hairston is known for his success as a businessman -- after launching his hunting gear company, KUIU, a few years back.

Big time athletes like Carson Palmer, San Francisco Giants pitcher Hunter Strickland, and Brent Burns from the San Jose Sharks were all reportedly fans of KUIU.

Hairston was also friends with Donald Trump Jr. -- an avid hunter -- and even visited the Trumps at the White House in 2017.

Hairston was 47.

Mike Singletary says the Bears just got a monster in Khalil Mack ... but they didn't get the league's best defensive player -- 'cause Mike tells TMZ Sports Aaron Donald holds that honor!!

Don't get it twisted ... Singletary says his old squad ain't gonna regret giving up two first-round picks and a dumptruck full of cash for Mack, telling us he's about to wreak havoc on the NFC North.

"I know Aaron Rodgers and every quarterback in that league went, 'Wow, what the heck just happened?!'" Singletary says.

But ... Mike tells us if he had to choose one guy to build a defense around -- it'd be A.D.

"When I saw Aaron Donald, I thought, 'Wow. This guy is amazing. He is just a one man wrecking crew,'" Singletary says.

"So I think it would be hard for me to put [Khalil] ahead of Aaron Donald."

Nike isn't backing down from its Colin Kaepernick ad campaign -- they just released a brand new 2-minute commercial featuring the QB -- and it's slated to air during the NFL season opener.

The spot features Colin narrating inspiring messages about overcoming the odds while real video of really inspirational athletes plays on the screen.

Colin references Serena Williams and praises her as "the greatest athlete ever" -- while throwing similar compliments at stars like Odell Beckham, Shaquem Griffin and the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team.

Regarding Odell, Colin says ...

"Don't picture yourself wearing OBJ's jersey. Picture OBJ wearing yours."

Regarding Shaquem, Colin says ...

"If you have only one hand, don’t just watch football, play it at the highest level."

Regarding LeBron James, Colin says ...

"Don’t become the best basketball player on the planet. Be bigger than basketball." (while video runs showing LeBron opening his new school in Ohio)

Regarding Serena, Colin says ...

"And, if you’re a girl from Compton, don’t just become a tennis player. Become the greatest athlete ever. Yeah, that’s more like it."

It's the second phase of Nike's "Just Do It" ad campaign featuring Kaep -- a deal that we're told was put together in the last several weeks.

We're told the deal put together by Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas also includes a new custom Kaepernick shoe and apparel line.

No word on when that's supposed to drop.

As for the commercial, a source with knowledge of the situation tells us the plan is to air the commericial at some point during the Falcons vs. Eagles broadcast on NBC.

The National Black Police Association is applauding Nike for their new ad with Colin Kaepernick -- saying the QB's stance is "is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for."

In fact, the NBPA is ripping another major police association -- saying anyone calling for a Nike boycott is just plain wrong.

As we previously reported, the National Association of Police Organizations fired off a letter to Nike saying the Kaep ad "grossly insults the men and women who really do make sacrifices for the sake of our nation."

NAPO added, "We are calling on all our member officers, their families and friends to join in boycotting all Nike products."

Well, the National Black Police Association could not DISAGREE more -- sending their own letter to Nike praising the company and slamming the other police org.

"The National Black Police Association is not in agreement with NAPO on this matter, and we strongly condemn their call for police officers and their families to boycott Nike and its products," the letter says.

"Your inclusion of Mr. Kaepernick in your ads seems appropriate to us. We live in a country where the 1st Amendment is a right of the people."

"The NBPA believes that Mr. Kaepernick's stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for -- the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety, and their rights as American citizens."

"NAPO has shown an adeptness at maintaining the police status quo and the tone in their letter further validates Mr. Kaepernick's concerns, as it undermines the trust that is needed by law enforcement in order for the profession to maintain its legitimacy."

The NBPA believes NAPO's stance "only perpetuates the narrative that police are racist, with no regard, acknowledgment, respect or understanding of the issues and concerns of the African American community."

"For NAPO to presuppose that Mr. Kaepernick has not made sacrifices because he did not die on a battlefield, shows you just how out of touch NAP is with the African American community."

The Game says Colin Kaepernick's new Nike ad is "one for the history books" -- and tells TMZ Sports he hopes it's just the beginning of Nike becoming a driving force for social justice.

"Everything that Nike's doing with Kaepernick is incredible," The Game told us in L.A.

"It's incredible to see a corporation as big as Nike put all that faith and trust in one of our new heroes. I think it's dope ... So, kudos to Nike."

Of course, Game has been big in the charity game for years -- and famously launched the Robin Hood Project to help families in need a few years back.

Our guy asked Game if he thinks Nike will get involved in other social causes.

Wanna know the least shocked person ever to see Nike backing Colin Kaepernick in their new ad campaign?

You're looking at him ... 'cause Todd Gurley tells TMZ Sports he's not shocked at all that the Swoosh just threw itself behind the embattled ex-NFL QB.

"Nike has always been doing stuff like that," the Rams superstar says.

"That's what Nike's based off of. Always doing the right thing, following the underdog."

Of course ... Gurley is a Nike-backed athlete himself -- but still, he's joined sports stars like LeBron, Tom Brady and more in supporting Colin on social media since the ad debuted.

President Donald Trump is still really mad over the new Nike campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick -- because he's publicly trashing the Swoosh again ... saying the brand is failing just like the NFL.

Trump first blasted Nike during an interview with the Daily Caller -- saying the campaign sends a "terrible message."

Now, Trump's back to Twitter and spitting more venom.

"Just like the NFL, whose ratings have gone WAY DOWN, Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts," Trump said.

"I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way? As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!"

As far as Trump's claim about boycotts and anger -- seems the ad is being met with just as much praise from influential people like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and even Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis.