NFL

The unsung hero in the Eric Reid signing is the NEW owner of the Carolina Panthers who's changing team culture in a BIG way ... so says Panthers legend Jon Beason.

Remember, the OLD owner Jerry Richardson was forced out after an investigation revealed a pattern of sexual harassment and racist behavior.

But, that was the old guard, according to Beason -- the new owner is proving he's ready to turn the page from all that crap.

"I think it starts from the top down," Beason says ... "New owner David Tepper comes in and he's self-made. He knows that if you're going to win especially with football being a team game, it's about being inclusive."

Beason knows A LOT about Panthers culture -- he was a stud linebacker in Carolina for years and covers them as a member of the media.

Tepper bought the team back in May for $2 BILLION ... and many think if he hadn't -- and Richardson had stuck around -- the signing would have never happened.

Count Beason in as one of those people.

As for Reid ... Beason says he would have LOVED to play with a guy who was willing to sacrifice so much like Eric did.

"I would want to go to war, in terms of football, with that guy."

Jon also tells us the fans who are upset over the move will get over it quickly ... once they realize how good the safety is.

9:55 AM PT -- Kanye just explained to the group he's redesigned the MAGA hat ... changing the brim and the shape of the front of it. He also says he's put "positive energy" in the hat.

Can you support both Donald Trump and Colin Kaepernick at the same time?

Kanye West believes you can ...

The rapper rolled over to the offices of The Fader on Thursday in Trump's "Make America Great Again" hat ... while wearing a sweatshirt with Kaep's name spelled out across the chest.

Is he making a point about how he can see both sides? Is he just out of clean laundry?

Remember, Trump famously referred to Colin as a "son of a bitch" and called for NFL owners to fire all players who didn't stand for the national anthem.

But, Ye applauded Nike for signing Kaep to a deal recently -- saying, "I stand for giving everyone a voice."

He added, "Adidas giving me a voice and Nike giving Colin voice on a big business level makes the world a more advanced place."

Colin Kaepernick says he's THRILLED his pal, Eric Reid, is back in the NFL -- but claims the safety shoulda been signed WAY earlier.

"Congratulations to my brother [Eric Reid], an all pro safety who should have been signed the first day of free agency, who has signed a football contract," Kaep posted.

"He has was the FIRST person to kneel alongside me. Eric is a social justice warrior, continues to support his wife, two beautiful daughters and communities in need."

Kaep and Reid were teammates on the 49ers and have been good friends for a WHILE.

In fact, when the guys found themselves jobless after the kneeling demonstrations -- they hired the same lawyers to sue the NFL for collusion ... claiming they'd been blackballed.

As for Kaep's claim Reid shoulda been signed sooner, he's right -- Reid's just 26 years old, has a Pro Bowl on his resume AND had 67 tackles and 2 picks last season.

Reid's new teammate, Torrey Smith, also commented -- saying, "I’m excited. It shouldn’t have taken this long, a person with his talent."

"We all understand the reason why."

Eric Reid -- who filed a collusion grievance against the NFL -- has just signed a 1-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced.

Reid was widely considered one of the best free agent safeties on the market -- but he believed he was being blackballed, like Colin Kaepernick, for taking a knee during the national anthem at NFL games.

Eric and Colin were teammates on the 49ers. They're still good friends and are using the same lawyers -- Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas -- to go after the NFL for collusion.

Reid is a former Pro Bowl safety who racked up 67 tackles and 2 interceptions last season -- and many believe he should have easily gotten a roster spot in 2018 based on his talent.

Reid, 6'1" and 215 pounds, played the first five seasons of his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers after being selected by the team in the first round (18th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.

“Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career," Panthers GM Marty Hurney said.

"After we put (safety) Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve, Ron (Rivera) and I discussed our options, and Eric was at the top of our list. He is a physical safety with good ball skills and play-making ability."

Reid is already at the team facility.

Story developing ...

Dallas Cowboys fans everywhere rejoice ... Tony Romo is healthy enough to play quarterback in the NFL again!!!!!!!!!

Sooo ... when's the comeback date?!?!

Well ... maybe never.

Romo stoked the rumor mill Wednesday when he said his back, collarbone and everything else he broke in his playing days are good enough for him to get back on the field.

"I played much more hurt back in probably '13 and '14 then I would be now," Romo told the Ben & Skin Show.

"Yeah, I mean, I'm healthy enough. That wouldn't be the issue at all I don't think. That would be the least of my thoughts when it came to a decision like that, obviously."

But, is Tony actually considering it?!?! Romo wouldn't say, poo-pooing the question by saying, "You guys are silly."

Romo's been killin' it in the CBS broadcast booth ... and he's got big-time golf dreams now too. Football seems to be firmly in his past.

So, sorry, Dallas. Looks like you're stuck with Dak.

Nelly doesn't hate the Rams for leaving St. Louis -- he's still rooting for 'em ... assuring TMZ Sports they're just "on loan" to L.A. for the time being.

Yeah, don't hold your breath ...

The Rams are killin' it right now -- they're 3-0 and Jared Goff and Todd Gurley are playing out of their minds.

So, when we saw the STL rapper at Mastro's in Bev Hills on Wednesday night -- we had to ask if he's still backing his boys in blue and white.

That's when Nelly reminded us where his team REALLY belongs.

"They're on loaner out here," Nelly said ... "They're on loaner out here. They're on LOANER out here, man!"

We got it. Loaner. Out here.

By the way, back when the Rams announced the move in 2016, Nelly told us he thinks the team should change the team colors and leave the blue and gold to STL.

The team actually has plans to do that -- but league rules slowed down the process. Expect new threads by 2020.

Jim Brown is happily enjoying his crow today ... 'cause the Browns legend tells TMZ Sports he was so wrong about Baker Mayfield -- he actually thinks Cleveland's got a shot at the playoffs now!!

You'll remember ... Jim was one of the least pleased people in Cleveland when his ex-squad chose Baker over Saquon Barkley with the top pick in the NFL draft.

But, after watching Baker's 21-17 comeback performance against the Jets last week ... he's all in on the selection now ... even apologizing to John Dorsey and co.!!!

"They didn't go with what everybody said, including myself," Jim tells us.

"They went with what they thought was correct, and I really appreciate being able to say to them, 'I guess you were right.'"

Rob Gronkowski says he's ain't mad at his big bro for stirring up drama with the Patriots -- claiming Chris Gronkowski just got caught up in the moment when he shaded Rob's team on the radio.

Backstory ... Chris appeared on "Kirk & Callahan" on WEEI this week and told the guys Rob had issues with the team during the offseason that seemed to center on his contract.

Essentially, Chris said Rob wanted more freedom, more respect ... and more money!

"He wanted to get what he deserved. He was being paid like he was just a mediocre tight end, and just wanted to get some respect on that end."

Enter Rob, who faced the media Wednesday and was asked if what Chris said was true. Short answer ... no.

"He doesn't speak for myself and he knows he doesn't. He probably just got caught up a little bit," Rob said.

"To tell you the truth, I feel like he probably was going on for a promotion thing for his ice shaker. No lie."

It's true ... Chris' ice shaker business is kind of a big deal -- Rob pointed out he's even been featured on "Shark Tank" with Alex Rodriguez.

"So, I guess buy his ice shaker is what he was trying to get to ... and he probably got caught up in all that nonsense."

Here's a sign Le'Veon Bell's holdout has probably gone on too long ...

Bill Peduto -- the mayor of Pittsburgh and a longtime Le'Veon supporter -- tells TMZ Sports he's beginning to think the Steelers don't need the RB to make a Super Bowl run.

"James Conner's proving to be a worthy back and it's a team sport," Bill says. "It's beyond one player."

It's a bit of a surprising claim ... considering Bell has nearly 8,000 yards from scrimmage in 62 career games ... but Bill -- like some of Bell's own teammates -- seems to be fed up with the holdout.

"He's, I think, getting very bad advice from his manager," Peduto tells us.

"It's getting to the point of a certain tipping point when you can still come back and your teammates and the fans will want to have you back."

As for Bell ... probably doesn't care what Peduto has to say -- he still wants to get paid. Plus, it's hard to hear the critics above the roars of a jet ski!!!!!!

Eli Manning still has the full support of NY Giants co-owner Steve Tisch ... who tells TMZ Sports, "Do not count Eli out!"

Of course, Eli struggled last year and was benched in Week 13 for Geno Smith. And, with the Giants going 1-2 in their first three games this season, some fans are wondering if the Manning era is over.

Not Tisch though ... who says he believes in the 37-year-old -- but wouldn't commit to Manning in 2019 and beyond.

"One game at a time," Tisch told us in Beverly Hills on Tuesday ... "We're going into Week 4. It's a long season. Hopefully an exciting season."

So, who would replace Eli if Tisch and the Giants have a change of heart? Technically, the #2 QB on the depth chart is Alex Tanney from Monmouth College.

The NFL's MVP through the first 3 weeks ain't cashing in on his early season success ... 'cause Patrick Mahomes' agent tells TMZ Sports -- NO BIG DEALS UNTIL THE OFFSEASON!!

Leigh Steinberg -- the super agent who represents the Chiefs' QB -- says it's all part of a plan to make sure Patrick keeps a level head throughout his first year as a starter.

"We're being very, very careful to allow this season to proceed without his face on every billboard," Leigh tells us.

"Without it creating a situation where he throws the first interception and people are saying, 'Well, why's he on every billboard??'"

Don't get it twisted ... Mahomes -- who's tossed 13 TDs with no picks in K.C.'s 3-0 start -- has done SOME deals ... BUT, the big fish are currently on ice.

"We're keeping it low key," Leigh says. "And, once the season is successfully over, then we'll go into marketing in a lot of different brand categories."

How's Miami Dolphins WR Danny Amendola preparing to face off against his old Patriots squad this weekend?

BEACH FOOTBALL WITH HIS SMOKIN' HOT MODEL GIRLFRIEND!!!

Amendola and Olivia Culpo -- Miss Universe 2012 -- hit the sand in South Beach on Tuesday armed with a pigskin and some very small bathing suits.

The two played some catch -- Olivia showed off her rocket arm -- and then they took things to the water ... where Danny gave his GF a piggyback ride around the ocean.

Danny played for the Patriots from 2013 to 2017 -- and won two Super Bowls during his run with Tom Brady and pals.

Amendola signed a 2-year, $12 million contract with the Dolphins during the off-season -- and now, the Fish are 3-0 and have a chance to really make a statement with a victory over New England.

The bad news for Danny ... the Dolphins are 7.5-point underdogs going into Sunday's game.

The good for Danny ... LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS!!!!!!

Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid are still making a difference while away from the football field ... this time showing up in NYC to give away backpacks to kids going back to school.

Reid, Kap and Kap's girlfriend -- Hot 97 radio personality Nessa -- hit up a New York City area Girls Club and provided the young ladies with much-needed gear for the school year.

It's an interesting time for Colin especially ... it was only a week ago that his lawyer, Mark Geragos, hinted that either the Raiders or Patriots might be signing Kaep soon, making people think an NFL return could be imminent.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen jumped out of an ambulance fearing someone was going to shoot him -- while he was being transported for a mental health evaluation.

It's all in the police report filed by the Minnetrista PD -- which paints a sad picture of an NFL star in a serious mental health crisis.

The situation began early Saturday morning when a Vikings staffer called cops to report the 3-time Pro Bowler was acting bizarrely and the team feared he could either hurt himself or others.

Cops eventually made contact with Everson's wife, Tiffany, who said he had been fighting "demons" in his head -- and acting erratically.

Tiffany told police Everson was not on medication "but should be."

A short time later, Tiffany told police she got a call from the fiancee of Everson's teammate, Trae Waynes, who said Everson "broke into their home and jumped through some bushes" while not wearing a shirt.

Cops went to check it out -- but he was already gone.

Turns out, he went to a nearby gas station where he saw a man he recognized -- but did not know well.

Everson got into the man's passenger seat and ordered him to drive around. The driver freaked out and called Everson's wife. Cops found the car and ultimately called paramedics to treat Everson.

Cops say Everson agreed to be transported to a hospital for a mental health exam -- but during the drive, he got spooked when a few deer ran across the road ... and jumped out of the vehicle.

He told officials "he was in fear that someone was going to shoot him."

Everson was eventually transported to the hospital where he is still being treated.

Vikings GM Rick Spielman said the team was "currently focused on Everson's well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family" ... and head coach Mike Zimmer added "it's about him getting better."

If Cardi B wants her own set for the Super Bowl halftime show ... GIVE CARDI B HER OWN SET ... so says Miguel, who tells TMZ Sports she'd KILL it if given the chance.

We broke the story ... the "I Like It" spitter is in negotiations with the NFL to join Maroon 5 to perform at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta ... but wants to have her own set during the show.

Of course, the decision to go with Adam Levine's band has been met with a ton of criticism ... and Waka Flocka Flame told us last week the show should feature black performers with real connections to ATL.

So, when we asked Miguel if the NFL should give in to Bardi's demands, he's ALL about it ... saying "Cardi would kill that!!"

Dolphins legend Bob Griese says he still pops champagne every time the last undefeated NFL team racks up its first L ... and he'll do it again this year, even if the last 0 standing belongs to Miami.

Remember, Griese was the star QB during that legendary 1972 Dolphins season -- when they ran the table and won the Super Bowl ... the ONLY team to make it through the regular season and playoffs without a loss.

Griese notes that the Patriots got close back in 2007 -- but couldn't close the deal in the Super Bowl ... losing to Eli Manning's New York Giants in one of the greatest upsets ever.

Right now, the Dolphins are 3-0 and playing Tom Brady this weekend -- so, does Bob think his squad has what it takes to make history again?

"No."

"They can play well," Bob told us at the Buoniconti Fund’s 33rd annual Great Sports Legends Dinner Monday night ... "but they can't do the unexpected."

"I think everybody's gonna get beat."