NFL

Shawne Merriman tells TMZ Sports he's feeling pretty crappy today after learning Chargers owner Alex Spanos died ... saying, "Just really sorry for the loss, man."

Spanos -- who bought the Chargers back in 1984 -- passed away Tuesday morning at 95 years old ... just several weeks after his wife, Faye, died at 92.

"I sent text messages this morning to the family," Merriman, an ex-Chargers superstar, tells us.

"Very sorry to hear that. Alex Spanos has done so much for the organization."

Though Alex relinquished control of the Bolts to his son, Dean, in '94 ... Shawne says Alex and the rest of the Spanoses played huge roles in his development as a man after drafting him in 2005.

In fact, Shawne tells us the Spanoses are like family to him ... and he's hurting for them.

"Just want to send my love and condolences to the Spanos family."

George W. Bush also released a statement on Spanos' passing Tuesday, saying, "Alex was one-of-a-kind ... He was a wonderful citizen and friend, and the Bush family will miss him."

It's becoming clear why Antonio Brown freaked out and threw furniture off his 14th story balcony -- the NFL superstar had told police someone jacked $80,000 cash and a gun from his apartment!!

TMZ Sports has obtained multiple police reports involving the Pittsburgh Steelers star -- and it paints a picture of a man who was REALLY pissed off after returning to Florida after an 11-day trip.

The first report was filed on April 23 -- Brown told cops he returned to his high-end Miami apartment and noticed $80,000 cash was missing from a tote bag he had hidden in his closet.

Brown says his 9mm firearm was also gone.

Cops obtained surveillance video which showed a cleaning crew entering Brown's place on April 13. Cops found the women who said they had been hired and authorized by someone claiming to be Brown's representative.

The women denied taking the cash and the gun -- and insinuated it could have been other people who were in the house in the days before Brown left for his trip.

The next day, cops were called back to the apartment complex after getting calls about Brown throwing furniture -- including vases -- off his balcony.

As we previously reported, Brown is being sued by a man who claims Antonio almost killed his 22-month-old son during his tirade.

Cops say Brown was not arrested for the incident -- but the complex told them they would initiate eviction proceedings to kick him out.

Police were called to Brown's apartment AGAIN the very next day, April 25, when Brown reported that someone had stolen his black Rolls-Royce.

But, when cops showed up to his apartment, Brown said, "I found the car" and closed the door in their faces.

We reached out to Brown's agent for comment -- but haven't heard back.

You knew DeMarcus Ware could jump over his "Dancing with the Stars" partner ... but did you know he could shoulder press her too???

It's true ... 'cause the ex-Dallas Cowboys superstar lifted Lindsay Arnold straight over his 6'4" frame Monday night -- and it was awesome!!!!!!

D-Ware's been killin' the dance game with his NFL athleticism -- hoppin' over Lindsay in his 'DWTS' debut last month and then throwing her around like a rag doll in Monday's tango.

So, how'd it go over with the judges???

THEY LOVED IT!!!

"Almost a superhuman display of strength," judge Len Goodman said.

Ware scored a 26 outta 30 -- and staved off elimination for another week. Which is huge ... 'cause the competition (Tinashe, Alexis Ren, Juan Pablo Di Pace) is STIFF.

George Taliaferro -- known as the "Jackie Robinson of Football" after becoming the 1st black player drafted by an NFL team -- died Monday ... his alma mater, Indiana University, confirmed.

He was 91 years old.

Taliaferro was a superstar at IU back in the late 1940s ... playing running back, quarterback and punter -- and garnering All-American honors three times.

When he left the school in 1949, the Chicago Bears picked him in the 13th round ... becoming the first-ever black man to be drafted into the league.

Taliaferro made three Pro Bowls in 1951, 1952 and 1953 ... and finished his career with 1,300 receiving yards, more than 2,000 rushing yards and 1,633 passing yards.

"All of us at Indiana University are deeply saddened by the passing of George Taliaferro," IU said in a statement.

"The 'Jackie Robinson of football,' he went on to become the first African-American player to be drafted by the National Football League, where he excelled at a remarkable seven positions and earned Pro Bowl honors in three of his six seasons."

"A man of enormous talent, courage and determination that helped him shatter racial barriers and earn a special place in the annals of our state and its flagship public university."

Alvin Kamara is using his wardrobe to show he's standing with Colin Kaepernick ... rocking the QB's old jersey and a hat parodying Trump's MAGA slogan after a huge "Monday Night Football" win.

The Saints star running back wore the ex-49ers star's jersey in the Saints locker room after beating up on the Washington Redskins in a 43-19 victory ... and a hat that reads "Make Africa Home Again"

Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune snapped a pic of the 'fit ... which A.K. was happy to show off.

Unclear if Kamara specifically commented on his decision to wear the jersey Monday night ... but it's obvious he's supporting Kap and other players Trump has referred to as "sons of bitches" for kneeling during the National Anthem.

Antonio Brown went into a violent rage back in April and threw a bunch of furniture off the balcony of his 14th story apartment nearly killing a 22-month-old toddler ... so says a lawsuit obtained by TMZ Sports.

The Pittsburgh Steelers star WR has been sued by Ophir Sternberg -- who claims his 22-month-old son was walking around the pool at a high-end apartment complex with his grandfather when suddenly "large objects started to fall from the building many floors above them."

Sternberg claims the items included 2 very large vases, a heavy ottoman and other pieces of furniture -- which landed within a mere foot or 2 from the toddler and his grandfather.

One of the vases shattered when it hit the ground, the lawsuit says.

Security and police were called to the scene and determined the items came from Brown's place -- and the whole thing was captured on surveillance video.

Sternberg claims "Mr. Brown was extremely agitated, acting aggressively, and yelling at security personnel when [police] arrived to the scene."

Brown also caused extensive damage to his own unit "in a fit of rage," the lawsuit says.

Sternberg claims his child was terrified and traumatized by the incident -- he has night terrors -- and he's lucky he wasn't killed or severely injured.

He's suing for assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress -- claiming Brown acted "without regard for human life."

We've reached out to Brown's rep for comment -- so far, no word back.

WWE superstar Big Show was stoked to watch the NY Jets beat the Broncos this weekend -- but he was FAR more interested in some VIPs at the game who are battling cancer.

Big Show -- along with fellow WWE superstars Bayley and Curt Hawkins -- hit up MetLife Stadium as part of the "Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer" campaign.

Behind the scenes, the wrestling stars got to hang with the real stars of the game -- the brave kids from Goryeb Children’s Hospital in New Jersey.

Besides the great seats and the cool meet-and-greet with the WWE stars, the kids also served as honorary captains during the coin toss.

The good news ... the Jets emerged victorious -- beating the Broncos 34-16.

We spoke with Big Show about the experience ... and he tells us why spending time with the kids is one of the best parts of being a WWE superstar.

Wanna know how the Cowboys coulda avoided another tough road loss Sunday??

Have Dez Bryant on the roster -- at least, that's what the ex-Dallas wideout is saying.

The Cowboys' offense was trash again in a 19-16 loss to the Texans ... and owner Jerry Jones said afterward he sure would've liked a No. 1 WR for Dak Prescott to throw at in games like these.

Enter Dez ... who took to Twitter to say Jerry already HAD a No. 1 wideout -- but cut him last spring.

"Idk what Jerry meant by that #1 WR but I’m damn for sure would have kept them chains moving..." Dez said.

Dez has been begging for a shot to get back in the NFL ... posting workouts and even tweeting last week the Cowboys are still his top option.

But, Jerry brushed Bryant off before the Houston L last week ... basically saying that ship has sailed.

Bruce Springsteen looked the way a lot of NY Giants fans felt Sunday after a gut-wrenching loss against the Carolina Panthers ... with the game slipping away in the final seconds.

The Boss was spotted at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey watching the Giants game with friends. The team was up by a point after a clutch touchdown by rookie Saquon Barkley in the last minute of the game -- but Cam and co. came charging back up the field.

As great of a play as Saquon made, it was trumped by Panthers kicker Graham Gano in the last 6 seconds of the game ... when he kicked a 63-yard field goal to win it 33-31.

Now, we don't know if Bruce was watching these last few plays -- but based on how down and out he looks here ... we're just gonna say it's very possible. Eyewitnesses tell us he rode to the bar on his motorcycle earlier in the day, and had some beer and a burger while there.

Brett Favre wouldn't allow it ... neither would Barack Obama, LeBron James and Adrian Peterson -- but Eric Decker WILL let his kids play football when they grow up -- so says his famous wife.

We got Jessie James Decker out in NYC this week when she didn't seem to have one bit of concern over letting her sons strap on the pads.

"I'd be alright with it," the country singer tells TMZ Sports.

There is a catch for the Decker's kids -- a 4-year-old girl, a 3-year-old boy and a newborn baby boy -- Jessie tells us her ex-Broncos star hubby HAS to show them the way first.

A lot of celebs seem to disagree ... everyone from Obama to LBJ to even Rodney Peete have said they'd be hesitant to let their kids play the sport 'cause of the long-term health effects.

But, Jessie tells us she's banking on Eric's 8-plus years in the league to help prevent those.

"[Their] daddy knows enough to help [them] through the process of what's healthy and what's not."

No pressure ...

Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk ain't gonna like this ...

The ex-head coach of the original 'Greatest Show On Turf' Rams says this year's version is better ... AND more explosive!!!

"They're close," Dick Vermeil tells TMZ Sports. "But, I really think you'd have to say that this team overall might be a little better."

Of course, there were three versions of the 'GSOT' Rams ... coached by Vermeil in 1999 -- and then by Mike Martz in 2000 and 2001.

But, they were all badass ... with Warner and Faulk leading the way -- and potential Hall of Famers like Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt streaking down the sidelines too.

Yet when Vermeil crunched the numbers for us ... and compared them to Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and the guys in L.A. now -- he says this 2018 team wins.

Greg Hardy believes he can be a 2-sport athlete -- and says he's convinced he's exactly what the New England Patriots defense needs to get back to the Super Bowl.

In fact, Hardy -- who's been dominating in MMA -- is making his case to Bill Belichick as to why the organization should take a chance on him.

"Mr. Belichick, I would be under your regime, boss man. Following orders, doing whatever you need me to do, baby. I'm the ultimate team guy!!"

Hardy's NFL career was sidelined after his 2014 domestic violence case. His conviction was overturned but many people believe he got off on a technicality. Hardy has maintained his innocence.

He hasn't played in the NFL since the 2015 season -- but insists he's ready to go RIGHT NOW.

30-year-old Hardy says he's had a major impact on every team he's played for -- and he'd do the same exact thing for the Pats.

He also believes Tom Brady could use the help on the other side of the ball -- and wants to prove he's worthy of another shot in the league.

Terry Bradshaw says Pittsburgh REALLY crapped the bed when it came to Le'Veon Bell ... telling TMZ Sports the Steelers shoulda offered him WAY MORE MONEY!!!

The Steelers reportedly gave their All-Pro running back a three-year, $47 million deal -- and Bradshaw says it's no wonder why Bell spit on that offer.

"He's worth a lot. He's worth a lot more," Bradshaw tells us. "There's nobody like him in the NFL."

Don't worry too much, Steelers fans ... Terry says Pitt should still make the playoffs without the RB. But, even if they don't ... Terry tells us don't blame it on Le'Veon!!!

Colin Kaepernick's star power is bigger NOW than when he was playing football -- and he doesn't need the NFL's platform to be effective in his off-the-field mission ... so says T.I.

There are some people who believe without being on an NFL roster, people will lose interest in Kaepernick -- and he'll eventually become irrelevant and fade away.

But, not T.I. -- who appeared on "TMZ Live" and explained why Colin's more influential now than ever ... and suggested going back to the NFL might actually take his focus away from the social justice issues he's been tackling.

Marcellus Wiley says Eric Reid's collusion case against the NFL NEEDS to continue ... even though the embattled safety has been signed by a team, because the people deserve answers.

Reid is now a member of the Carolina Panthers, and some people wondered if he'd drop his part of the collusion case against the league now that he's back playing football.

We got Wiley out in Beverly Hills and asked him if Reid should consider playing nice with the league now that he's back, and Marcellus ain't having it.

"Eric Reid was a good enough safety to be signed before this. And, I just want to know to what extent and what degree did they try to collude or interrupt his services."

Marcellus' point seems to be clear ... that no matter if Eric and Colin Kaepernick get jobs again, the collusion case still needs to proceed, because we have to know if the league acted unfairly.

The mother of Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White was arrested for domestic violence last week after officials say she stabbed a man in the chest ... TMZ Sports has learned.

44-year-old LaShawnita Ruffins -- who famously walked the red carpet with her son at the 2017 NFL Draft -- was arrested on Sept. 29 in Northern Louisiana for aggravated battery and domestic violence.

Unclear if the alleged victim is Tre'Davious' father. We're working on the details.

Law enforcement tells us ... Ruffins' bail was set at $75,000. She posted it and was released the next day.

Tre'Davious White was a 1st-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft -- widely considered one of the best cornerbacks in college football during his time at LSU.

He had a pretty great rookie season for the Bills -- making the Pro Football Writers Association 2017 All-Rookie Team.