NFL

NFL linebacker Damien Wilson -- who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 -- was arrested last week ... after he reportedly threatened to kill his girlfriend with a tire iron.

Police confirmed to TMZ Sports the arrest happened in Frisco, Texas. Cops added in a statement to the Dallas Morning News that Wilson was booked on a charge of assault with bodily injury of a family member.

No further details surrounding the arrest have been released by law enforcement.

Wilson's girlfriend, Ryan Sokolosky, however, told the Dallas Morning News the arrest happened after the 28-year-old football player flew off the handle at her home after she had broken up with him.

Sokolosky reportedly said Wilson "emerged from bushes holding a tire iron" at her place and threatened to end her life.

Wilson's attorney, Toby Shook, said in a statement that Wilson "did not commit any type of assault." He added, "We look forward to all the facts coming out so his name can be cleared."

Wilson started 22 games in four seasons for Dallas from 2015 to 2018. He then played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars, before signing with the Carolina Panthers in March.

Aaron Donald's Calabasas mansion sold faster than he can chase down a quarterback -- the NFL superstar parted ways with the pad for $6.258 million ... after just 2 WEEKS.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Donald -- who listed the six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom home for $6,250,000 on April 4 -- closed the deal on Monday ... and made some extra dough in the process.

The buyer will now enjoy a 7,036 square-foot home with a massive kitchen, infinity pool, game room, hoops court, outdoor party area and 4-car garage.

As we previously reported, the place -- listed with Jordan Cohen of RE/MAX -- also has a personal barbershop with a massive Donald painting on the wall ... but the room might get a makeover if the buyer is a Niners fan.

Of course, the timing of the sale comes amid rumors the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year could retire this season ... although Matthew Stafford previously told us he's trying like hell to get Donald to return in 2022.

Colin Kaepernick just wants to play football in the NFL ... even if it means signing on as a backup quarterback, saying "I just need that opportunity to walk through the door."

The 34-year-old QB sat down for a rare interview with former NFL stars Chad Johnson, Adam "Pacman" Jones, Brandon Marshall for an episode of "I AM ATHLETE" -- after a recent workout near the House of Athlete facility in Weston, FL -- where Colin discussed his desire to return to the NFL.

Marshall asked Kaepernick if he'd be willing to take a role similar to Carmelo Anthony in the NBA ... where the Future Hall of Famer signed for the veteran's minimum (about $2.6 million) to play a minimized role with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Colin's answer ... yes, as long as he starts when he proves he's the best person for the job.

"I know I have to find my way back in. So, if I have to come in as a backup, that's fine," Kaepernick told the guys.

"But that's not where I'm staying. And when I prove that I'm a starter, I want to be able to step on the field as such. I just need that opportunity to walk through the door."

Of course, Colin hasn't played in the NFL since 2016 ... where he started 11 games for the San Francisco 49ers.

Kaepernick has long accused the league of blackballing him for his kneeling protest, filing a lawsuit alleging the owners colluded against him ... in an effort to keep him out of the NFL.

In February 2019, Colin settled his lawsuit with the NFL.

Super Bowl champion? Check. Hall of Fame career? Check. Wrestling match with The Rock? Coming soon???

Rob Gronkowski tells TMZ Sports if he ultimately makes a run in the WWE following his storied football career -- he wants to take on Dwayne Johnson!!!

Gronk broke it all down for his BFF Mojo ... saying if he got the chance to call the shots in the WWE, he'd book a match against The People's Champ.

Gronkowski said he'd prefer it to be a tag team match, 'cause he's still wet behind the ears in the squared circle ... but if for some reason The Rock wanted to join him instead of beat him -- he'd be up for that too!

"It would be pretty cool to have The Rock come back, and face The Rock," Gronkowski said, "or have him as my tag team partner."

Gronk has made appearances in the WWE before ... but he's yet to have a true match of his own.

As for why he wouldn't mind starting off that career with The Rock ... the NFL star said the guy is just one of his favorite wrestlers -- and he'd love to take a People's Elbow from the dude in front of a packed house.

The buyer who purchased Tom Brady's last touchdown ball at auction just caught a $518,000 break ... 'cause the sale of the pigskin has reportedly been voided, saving the wealthy collector over half a mil!!

Remember, the ball was on the auction block at Leland's -- a popular sports memorabilia website -- and sold for over $500K. Unfortunately for the buyer, Brady came out of retirement literally the day after the ball sold.

The issue? Brady is surely going to throw many more touchdowns this season for the Bucs ... rendering the 624th TD pass of his career virtually worthless (we're told it's worth about $50K -- which is great, unless you dropped $520K on it).

But, in a stroke of amazing luck, Darren Rovell reports NY attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, was able to strike a deal with the seller and auction house, freeing the buyer of his obligation to buy the ball.

It's unclear if the buyer had to make any sort of payment to the seller ... though, if so, we're told it wouldn't be a large amount of money.

It's not all that surprising that the sale didn't ultimately go through. Shortly after Brady returned, we spoke with an industry expert who predicted the sale would NOT go through ... for several reasons.

Now, the ball -- a 55-yard TD pass thrown to Mike Evans in the 4th quarter of a playoff game against the Rams -- will likely be returned to the seller.

Buyer, meet your lucky ✨✨✨

Dwayne Haskins' clothing line will have items available soon -- after selling out on the website -- and it's promising to donate the proceeds of future sales to a charity in honor of the late quarterback.

Kingdom of Pride brand was made by Haskins and features a catalog of T-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, pants and headwear -- some with his nickname "Simba" or his initials "DH" inscribed into them.

Each item is currently sold out on the website ... but the brand said this week, just days after Haskins' death, that they're working on releasing more KOP gear in the wake of the tragedy.

"In the recent days we have received many inquiries regarding the availability of our clothes," the brand said in a statement.

"We are currently putting together the pieces of how we can honor Dwayne and his legacy in the most positive way."

The company says when it restocks the items, it's going to sell pieces at a discounted price ... and then donate the proceeds to a charity "that has a mission that is near and dear to Dwayne's heart."

Haskins loved his clothing line ... in fact, he had the logo stitched into his Bentley truck after signing his rookie contract in 2019.

"By the grace of God, the Lord has blessed me with an opportunity to have an influential platform," Haskins said of his brand on the company's website.

"Kingdom of Pride is a brand about family and channeling your inner lion. You will officially be a part of our family when purchasing these beautifully designed clothes."

Urban Meyer swears he knew who Aaron Donald was before the Jaguars took on the Rams last year ... blasting a report that said otherwise as "silly."

The 57-year-old former Jacksonville head coach joined Tim May on "The Tim May Podcast" this week ... and dismissed the notion that he had no idea who arguably the best defensive player in the NFL was.

"It's -- you know, I've heard silly things before in my life," Meyer said. "You almost shouldn't even address things like that, it's so silly."

You'll recall, The Athletic reported last month that Meyer was "unfamiliar with star players around the league" -- including Donald.

Meyer allegedly told his staff, "Who's this 99 guy on the Rams?” and, "I'm hearing he might be a problem for us."

Of course, that's a shocking allegation ... considering Donald is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year who's been selected to the NFL's All-Pro team 7 times.

Josh Allen's offseason is clearly going well ... after soaking up some California sun on Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills superstar took his smokin' hot girlfriend on a dinner date to an L.A. hotspot.

The couple was spotted heading into Catch in West Hollywood just after sunset ... and the quarterback didn't seem to have too many cares in the world as he walked into the restaurant next to Brittany Williams.

The two looked good on their romantic night out -- Allen was in a black jacket and maroon pants, while Williams stunned in a hot pink mini skirt and heels.

Allen didn't answer the photogs' questions as he strolled into dinner ... but it seems clear, he's moving past Buffalo's super disappointing January playoff loss to the Chiefs.

Allen's been vacationing with Williams -- who he's dated since before his NFL career -- in Cali the last couple weeks, enjoying the offseason and getting over that epic overtime game in Kanas City.

Rapper Archie Eversole, best known for his hit song "We Ready," has died.

Archie's family tells TMZ he passed away Sunday, April 3. His cause of death has not been revealed.

Archie was only 17 when he recorded his first album, "Ride Wit Me Dirty South Style." The album went gold, with the help of the track "We Ready" with Bubba Sparxxx.

"We Ready" became one of the most popular anthems at football games and other sporting events.

Archie was handpicked by the soccer team Atlanta United in 2018 to write its theme song, "United We Conquer."

Fans have been paying respect to Archie after his passing, including NFL pro Robert Griffin III, who calls his hit song "the greatest Game Day anthem ever." There's locker room video of high school football players singing "We Ready" as inspiration.

The song was so popular, the NFL even used it in an ad.

Archie clearly touched a nerve, because social media is filling up with tributes.

Archie was 37.

RIP

Ya knew Ezekiel Elliott wasn't scared of anything ... but did you know it went to THIS extent?!?!

The Dallas Cowboys superstar posted a video of him with his pet snake on Wednesday ... showing no fear whatsoever as the reptile crawled all over his beard and shirtless body.

Check out the footage ... it's absolutely hair-raising -- the snake wiggled across Elliott's 225-pound frame, all while sticking out its tongue repeatedly.

Zeke, though, seemed to love it -- filming the interaction with a steady hand on the camera the entire time.

Elliott -- an animal lover who's usually spending most of his time with his dogs -- has had the pet snake for several weeks now, and it's clear their bond is growing by the day.

Baker Mayfield is opening up about his ongoing beef with the Cleveland Browns ... appearing to say the front office lied to him about their pursuit of Deshaun Watson.

The former top pick -- who's been silent since releasing a heartfelt message to Browns fans on March 15 -- discussed his situation in Cleveland on the "Ya Never Know: You Know What I Mean?" podcast with Mike. (FKA Mike Stud) this week ... saying he feels "disrespected" by how things played out this offseason.

"The respect thing is all gonna be a personal opinion," Baker said Wednesday. "I feel disrespected, 100%, because I was told one thing and they did another. That's what I'm in the middle of right now."

It's pretty clear Bake is referring to the Browns trading for Watson ... as Mayfield requested a trade shortly after news broke about Cleveland's interest in the former Texans quarterback.

The Browns haven't traded Mayfield yet ... and there's talk they could actually keep him this season in case Watson's punished as a result of 22 massage therapists alleging sexual misconduct.

Despite the chatter, Baker sounds like the official breakup is incoming ... saying he has no idea where he's going to play next.

"I'm just looking for stabilization right now, and I know what I need to know to be the best version of me and to lead an organization," he said. "I'm in a good place right now, where, like, I have no clue where I am going."

Dwayne Haskins' wife is thanking all of the NFL player's fans and friends for their support in the wake of his tragic death ... saying Wednesday the outpouring of well wishes has helped during her time of mourning.

Kalabrya Haskins shared the letter of gratitude through the Pittsburgh Steelers on social media ... explaining, "All of your blessings have been greatly valued and appreciated."

She added that she's going to miss Dwayne dearly.

"My husband was more than a great football player," Kalabrya said of the 24-year-old former Steeler. "He had the smile of a rainbow that touched the diversity of so many. He will forever rest and remain in our hearts til the end of time."

"LOVE OF MY LIFE, FOREVER," she continued, "REST IN THE BEAUTIFUL PLACE OF HEAVEN!"

Dwayne -- who married Kalabrya in 2021 -- tragically died after being struck by a dump truck Saturday morning in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Kalabrya did not release any further insight into the crash -- asking for privacy at this time -- but she did reveal a celebration of life will be held for Dwayne on April 22 at the Allegheny Center Alliance Church in Pittsburgh.

The XFL will have Super Bowl winners, national champs and Hall of Famers leading the charge when it kicks off in 2023 ... with names like Hines Ward, Wade Phillips and Bob Stoops signing on to be head coaches in the league.

The league announced its 8 coaches who will be on the sidelines next year ... with Rod Woodson, Jim Haslett, Terrell Buckley, Reggie Barlow and Anthony Becht rounding out the list.

Of course, Stoops -- a national championship-winning coach with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2000 -- was part of the XFL's original relaunch in 2020 with the Dallas Renegades ... and now he's back again for the league's do-over.

Phillips has been a coach for more than 50 years ... and won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos as a defensive coordinator.

Ward -- a Pittsburgh Steelers legend and 2-time Super Bowl champ -- started his coaching career in 2019 as an assistant for the New York Jets.

Woodson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 ... and has experience coaching for several NFL teams over the years.

Ohio State legend Cardale Jones gave an emotional speech at a Dwayne Haskins memorial Tuesday night ... praising the former Buckeye and lamenting his tragic death.

Jones said the sweet words to a crowd that had gathered outside of Ohio Stadium ... remembering the 24-year-old as someone who was selfless and always willing to give the shirt off his back.

"I feel like we're all here to grieve together and to pay our respects and somewhat celebrate Dwayne's life," Jones said, just four days after Haskins sadly passed away in a vehicle accident in Florida.

"It just sucks that his life was cut so short but I guess he was just too good for all of us that the Lord had to call him home early."

Jones -- who played at OSU from 2013 to 2015 -- was friends with Haskins ... and during his speech, he said Dwayne always "kept faith and lived out his dreams" when he was alive.

"He's up there looking down on us and telling us to wipe our tears," Jones said. "He will be missed."

Buckeyes running back Master Teague III was also in attendance at the vigil ... where he led a prayer to Haskins' family.

Other current and former Buckeyes that had gathered at the memorial site included Kyle McCord, Kamryn Babb, Xavier Johnson and Sevyn Banks. OSU athletic director, Gene Smith, was also present.

As we previously reported, Haskins was tragically killed on Saturday after being hit by a dump truck on a highway in Fort Lauderdale.

Travis Kelce's girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, just went off on Cam Newton over the comments he made about women this week ... blasting the guy for his "foolish" and "tired" remarks.

Just two days after Cam said he believed a real woman should "cater to a man's needs" and know how to cook and "when to be quiet" ... Kayla shaded the hell out of the former NFL star.

She ripped him for appearing to define a woman's worth by her abilities in the kitchen and her willingness to "allow a man to lead" -- eviscerating him in a video on her Instagram page.

"This man said that you need to be able to cook and know when to be quiet," Kayla said. "Because that's what his momma did. Like, boy! Go date your momma then!"

The Chiefs star's GF explained her beef with Cam further in a series of tweets on her Twitter account ... calling Cam a straight-up "bozo" for his comments.

"Pretty sure the average woman is capable of making edible food," Kayla said. "How do you think she’s survived thus far?"

"It's really not a matter of can she cook -- it's more like does she want to cook for your hungry hippo ass."

Kayla -- who's been dating Kelce since 2017 -- then poked fun at Cam for currently being without an NFL team ... saying, "He has nothing but time to 'be quiet' and get that ass in the kitchen."

Tom Brady is still the G.O.A.T. on the football field and in his household -- 'cause he says he just whooped his oldest son in a game of 1-on-1 basketball.

TB12 shared some rare footage of him hoopin' on his Instagram page on Tuesday ... showing a little bit of his recent contest with 14-year-old Jack.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar looked smooth as butter in the clip, hitting a jumper over the kid -- much to the young Brady's dismay.

Brady also showed some pics of him blowing by Jack in the lane all while appearing to be on his way to hitting a scoop layup.

No word on what the final score of the game was -- but Tom wrote on his social media page, "Dad still wins for now."

Tom did show some love to Jack, though -- saying the kid is improving on the court, writing, "I don't love my chances next year."

The NFL star might not be blowin' smoke -- Jack appears to be growing like a weed ... check out the huge spurt he's appeared to hit since 2021.

Tom has said in the past that Jack loves sports -- and could follow in his athletic footsteps one day.