NFL

Ex-NFL star Domata Peko's father-in-law had a helluva Tuesday -- it turns out his gas station sold the $2 BILLION Powerball-winning ticket ... resulting in a $1 million payday!!

The 37-year-old former Bengals nose tackle -- who played the majority of his career in Cincinnati -- shared the exciting news just now ... saying, "My Father In-Law Sold the winning PowerBall (ticket) 2 billion $"

"Congrats Baba."

Joe Chahayed -- who owns the Joe's Service Center gas station in Altadena, CA -- turned into a local celeb after it was announced he sold the winning ticket ... with folks in the area heading to his store to take selfies with him.

Joe told reporters he's had some winning tickets in the Super Lotto and Fantasy 5 at his location in the past -- but those tickets were only worth up to $9,000.

BTW -- Domata reportedly made over $47 million in contract money over the course of his career.

Joe says he's not going to retire just yet ... but his family can expect a really nice Thanksgiving.

Lamar Jackson paid a surprise visit to a young fan before the Ravens' big game on Monday -- and the little boy was so moved by seeing the QB in person, he cried tears of joy!!

The heartwarming moment happened just before Lamar beat the New Orleans Saints on "Monday Night Football" -- when the Ravens star snuck into a room to say hello to Landon, one of his biggest fans.

You can see in video of their interaction, filmed by Landon's father, the boy was so shocked to see the former MVP in the flesh -- he ran over to hug him, and wouldn't let go!!

At one point during their embrace, the kid even began crying hysterically.

"He's making my day," Jackson said with a smile. "Wipe your tears, man."

Landon -- who's battling a heart condition -- eventually got to go down to the field with Jackson ... taking a pic with the signal-caller and enjoying the quarterback's talents up close.

He also met several Ravens players on the field ... and even got hooked up with autographs.

Landon's father, Jason Berry, said all of it was made possible after he realized the Ravens would be playing the Saints in New Orleans this year. While residing in Mississippi, he emailed multiple people at the Ravens' and Saints' organizations asking if Landon could meet LJ ... and someone eventually replied.

"My heart melted because I knew I was going to be able to fulfill my son's dream," Berry said in a post about the experience on his social media page, "What an unbelievable experience for Landon (one we know he will NEVER forget)."

Bad news Giants fans ... star safety Xavier McKinney will be out several weeks after he was injured in an ATV accident in Cabo during the bye week.

The 23-year-old broke the news on Monday morning, saying he flew out to Mexico for the Giants' off days ... but, unfortunately, got hurt while he was on a sightseeing ATV tour.

"I had an accident and injured my hand," he said in a note on Twitter. "The injury will keep me sidelined for a few weeks."

It's a big blow for New York, as McKinney -- who was named a team captain this season -- is a key player on the Big Blue's defense. So far this season, he has 38 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.

"I will do everything I can to get back as quickly as possible so I can contribute to what we're building here in NY," McKinney added.

The Giants are 6-2 coming out of the bye and have several important games coming up, including division matchups with the 6-2 Cowboys and the 8-0 Eagles.

Micah Parsons is ready to see some OBJ TDs in Dallas ... revealing Tuesday he wants Odell Beckham Jr. on the Cowboys -- badly!!!

The superstar pass rusher made his feelings known on his Twitter page -- as rumors of a potential Beckham-Cowboys signing have begun to swirl.

"Man obj talk to me !!" Parsons wrote. "@obj let’s do this s***!!!"

Beckham is a free agent and has been allowed to sign with any team this season -- but because of a knee injury he suffered in last season's Super Bowl, he hasn't quite been healthy enough to put pen to paper on a new contract.

Reportedly, however, Beckham is nearing full strength ... and is close to making a decision on his next team -- and oddsmakers have now deemed Dallas as the favorite to be the landing spot.

Parsons would certainly love that -- but so would team owner Jerry Jones, who glowed about Odell on Tuesday on his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan.

"I know the Cowboys star on that helmet when he puts it on could look pretty good," Jones said.

Head coach Mike McCarthy shared a similar opinion during a meeting with media members Monday -- telling reporters he's "always been a huge fan" of the playmaking wideout.

No word on when Odell officially wants to be signed by ... but it seems it could now be just a matter of days.

A Jay-Z and Jeff Bezos partnership to buy the Washington Commanders seems to be full throttle ... because Monday night the two billionaires grabbed dinner in L.A. -- breaking bread for more than two hours.

The duo hit up Horses near the Sunset Strip at around 7:30 PM -- just a couple days after it was revealed they both had a mutual interest in putting in a bid for Daniel Snyder's Commanders. The restaurant is closed Monday, but the owner opened the doors just for them.

TMZ Sports has learned Bezos stayed tableside until about 9:30 ... while Jay didn't leave until after midnight.

Both men kept things low-key as they entered and exited the restaurant -- Jay was in a beanie and a hoodie, while Bezos was in a casual polo. Lauren Sanchez accompanied JB -- while Corey Gamble appeared to be there alongside HOV -- not sure why.

You'll recall, Snyder revealed last week he had hired Bank of America to explore a potential sale of his team ... and almost immediately afterward, Bezos and Jay-Z expressed interest.

The price tag won't be cheap -- Snyder is looking for more than $7 BILLION for the org. -- that's in the pocket change region for the 2 titans.

On Monday, just before dinner, Sanchez dropped a hint to her followers ... posting a photo with the caption, "Are you ready for some..."

The Indianapolis Colts have fired head coach Frank Reich following the team's blowout loss to the Patriots on Sunday at Gillette Stadium ... and, stunningly, have named former star offensive lineman Jeff Saturday the interim HC.

Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed the news on his Twitter page on Monday morning ... which caught most folks off-guard, considering Jeff has ZERO coaching experience in college or the pros.

His only experience came as ... err, a high school coach with Hebron Christian H.S. in Georgia. His last season on the sidelines was in 2020 ... where his team finished with a 3-7 record.

The Colts dropped to 3-5-1 after losing to New England, 26-3 ... as the team demonstrated an inability to score offensively under rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

Reich took over the Colts in 2018 -- after Josh McDaniels scorned the franchise at the last minute -- leading the team to a 10-6 record that season and an 11-5 record in 2020.

Reich led the Colts to the playoffs twice.

However, the 60-year-old play-caller didn't always enjoy success in Indy ... in 2019, he finished with a 7-9 record, and things were assuredly trending in that direction this season.

The org. benched Matt Ryan ... and turned to Ehlinger to salvage their season, but after falling further behind in the AFC South race, Indy is giving up on the Reich experiment.

Kirk Cousins decided to lose his shirt, throw on some comically large jewelry, and then dance his face off on the team plane following the Vikings' big win Sunday ... and video of the hysterical scene could not be better!

Cousins' Minnesota teammates filmed the QB's plane ride party just a couple hours after they came back to beat the Washington Commanders, 20-17 ... showing Kirk letting loose after pulling the Vikes to a 7-1 start.

In his seat, Cousins ditched his top and snagged some chains from his fellow Vikings ... before he gyrated and jiggled around as everyone giddily filmed him on their phones.

The normally buttoned-up 34-year-old revealed he's got a smokin' hot bod during the festivities too -- check out that full-on six-pack!

Of course, Cousins had every right to get down while 30,000 feet in the air ... he's been a big reason the Vikings are running away with the NFC North this year.

Lil Wayne has declared his beloved Packers' season over following yet another loss on Sunday ... and he seems to be laying the blame squarely on Aaron Rodgers for it all -- saying the team shoulda punted the QB before the year began.

Weezy didn't mince words when venting about Green Bay's 15-9 loss to the 2-6 Detroit Lions ... clearly believing the year is already done -- despite eight games remaining on the schedule.

"RIP to the season," Wayne, a HUGE Packers fan, tweeted.

The loss to the lowly Lions dropped GB to 3-6 ... and with games against Dallas, Tennessee, Philadelphia, Miami and Minnesota still left to go, the rapper probably isn't wrong to bury his favorite squad.

But, it was the second part of his tweet -- one in which he wrote, "We should've gotten rid of 12 before the season" -- that was eyebrow-raising.

Yes, Rodgers has not been good this year -- he threw three more interceptions on Sunday -- but the rapper has always been in the superstar's corner.

A flick about the inspiring story of Shaquem Griffin could be coming to a silver screen near you ... so says his twin bro, Shaquill Griffin, who tells TMZ Sports a movie about the former one-handed NFL player is in the works!!

The Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback revealed the news to us out at LAX this week ... although he was mum on further details about the project.

He did say, though, that he would have no problem playing the role of himself in the film ... saying he's got real-deal acting chops!

Of course, the movie would no doubt be amazing regardless of who plays the bros in it ... considering just how special Shaquem's story is.

If you're unfamiliar, Shaquem had his left hand amputated when he was just 4 years old ... but went on to become a mega football star, playing for the Seahawks and Dolphins before officially retiring earlier this year.

As for what he's up to now that his football career is over ... Shaquill tells us his brother is thriving -- becoming a damn good motivational speaker.

Ezekiel Elliott would be riding a whole lot of pine if Mike Martz were in charge in Dallas ... telling TMZ Sports he believes Tony Pollard should be the Cowboys' starting RB.

The former St. Louis Rams head coach said he'd make the change immediately if he were in Mike McCarthy's shoes ... explaining he believes Pollard is simply the best runner on the Cowboys -- and has been for a while now.

"Pollard is the better of the two backs," Martz said ... before adding, "I think Pollard has been more productive in the last three years with the opportunities that he's had."

Of course, Zeke has been entrenched as Dallas' RB1 since he was drafted in 2016 -- and hasn't moved off that spot, even though Pollard has seemingly been better.

Since 2020, Pollard has rushed for 1,660 yards and 11 TDs on 312 carries. In that same time frame, Elliott's rushed for 2,424 yards and 20 TDs with nearly double the carries (590).

Martz says from everything he's seen, Pollard should be the 1A to Zeke's 1B -- but he told us he's pretty sure the massive $90 MILLION contract Jerry Jones gave Zeke is playing a role in it all.

"I think the owner, you know, they're into him for a lot of money," Martz said. "And in Dallas, normally that stuff should never come into it, but in Dallas, I think it probably does."

Martz' solution to that? Start Zeke, but still give Pollard the majority of the work.

Alvin Kamara reared back and punched a man repeatedly during a violent altercation inside of a Las Vegas hotel earlier this year ... new video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows.

But, sources connected with Kamara say the video doesn't tell the full story, claiming the alleged victim became violent first.

The incident happened back on Feb. 5 ... inside The Cromwell Hotel and Casino.

According to an October lawsuit filed by Darnell Greene, the altercation all went down after he and the New Orleans Saints superstar got into an argument outside of an elevator of the hotel's popular Drai's Nightclub.

Greene alleged he tried to get on the lift with Kamara and Kamara's associates. But, he claimed in his suit the football player barred him from getting on by "throwing his arm across Greene's chest," and then brutally attacking him.

In the new footage, you can see Kamara -- wearing a light shirt and signature dreads -- throwing multiple blows at Greene.

The clip shows the punches ultimately took the man to the ground. While down, the video shows several other men jumping into the attack -- kicking and stomping the guy, before clearing out.

The footage appears to match pictures that Greene's attorneys included in the lawsuit against Kamara last month. According to the suit, as a result of the beatdown, Greene suffered injuries to his neck, back, head, shoulder, knees and face ... including "a disfiguring facial fracture to" his right orbital bone.

Greene is suing Kamara for $10 million.

Kamara, meanwhile, was arrested following the 2022 Pro Bowl game for his alleged role in the incident ... and charged with felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm and misdemeanor conspiracy to commit battery.

At the time of the arrest, cops claimed in police documents that Kamara did admit to punching the man.

Kamara -- who's had an up-and-down season for the Saints this year -- is due back in court for a hearing on the case next week.

It's Friday ... which means Buffalo Bills player Dion Dawkins and his teammates are back to singing and dancing their faces off in the locker room -- this time, they're jammin' out to some Justin Bieber and "Baby Shark!!!"

It's become a tradition for the first place Bills to blow off some steam after a hard week of practice ... and this go-round, it was no different -- with the guys raging to some Biebs.

The guys were channeling their inner teenage heartthrobs as "Baby" played over the speaker ... and the fans seemed to be loving it.

The dancing continued when the song shifted to the children's song ... and the guys even got help from a mother and her kids!!

Even new guy Nyheim Hines got in on the fun at one point ... as well as star LB Von Miller.

They covered everything ... from Panic! At The Disco to Adele, thanks to a cameo from Tre'Davious White!!

The karaoke sesh started off on a somber note, though ... with the players holding a moment of silence for Takeoff.

It's great to see the guys continue the movement as they continue to dominate ... but we'll see if they keep it up if they start to lose.

Russell Wilson ditched the cold temps in Denver for a much warmer spot during the Broncos' bye week -- the QB hit up Cabo with his wife, Ciara, for some unliiiimited fun in the sun.

Russ and CiCi posted up poolside for at least part of their special getaway ... lounging in the rays while they got some R&R.

Ciara appeared to be enjoying the moment ... as the 33-year-old signal-caller was checking something out on a laptop.

Knowing the competitor Russ is, it wouldn't be surprising if he was checking out some Tennessee Titans game footage as the Broncos look to improve on their 3-5 record next week.

The vacay comes at the perfect time for Russ -- Denver hasn't gotten off to the hottest of starts, but the team was at least able to defeat the Jaguars in London last week ... allowing the couple to go into their Mexico trip on a high note.

Of course, Russ has been getting some hate from diehard fans for the slow start to the season -- they even left rude comments on his romantic Instagram post for Ciara's birthday.

But traveling isn't new to the Wilsons -- in July, Russ and the "Body Party" singer hit up Lake Como in Italy, where Ciara popped a pimple on her hubby's face. Truly romantic stuff.

The Washington Commanders and former star QB Joe Theismann are in mourning after one of their legends, David Butz, passed away.

He was 72.

The organization broke the news on Friday ... saying they're devastated over the death of the star defensive tackle who played for them from 1975 to 1988.

"We're heartbroken over the loss of Washington Legend Dave Butz," the team said ... "a 2x Super Bowl champion and member of our Ring of Fame and 90 Greatest list."

"Sending our deepest condolences to Dave's family and friends."

One of those friends is Theismann ... who's heartbroken over Dave's death. The men played together in D.C. for 9 seasons. They also won Super Bowl XVII together in 1983.

"Lost a dear friend today. Dave Butz. Dave Mark Mosley and I used to ride to games together," Theismann said.

"A true gentle giant. Rest In Peace my friend."

The Alabama native played college football for Purdue and was a 1972 finalist for the Lombardi Award.

DB was picked by the then-St. Louis Cardinals with the 5th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft ... but played the majority of his 16-year NFL career in Washington where he won 2 Super Bowls.

One of his famous moments is when the 6'8" tackle checked himself out of the hospital (illness) so he could play against the New York Jets in 1987.

After making a game-saving tackle during that game, Butz checked himself back into the hospital.

Butz ranks third in the franchise for most sacks (59.5) and was named one of the organization's 70 greatest players.

If Tyreek Hill's stats don't speak for themselves, the Dolphins receiver has another way to show you why he's the best ... by catching a football with his hands smothered in butter!!

The 6-time Pro Bowler did the hilarious stunt in a backyard on Thursday ... claiming he can out catch anyone.

"I got the best hands on any app," Hill said in the clip, "and I'm here to prove it ✌🏿"

That's when the Super Bowl champ brings out a stick of butter and rubs it all over his hands ... before catching the ball from a Jugs machine with ease!!

"Looks greasy to me," Hill said, "I got the best hands-on TikTok!!"

He also uses a bottle of Aunt Jemima syrup ... but let's be honest, the stickiness from the syrup probably gave him an advantage.

Hill has been on a campaign to prove the haters wrong after NFL receiver Steve Smith's convo with Shannon Sharpe on his "Club Shay Shay" podcast this month ... where they said he's not "natural" or "pure" at catching the ball.

Of course, everyone knows that Hill is one of the best wideouts in the NFL right now -- in fact, he currently leads the league in receiving yards (961) ... and that's even with his QB Tua Tagovailoa missing several weeks due to concussion protocol.

And, let's not forget his stunning performance in Kansas City where he pulled in over 6,600 receiving yards and 56 touchdowns for the Chiefs from 2016 to 2021.

Jay-Z and Jeff Bezos, two of the most successful men in America, are interested in buying the Washington Commanders, in light of owner Dan Snyder's interest in selling the NFL team, sources tell TMZ Sports.

And, we're told a partnership between the men is on the table.

On Wednesday, the team issued a statement announcing Snyder hired a major bank to investigate a possible opportunity to sell the team ... but made it clear he hadn't yet made a final decision.

Still, the move provided hope to droves of Washington football fans ... who after controversy after controversy and endless losing have long wished Snyder would sell.

We're told Jay, worth an estimated $1.3 billion by Forbes, has expressed serious interest in acquiring the team ... valued at $5.6 billion this summer.

Despite the rap legend and businessman's incredible fortune, we're told he'd look for a strategic partner.

Bezos, one of the world's richest people ($114 billion net worth), is also interested in the team.

Bezos has ties to the area ... he owns the Washington Post newspaper.

Amazon also owns Prime Video ... which recently inked a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal to broadcast Thursday Night Football.

Jay-Z is in business with the NFL ... signing a partnership deal in 2019 which gave Hov power over the halftime show, as well as social justice initiatives.

He also previously owned an NBA team, the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets ... before being forced to sell when he opened his sports and marketing agency, Roc Nation Sports, over a potential conflict of interest.

Byron Allen and Robert Griffin III, amongst many more, have also expressed interest in the team.

There's no shortage of suitors, but topping Bezos and Jay-Z would be a monumental task.