NFL

NFL prospect Michael Jefferson is optimistic he'll make a full recovery from the injuries he sustained in a fatal car crash earlier this month ... and everyone in the former college football star's camp is still holding out hope a team will pick him in next week's draft.

Brad Sohn, Jefferson's attorney, said in a statement Wednesday that while the ex-Louisiana wideout will need to "undergo a grueling rehabilitation" after he was badly hurt in the April 9 accident in Mobile County, AL ... Jefferson still thinks "he can have an outstanding NFL career."

"We believe that optimism is well-founded," Sohn said, "and hope a team still will select this terrific young man and great football player."

Sohn declined to say what injuries Jefferson suffered in the wreck ... though he added in his statement the 23-year-old is "in good spirits under the circumstances."

"Michael would not have made it this far without being a fighter," Sohn said.

We broke the story ... cops say an impaired driver, 55-year-old Charles Dunn, slammed head-on into Jefferson while the two were on a four-lane road on Easter night. Officials say when Jefferson spun out of the initial collision, another car barreled into him. Dunn was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jefferson, who logged 51 catches for 810 yards and seven TDs last season, had been rated by some pundits as one of the 30-best wide receivers available in this year's NFL draft class ... and was expected to be a mid-round pick next weekend prior to the accident.

Johnny Manziel's girlfriend, Kenzie Werner, says the former Heisman Trophy winner did NOT abuse her ... claiming a post on her social media page Tuesday night that said otherwise was the result of hackers -- and nothing more.

The Instagram Story went up on Werner's IG at around midnight ... and it was extremely graphic.

The post showed four pictures of Werner with various injuries on her face and her body. In one, she had bruises on her breast. In another, she had blood near her nose. The others showed markings around her eyes.

The caption on the post read, "this is from johnny manziel." It also featured a link to Manziel's Instagram page. The story remained up for a few minutes ... before it was taken down.

Werner, though, said in a new post on Wednesday afternoon she had nothing to do with it all ... writing, "was hacked last night. just got my account back. please disregard what was posted. it isn't as it seems."

Tyler Terry, a rep for Werner, tells TMZ Sports ... the photos were not related to Manziel or their relationship at all. The rep was emphatic that the former Cleveland Browns quarterback has never abused her.

We're also told the injuries shown in the pics were not related to domestic violence -- they were a result of an accident at work, where a three-liter bottle of champagne fell on her.

Manziel and Werner have been dating since at least early 2022 ... and have appeared to be a strong couple the entire time.

In fact, the two just recently took a vacation to Miami, where they joked about a bird taking a crap on the ex-NFL player's head while they were relaxing on a beach.

Tua Tagovalioa just revealed he considered leaving his NFL career behind due to the numerous concussions he suffered last season ... but ultimately, he couldn't bring himself to retire.

The Dolphins QB -- who missed multiple games last season while battling head injuries -- told reporters Wednesday that the concussion that ended his season in December actually had him thinking about his future.

"I think I considered it for a time," Tua said. "Having sat down with my family and having sat down with my wife and having those conversations. But it would be hard for me to walk away from this game, with how old am I, with my son."

"I always dreamed of growing, playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do. It's my health. It's my body. I feel like this is what's best for me and my family. I love the game of football."

Tagovailoa, 25, suffered what appeared to be his first head injury of the season against the Bills in September -- and then he suffered a devastating concussion just days later against the Bengals.

The scene in Cincinnati was scary ... he lost consciousness after hitting his head on the ground while getting tackled -- and had to be stretchered off the field. He was out of action the following two weeks before returning for the Dolphins' game against the Steelers in Week 7.

Tagovailoa then suffered another concussion against the Packers on Christmas, forcing him to miss the team's final two games. Some head injury experts like Dr. Bennet Omalu strongly urged him to retire.

But Tua was emphatic Wednesday it's just not going to happen now ... saying he's actually taking jiu-jitsu classes to ensure he learns how to fall safely.

Joe Mixon appeared in an Ohio courtroom on Wednesday to fight back in his aggravated menacing case ... pleading not guilty to the misdemeanor charge he was hit with earlier this month.

The NFL star wore a white button-down shirt and dark pants for the occasion ... and said nothing to reporters neither during his arrival nor during his exit at his arraignment hearing in Hamilton County.

During the proceedings, Mixon entered his plea ... and his bond was set at $10,000.

As we reported, Mixon was initially charged with aggravated menacing on Feb. 2 -- after prosecutors said he threatened to shoot a woman during a road rage incident on Jan. 21.

The charge was dismissed after officials said they needed "additional investigation" -- but it was refiled on April 7 after authorities said they found new evidence in the case.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Chris Claybrooks was arrested in Nashville over the weekend ... after officials say he destroyed a woman's phone during a wild dispute at a movie theater.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, the alleged altercation between the football player and the woman went down at around 8 PM on April 14 in the parking lot of the Opry Mills establishment.

Prosecutors say Claybrooks had been there watching a movie with his girlfriend, when a woman showed up and attempted to inform the GF that she and Claybrooks had been together the night before "and that she had proof they were together on her phone."

In the docs, authorities say the woman told them Claybrooks then "grabbed her hand that was holding the phone and ripped it from her grasp." Claybrooks then allegedly chucked the device into the ground, destroying it.

According to the docs, the woman suffered bruises and abrasions on her hand from the incident. Officials say cops also observed that her phone was, indeed, broken.

The 25-year-old defensive back was arrested over the incident on April 15 ... and eventually hit with two criminal charges -- misdemeanor domestic assault causing bodily injury and misdemeanor vandalism of $1,000 or less. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter in May.

Claybrooks' attorney declined to comment on the case when reached on Wednesday.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, said in a statement they were "aware of a recent incident in Nashville, Tennessee involving Chris Claybrooks and are currently in the process of gathering information."

"We will have no further comment at this time," the team added.

Claybrooks, a former Memphis Tigers star, was a 7th-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft who went on to sign a 4-year rookie contract with the Jags worth a little over $3 million.

The car wreck that left NFL draft prospect Michael Jefferson with significant injuries earlier this month appeared to be caused by an under the influence driver ... this according to the crash report obtained by TMZ Sports.

In the docs, authorities say Charles Dunn, the 55-year-old man who died after slamming head-on into Jefferson's Chevrolet Impala on April 9 in Mobile County, AL, was suspected of having both alcohol and drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

It's unclear why officials believe that ... they said in the docs blood was taken from Dunn, but the results have not come back yet.

Jefferson, meanwhile, was not suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash, authorities said in the docs.

According to the report, the Louisiana wide receiver -- who was projected to be taken in next week's NFL draft prior to the accident -- was going 75 MPH in the 65 MPH zone before the collision. Dunn's speed was listed as "unknown."

Officials included a diagram of the crash in the docs -- which showed Dunn's Dodge Charger (labeled Unit 1) had been traveling southbound but moved into Jefferson's northbound lane before they hit head-on. Jefferson's car (labeled Unit 2) was then hit by a third vehicle after spinning out from the initial impact, the diagram shows.

Jefferson's agent, Jon Perzley of Sportstars, said after the accident the 23-year-old sustained injuries that "required multiple surgeries." It's not yet clear how they'll impact his football future.

Jefferson was a star at Louisiana last year, and some pundits had considered him one of the 30 best available receivers in the 2023 NFL draft class.

Robert Kraft and Meek Mill are teaming up once again ... the rapper and the Patriots owner attended a march in Poland on Tuesday, honoring victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

Kraft and Mill participated in the 35th annual "March of the Living," a 3-Kilometer event commemorating the lives lost in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Kraft -- who in 2019 started his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism -- reportedly lit one of six torches commemorating the 6 million people who died during the Holocaust.

The march covered the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, the largest Nazi concentration camp during World War II, and included students, survivors and educators.

Kraft and Mill have grown closer over the years ... the 81-year-old billionaire advocated for Meek's release from prison in 2018 after the Philly MC felt he was unfairly sentenced.

When Meek teamed up with business mogul and hip-hop icon Jay-Z on criminal justice reform in 2019, Kraft joined the alliance alongside Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin.

RK's foundation recently launched a $25 million national campaign, #StandUpToJewishHate, to stop hateful acts directed toward Jewish people.

"I love this country, and we're at a danger point, I'm sorry to say," Kraft told WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben in an interview. "I've never seen the hatred and bigotry that's going on."

Damar Hamlin has the green light to throw on his helmet and shoulder pads once again -- the Bills safety is "fully cleared" to resume his football career just three and a half months after suffering cardiac arrest during a game, Brandon Beane announced Tuesday.

The Buffalo general manager shared the incredible update just minutes ago ... saying Hamlin's team of specialists are "in agreement" that he is able to resume his football career.

In fact, Beane says Hamlin has been working out lately -- just like any other athlete would after going down with an injury.

"He's fully cleared," Beane told reporters. "He's here, and he is of the mindset, he's in a great headspace to come back and make his return."

Hamlin hasn't played since his medical emergency during "Monday Night Football" on Jan. 2 ... and has used his near-death experience to spread awareness for CPR training and AED accessibility.

Back in February, Hamlin announced his intentions to return to the field in an interview with Michael Strahan ... saying, "That's always the goal, like I said, as a competitor, I'm trying to do things to keep advancing my situation."

"Bu, I'm allowing that to be in God's hands. I'm just thankful he gave me a second chance."

Bills coach Sean McDermott also addressed the news ... adding, "Super excited for Damar.  He's moving forward one step at a time. We'll provide all the mental health we can. Just taking it one day at a time."

Chris Smith -- a former NFL defensive end who was playing in the XFL this season -- has passed away, according to his agent. He was only 31.

NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed the devastating news via Twitter on Tuesday, sending condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

"Rest in Peace Chris," Rosenhaus tweeted. "We will miss you."

Details surrounding his passing are unknown at this time.

Several tributes from fans and athletes were shared on social media after the announcement, including Buffalo Bills' Shaq Lawson who tweeted, "Man prayers up for Chris Smith family."

"This one hurts."

Cleveland Browns star David Njoku said the death of Smith is heartbreaking as he was a "hometown hero" and had "such a kind soul."

Smith was a fifth-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft after spending four seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks where he was named Second-team All-SEC.

The North Carolina native played for the Jaguars, Bengals, Browns, Panthers, Raiders, Ravens, and Texans during his 8-year NFL career. He had 80 total tackles, 11 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles.

During the 2018-19 season with the Browns, Smith's girlfriend and mother of his daughter, Petara Cordero, was tragically killed after she was struck by a passing car after getting out of Chris's car.

Smith was starting a new career in the XFL and just signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons on March 9.

R.I.P.

Country star Jessie James Decker is calling out United Airlines for its alleged treatment of her pregnant sister ... who, according to Jessie, was forced to get on her hands and knees to pick up some popcorn.

Even before Jessie sounded off, the incident went viral because her sister Sydney is married to Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass -- and he was first to rip into United, claiming flight attendants made his wife get on the floor to pick up the kernels their daughter dropped.

With the online backlash in full swing, Jessie's adding to it by revealing on IG that Sydney's "five months pregnant, high risk, and also traveling alone with her two small children."

Jessie continued ... "The flight attendant came up to Sydney with a trash bag, and a wet wipe, telling her the captain wants Syd to clean up every drop" -- adding they called the scattered food a safety hazard.

She says Sydney was left in tears after her clean-up duty ... and now there's a push on Twitter for United to apologize.

Many chalked it up to laziness on the attendant's part, but there are some people backing United -- one user tweeted, "Commercial airlines are not your children’s playground. Pick it up and take responsibility for your kids."

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms!

Michael Thomas has dealt with injuries the last few seasons, but the NFL star's still strong as an ox ... and the proof's on video!

30-year-old Thomas -- 6'3", 212 lbs. -- flexed (literally) on Instagram on Monday, deadlifting 530 lbs. for one rep using a trap bar ... and doing it with what looked like relative ease.

It probably shouldn't come as a shock ... Thomas is one of the world's most elite athletes. Prior to being drafted in 2016, Michael put up 18 reps of 225 lbs. ... better than three-fourths of the other athletes at the wide receiver position.

Thomas played in only three games in the 2022 season ... after missing all of the 2021 campaign. In 2020, MT played in 7 games. But, prior to 2020, Thomas was arguably the best wideout in the game. He caught 149 passes in 2019, scoring 9 touchdowns.

FYI, the deadlift world record is held by Hafthor Björnsson -- aka "The Mountain" -- who pulled an absurd 1,105 lbs. in May 2020. But, Thor weighed around 450 lbs. ... so, Thomas' lift is damn impressive!

Brian Hartline, OSU OC and former NFL player, was allegedly drinking prior to riding an all-terrain vehicle with a buddy early Sunday morning that crashed and flipped, injuring the Buckeyes coach, according to BH's sister, who frantically called 911 trying to get help.

"My friend's husband called us and said 'call 911 right now.' So my brother is out with them and his wife just took a 4-wheeler out to them and I heard a really loud scream," Brian's 33-year-old sister Jamie told the 911 operator in a call obtained by TMZ Sports.

The operator then asked ... "Have they been drinking?"

Jaimie responded ... "Yes, they have!"

We also obtained a short clip from a police-worn body camera ... and it shows what appears to be an injured Brian on the ground while he receives help.

In the background is the flipped ATV.

As we previously reported, 36-year-old Hartline was on his estate in Liberty Township, OH around 1 AM Sunday, riding on the ATV with his friend, when something went wrong.

It's unclear who was driving at the time of the accident.

Hartline was named the Buckeyes WR coach in 2018 ... and worked his way up to OC.

Before he was a coach, Hartline played for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008. He was a 4th-round pick who suited up for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns during his 7-year NFL career.

Braxton Berrios is taking post-breakup hotness to new heights (not that he didn't look amazing before) -- the newly signed Miami Dolphins receiver posted several shirtless pics in the gym, and ................ damn!

As we previously reported, the 27-year-old pro out of the University of Miami recently split from his girlfriend, Sophia Culpo, sister of Olivia. It's unclear who initiated the breakup but it'd probably not be too wild an assumption to think the model and social media star is missing those chiseled abs just a little.

A lot of Braxton's followers -- including some of his famous friends -- had fun with him in the comments. Golf star Justin Thomas comments, "Have a carb man"

Berrios responded... "Haven’t had one since 04’" 😂

New Fins teammate, QB Mike White also chimed in ... "Photoshopped"

Now, BB will be back in beautiful Miami, the city where he played his college ball ... and something tells us he won't have any trouble finding a new lady in his life.

Jalen Hurts just GOT PAID ... the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback just became the highest-paid NFL player ever (yearly) after signing a 5-year extension worth over a quarter of a billion dollars!

The blockbuster deal was announced Monday morning, per Adam Schefter ... which will pay Hurts $255M through the 2028 season, with $179.3 million guaranteed.

That means Hurts gets $51 million average annually, making him the highest-paid player ever!

That's more than Patrick Mahomes, who averages $45M annually.

Of course, none of these figures factor in endorsements, etc.

Hurts also has a no-trade clause in the deal, the first in Eagles' history ... and the organization confirmed the deal by tweeting, "QB1 is here to stay."

Hurts had an interesting journey to the NFL. He had an amazing career at Alabama before he was benched for Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 CFP National Championship game.

Jalen ultimately transferred to Oklahoma for his senior year and was selected by the Eagles in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

From them, he's earned the fat contract.

He almost instantly became a star upon being named the starter ... logging 6,845 passing yards, and 38 passing touchdowns the last two seasons. But, he's not just a threat to throw the ball ... he also ran for 1,544 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.

Hurts led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl since 2018 -- and became the youngest QB to ever make it to the big game.

He also made history with the most rushing yards and rushing TDs by a QB in the SB.

Congrats!! 💰💰💰

Brittany Matthews doesn't play when it comes to Jackson Mahomes ... and just told his "ignorant" detractors to "shut up" when it comes to attacking her brother-in-law on social media.

The wife of Super Bowl champ Patrick Mahomes went off during a Q&A sesh with fans via Instagram on Sunday ... with one person asking "how do you feel about the comments about your [Brother-In-Law]?"

The fan didn't single out any specific comments ... but Jackson's become a star in his own right, and has made headlines for everything from his TikTok dances to throwing water on Ravens fans to an alleged assault. And, for it all, Jackson's been on the receiving end of A LOT of criticism online.

Matthews responded to the question ... "They are ignorant."

"He is a human just trying to live his life and find his way and until you walk a day in his shoes (which no one ever will) you have no right to say s--- about him."

"So it's best to just shut up 👍."

Britt also took a shot at groupies when she was asked how she deals with women going after her NFL superstar husband.

"Lol it's actually really sad how disrespectful some women are," Matthews said. "But they are a waste of my time and not going to disturb my peace."

"But I did use to have a very hard time and get extremely annoyed. But I am now to a point where I could care less."

Patrick and Brittany have been together for 11 years and just celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on March 12.

Brian Hartline -- offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team -- was hospitalized over the weekend after an early morning ATV crash ... but thankfully, coach says he's "doing well."

The accident happened at Hartline's estate in Liberty Township Ohio on Sunday, the day after Buckeyes' spring game, when his ATV crashed.

The 36-year-old, and a second male passenger, were transported to Riverside Hospital after suffering injuries ... but the good news is he's doing okay. Hartline even gave fans an encouraging update via Twitter after the incident.

"I appreciate everyones support," Hartline tweeted. "I crashed my side by side on my property and have been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. I am doing well."

Hartline was promoted from passing game coordinator to OC in January ... head coach Ryan Day said Brian had been "successful in every football capacity for which he has been engaged."

Hartline, who became OSU's wide receiver coach in 2018, has helped several Buckeye alumni become NFL stars including Garrett Wilson, Paris Campbell, and Terry McLaurin.

"He has progressed incredibly well from college to NFL receiver, and then from quality control coach to wide receivers coach to passing game coordinator. He figures things out quickly and he is more than ready to now transition to offensive coordinator."

Hartline also played for the Buckeyes from 2005 to 2008 and the 4th-round pick suited up for the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns during his 7-year NFL career.