NFL

Turns out, Jalen Carter's legal woes didn't impact his NFL draft status that much at all ... the former Univ. of Georgia star was just selected by the Eagles with the No. 9 overall pick.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Philadelphia's selection minutes ago in Kansas City ... sharing a big hug with the 22-year-old on stage -- a somewhat surprising scene, considering Carter's tumultuous March.

You'll recall, while the defensive lineman was in Indianapolis for the NFL's annual scouting combine back on March 1 ... authorities in Georgia issued a warrant for his arrest.

Officials alleged he had been racing a UGA football assistant moments before her fatal car crash in January ... and charged him with one count of misdemeanor reckless driving and one count of misdemeanor racing.

With the case still lingering over his head two weeks later, Carter showed up to UGA pro day on March 15 ... and struggled.

While the football player eventually reached a plea deal with prosecutors to close out his reckless driving case on March 16 ... many had expected it all to impact where the blue-chip prospect could fall during Thursday night's first round.

In fact, ex-NFL general manager Michael Lombardi told TMZ Sports he'd have "a lot of concern" picking the guy.

But, Carter ultimately went right around where he was expected to be picked before the charges were levied ... and he's now slated to sign a 4-year deal in Philly worth more than $23 million.

Bryce Young is now officially the future in Carolina -- the Panthers just took the former Univ. of Alabama quarterback with the #1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft!!!

The 21-year-old shared a big embrace with Roger Goodell after the league's commish made the announcement ... and everyone in Carolina's war room could be seen smiling ear-to-ear on the draft's broadcast.

Of course, most expected this to happen ... Young had been the favorite to be the Panthers' selection for weeks -- but Carolina and its fans were thrilled over it all Thursday night nonetheless.

Young was certainly deserving of the pick ... in three seasons at Alabama, the signal-caller completed over 65 percent of his passes, threw 80 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions and had a 165.0 passer rating.

Young also won the 2020 CFB national championship under Coach Nick Saban ... while earning the 2021 Heisman Trophy.

Young set numerous records for the Crimson Tide too -- he threw for the most single-season passing yards (4,872) and the most single-season passing TDs (47) in Bama history.

The Panthers are now hoping Bryce can provide them some stability at the QB position ... as the team's struggled to find a consistent starter since Cam Newton initially left the team following the 2019 season.

Last year, Carolina rolled out a combination of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker -- but all three QBs struggled to succeed, and the Panthers missed the playoffs.

The 2023 NFL Draft is finally here ... and the biggest prospects are bringing their incredible fashion sense to Kansas City -- with some amazing 'fits and iced-out accessories!!

Texas Tech linebacker Tyree Wilson made quite the statement in a two-piece black suit ... which features a ton of blue and pink flowers splattered all over it.

The 22-year-old also paid homage to his school with the TT logo stitched inside the jacket!!

Boston College receiver Zay Flowers also had a custom jacket for his big night ... and honored his fam with photos inside the jacket. USC wideout Jordan Addison is bracing for his impending NFL money ... 'cause he got pictures of $100 bills stitched in his blazer.

Bryce Young -- who's projected to be the no. 1 overall pick to Carolina -- arrived with his parents and had on an expensive Dior jacket that might look familiar if you watched Travis Kelce's Saturday Night Live gig.

"You wait for this moment for so long and it's finally here," the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner said. "As a little kid, you know, you always dream of moments like this."

Some soon-to-be NFL rookies kept it simple and sweet ... like Alabama's Brian Branch, who wore an all-white fit, and Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson, who elected to go all black.

Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba and C.J. Stroud looked sharp as hell, too ... especially thanks to their massive diamond chains.

Former Pro Bowl defensive back William Moore -- who played seven seasons for the Atlanta Falcons -- was arrested this week ... after he allegedly shot at a car while children were inside it.

According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, officers were called out to Alexander Park in Lawrenceville, Ga. at around 6 PM on Sunday ... following reports of a domestic dispute. Once they arrived, cops say a woman told them an unknown male, later identified as Moore, had shot at her car.

She also, according to police, said an unknown woman slashed her tire with a screwdriver during the incident as well.

The woman, police said, explained to officers that everything had started after her 9-year-old niece got into a tiff on the playground with Moore's young daughter.

According to police documents, the woman told police an angry Moore approached her and told her he was "going to get his niece to come and fight her" over the kids' altercation.

Police in the docs said the woman tried to leave in her car to avoid conflict ... but Moore blocked her in her parking spot with his vehicle. That's when cops say the unknown woman started puncturing her front left tire with a screwdriver.

Cops say the woman told them she tried to leave, but accidentally struck Moore's car ... and that's when she claims Moore shot at her ride while her niece and son were in the back seat.

According to the police report, the bullet struck the woman's driver's side door ... but thankfully, no one was injured.

The incident was apparently caught on video, and in the footage ... it looks like you can see Moore and a woman near the victim's car before a gunshot rings out.

Police said they later stopped a vehicle at the park matching the description of the suspect's car and detained Moore.

According to the Gwinnett County Sheriff's jail records, Moore was booked on two counts of aggravated assault, one count of felony criminal damage to property in the second degree, and one count of felony possession of a firearm or knife during the commission.

He's also being charged with two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to children in the third degree. His bond has been set at $21,700.

Lamar Jackson isn't going anywhere -- the superstar quarterback just agreed to a humongous 5-year, $260 million deal to remain with the Baltimore Ravens ... making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

The team announced the news on Thursday ... saying they were FINALLY able to reach a number that would satisfy both sides after months of heated negotiation.

Of course, Jackson revealed back in March he had requested a trade out of Baltimore ... after the team placed a nonexclusive franchise tag on the former first-round pick.

At the time, Lamar claimed the Ravens were not "interested in meeting my value" ... but it's safe to say that's no longer the case.

The monster deal includes $185 million in total guaranteed money, according to reports.

Jackson shared his immediate reaction via the Ravens' Twitter account ... saying, "You know, for the last few months, there's been a lot of he say, she say. A lot of nail biting, a lot of head scratching going on."

"But for the next five years, there's a lot of flock going on. Let's go, baby!!"

Thundercat is back in his musical bag for the first time in 3 years with the track, "No More Lies"... his new jazzy, snazzy collab with Tame Impala!!!

The track, co-produced by both prestigious musicians, dropped along with a visualizer showing a gazelle and leopard running in the wild -- perhaps to showcase their adjacent styles on the song ... in a NatGeo kinda way.

Thundercat will be able to test the song out in real time this weekend.

The Grammy Award-winner was tapped to close the 2023 NFL Draft in an effort to "curate a special performance which will pay tribute to the rich music history and the legacy of jazz in Kansas City" ... according to the league.

It ain't C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson ... no, according to Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon, Bryce Young is this year's top quarterback prospect!!

The ex-Seattle Seahawks superstar broke it down for TMZ Sports on the eve of the NFL's annual draft ... telling us he thinks the Univ. of Alabama signal-caller is the top dog at the position for 2023.

"Bryce Young is my favorite," Moon said ... before adding, "I think he's going to be a tremendous pro."

Moon said he loves the 21-year-old's instincts, leadership abilities, and track record of playmaking ... although he did concede he has at least some concern about the quarterback's 5-foot-10 frame.

Then again, Moon told us he thinks even that's a bit overblown ... saying guys like Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson have found plenty of success despite similar statures.

As for who his second favorite quarterback in the draft is ... Moon told us Ohio State's Stroud slides into that spot for him.

When it comes to Levis and Richardson, he said he's a fan of them too ... but he told us they'd really benefit from sitting on an NFL bench for a year and learning from a veteran QB.

The man of the hour has arrived -- Aaron Rodgers just touched down at the New York Jets' facility on Wednesday ... and he's already decked out in his new team's merch!!

Gang Green shared video of their newest quarterback showing up at 1 Jets Drive minutes ago ... and he was met right at the door by team owner Woody Johnson, head coach Robert Saleh, and the rest of the front office.

Everyone in the clip is understandably smiling from ear to ear ... and they gotta be relieved to finally have their coveted 4-time MVP in the building.

Rodgers -- who officially became a Jet on Monday -- will face the New York media for the first time later in the day ... and we're sure he will have plenty to talk about.

He already shared his goodbye to his team of 18 seasons ... penning a heartfelt letter to the Green Bay Packers on Instagram.

"I’m not sure it’s possible to fully express the gratitude that I have to the @packers, our incredible fans, the state of Wisconsin, the thousands of players that I crossed paths with, the incredible men and women who work for the organization, and the amazing people who I got to meet along the way, in one post with 10 pictures, but I hope you read this and feel my heart and soul, filled with love, joy, and peace about my time in green and gold. 💚💛," Rodgers said in the post.

He also thanked everyone from the front office to coaches, staffers, teammates and everyone in between ... as well as the fans who supported him over the years.

"This is not the end for us, I will see you again Green Bay, you’ll always have my heart ❤️"

We'll update the post as soon as he sits in front of the mic.

Sophia Culpo is spilling the tea on what led to her split from NFL player Braxton Berrios ... accusing the Miami Dolphins receiver of "betrayal" and breaking her trust prior to the breakup.

The influencer and younger sister of Christian McCaffrey's Miss Universe fiancée, Olivia Culpo, shared her side of the story during a Q&A with her 232k Instagram followers on Tuesday ... saying the whole thing has been "really hard" to accept.

"I'll say that it didn't end well or honestly," said Sophia, who went public with Braxton in early 2021. "A lot of trust was broken. But, I have an amazing support system and I appreciate everyone's love & support so, so much."

As we previously reported, 26-year-old SC confirmed her breakup from Berrios, 27, last month with a series of TikTok videos ... as she and her sister, Aurora, referred to themselves as the "single sisters."

Sophia's account lines up with internet rumors that Berrios moved on with social media superstar Alix Earle, who boasts 5.1 million fans on TikTok, after meeting in Miami ... although she did not straight-up confirm the speculation.

Fireman Ed is P-U-M-P-E-D PUMPED, PUMPED, PUMPED for Aaron Rodgers ... telling TMZ Sports he and the rest of Jets nation absolutely cannot wait for the quarterback to begin his career in NY.

Gang Green's biggest supporter spoke with us just after New York completed the trade for the Green Bay superstar this week ... and he said he's got huge hopes Rodgers can bring the Jets success that's escaped them the last few decades.

"Listen," Fireman Ed said. "The fan base is starving. Crazed dogs! We can't wait. We can't wait!"

It's been 54 years since the Jets won a Super Bowl ... and it's been over a decade since they've played in a playoff game. But Fireman Ed, real name Ed Anzalone, made it clear to us ... he thinks Rodgers can change that all in Year 1.

As for how Rodgers' polarizing personality will fit in with the bright lights of New York and the harsh media coverage that can come with it ... Fireman Ed said he's got no qualms about that whatsoever.

"Aaron Rodgers is made for New York," the 63-year-old said. "He is a polished veteran. He's seen it all. He's one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time."

Ed added, "It's a marriage made in heaven."

Rodgers' first game for the Jets in New York will come sometime in September ... and Ed's so jacked for it -- ya better get ready for the loudest J-E-T-S chant MetLife's ever seen!!

Shane McMahon is back in the gym just weeks after tearing his quad at WrestleMania 39 ... and the WWE talent was in great company -- 'cause he was sweatin' it out with All-Pro Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry!!

Shane -- donning a large brace on his left leg -- posted video of his workout on Tuesday ... showing him going through a series of exercises as he attacks his rehab.

The two were accompanied by famous athletic trainer Melvin Sanders -- who works with all the biggest names in the NFL -- as well as Luke Miller, who is Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott's physical therapist.

Remember, Shane-O-Mac -- who hadn't appeared on WWE programming since the 2022 Royal Rumble -- came out during a segment featuring The Miz and Snoop Dogg at WrestleMania at SoFi Stadium.

Snoop set up an impromptu match between Shane and The Miz ... but it was called off after McMahon tore his quadriceps.

53-year-old McMahon suffered the injury after his knee buckled following a leapfrog -- but thankfully, WWE's medical team was able to intervene swiftly.

Snoop Dogg ended up saving the day -- he fought Miz in place of Shane ... and defeated the former WWE champion using The Rock's signature "People's Elbow" finisher.

Shane has a reputation for his death-defying stunts over his career -- and has always prided himself on staying in shape in case the moment arises to entertain WWE fans.

Colin Kaepernick is mourning the death of Harry Belafonte ... paying tribute to the legendary singer and civil rights activist by thanking him for his mentorship and leadership.

The former NFL quarterback took to Instagram after news of the "Day-O" singer's passing broke on Tuesday ... sharing a photo of them together with a sweet note.

"Thank you, Mr. B, for all of your years of mentorship, guidance, and lifetime of activism fighting for a better future for all of us," Kaepernick wrote.

"You will be missed by many, but your memory and impact lives on. I'm eternally grateful for our time together. Rest in Power."

Belafonte -- who was famously known for marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s -- was a huge Kap supporter ... and applauded the ex-49ers star for standing his ground despite all the backlash he received for protesting racial inequality during the national anthem at NFL games.

"When a Black voice is raised in protest to oppression, those who are comfortable with our oppression are the first to criticize us for daring to speak out against it," Belafonte said of Kaepernick in an interview with NewsOneNow in 2016.

"I think that it's a noble thing that he's done. I think that speaking out and making people aware of the fact that you are paying homage to an anthem that also has a constituency that by the millions suffer is a righteous thing to do."

Belafonte added, "The fact that these people are having these ‘How dare you speak out against lynching?’ and all of the things that racism stands for or the conclusions to racist acts permit – I think is a statement about America."

"I think he's a noble and a courageous man having done that."

Belafonte was 96 and leaves behind his wife, four children, two stepchildren, and grandchildren.

Travis Kelce went from 3rd round draft pick to an 8x Pro Bowler, 7x All-Pro, and 2x Super Bowl champion ... so, with just three days until the NFL Draft, we asked the future Hall of Famer what advice he'd give soon-to-be rookies.

"The biggest thing for me is taking advantage of your opportunities. If you're blessed enough to get drafted," Kelce told Michael Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weekdays on FS1), continuing, "take advantage of those opportunities and don't feel accomplished just because you finally made it to the NFL."

Travis added ... "I know it's going to be a very accomplishing feeling, but there's still a lot of work that you gotta do. You gotta mesh with your new teammates and everything like that. So the opportunities at hand, just make sure you take advantage of it."

33-year-old Kelce wasn't exactly seen as a can't-miss prospect coming out of college, after spending 5 years at the University of Cincinnati. However, Travis did have a productive senior season, catching 45 passes (he caught 59 in his entire Cinci career) for 722 yards and 8 touchdowns.

That was good enough to make Kelce the 63rd overall pick. Of course, if teams were to re-draft now, Travis would almost certainly be the #1 pick.

We asked Kelce what he'd say to players who feel disrespected or overlooked with their draft positioning.

"It's naturally going to fuel you and make you want to work harder, and prove yourself even more."

FYI, Kelce, with hindsight, isn't the first or last guy to be drafted way too late. Tom Brady was a 6th round selection, going 199th overall. Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe went in the 7th round, 192nd overall. Rodney Harrison, 145. Roger Staubach, 129. Bart Starr, 199. And so on.

Kelce says ... just go in and make your mark, regardless of where you're drafted.

There's more! We also talked to Kelce about his upcoming music and food festival, Kelce Jam -- coinciding with the draft in Kansas City -- where they're expecting over 15 thousand fans in attendance at the Azura Amphitheater on Friday.

Travis hit up some of his celeb musician friends to perform, locking down Machine Gun Kelly, Tech N9NE, Rick Ross, and more.

Aaron Hernandez's brother, D.J. Hernandez, has just put one of his most recent legal troubles in the rearview mirror ... TMZ Sports has learned he cut a deal with prosecutors Monday to close out his reckless driving case.

A Connecticut court official tells us ... D.J. pled guilty to one count of failure to drive in a proper lane and one count of failure to use traffic control signals. In exchange, prosecutors dropped the other charges against him -- which included reckless driving and engaging police in pursuit.

The court official said D.J. was ordered to pay $100 in fines ... and the matter is now considered closed. We reached out to D.J. for comment, but he declined.

We broke the story ... the 36-year-old was initially hit with the charges in late March after he had been involved in what police said was a wild car chase through Connecticut roadways on March 8.

According to cops, officers attempted to pull over D.J. for a routine traffic stop -- but he allegedly bolted, shaking cops as he traveled at a high rate of speed.

He was eventually stopped and put in custody following a brief foot chase, cops said. Officers wrote in police documents that D.J. told them he had been driving around the state in an effort to get arrested because "he no longer wanted to stay at his mom's house."

Cops said in the docs they believed he was having a bipolar episode.

Just days later, on March 23, D.J. found himself in more legal trouble ... after authorities accused him of throwing a large brick at ESPN's campus in Bristol.

Aaron Rodgers is finally getting his wish ... the NFL superstar is being traded to the New York Jets!!

The Packers will send the quarterback to NY in exchange for a bunch of draft picks ... according to Adam Schefter, the deal will include two second-rounders, one of which could turn into a 1st-rounder in 2024 if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the Jets' snaps this season.

Schefter reported Rodgers will switch from No. 12 to No. 8 when he officially arrives in New York.

The trade signals the end of a historic career in Green Bay for Rodgers, who after being picked in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, piled up an insane resume.

He won four MVPs in 18 seasons, got a Super Bowl win, made 10 Pro Bowl teams, and earned All-Pro honors four times. He also piled up a career 147-75-1 record -- while throwing for 59,055 yards and 475 TDs.

His reign in Wisconsin, though, wasn't without drama ... he consistently butted heads with execs in the front office over personnel decisions and more -- especially at the end of his career ... leading to his eventual departure Monday.

But, New York players are no doubt thrilled he'll be wearing green and white this season ... because everyone from Sauce Gardner to Quinnen Williams to Garrett Wilson had been recruiting him like crazy this entire offseason.

Russell Wilson went from NFL superstar to proud dad real quick this weekend ... 'cause after Future Zahir hit his first ever over-the-fence home run -- the Denver Broncos QB went crazy!!!

The memorable moment went down on the baseball diamond just after one of Ciara's 8-year-old son's games ... when Russ and the boy were getting in some extra work.

You can see in video Wilson shared to his Instagram page on Sunday ... the quarterback was throwing Future Zahir some pitches, when the kid got a hold of one.

The ball traveled to deep left field ... and when it cleared the fence -- everyone lost their minds!!

Wilson threw his hands up, Future Zahir jumped up and down ... and even Ciara screamed from the stands, chanting his name as her son circled the bases.

"His first Home Run way over the fence!" Wilson said of the moment in the vid's caption. "Future taking ground balls, pop flies & extra swings. Right before Sun down."

"Anything worth having we all have to work for!!! Proud dad moment.⚾️"

Of course, the Super Bowl champ knows a thing or two about baseball ... before becoming an NFL player, Wilson played for NC State from 2008 to 2010 and was actually drafted by the Colorado Rockies.

The 34-year-old went on to play 32 games for Rockies' minor league affiliate, the Tri-City Dust Devils, and had two home runs, 11 RBI and a .230 batting average.

As for Future Zahir -- Ciara's first child with rapper Future -- he isn't just good with the bat ... Wilson's been training him on the football field as well.