NFL

Antonio Gates LOVES his former team's Super Bowl chances -- telling TMZ Sports he thinks the Chargers have a real shot to take home the Lombardi Trophy this year!!!

But, when it comes to Aaron Rodgers' Jets ... the future Hall of Famer says he ain't feeling it quite as much.

The ex-Bolts tight end talked ball with us for several minutes at LAX this week ... and he made it clear, he loves the way Los Angeles maneuvered around the draft last month.

In fact, he said he believes the Chargers' pickups -- which included TCU star receiver Quentin Johnston, USC edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley -- set them up nicely for a potential championship run this year.

"When you think about a Super Bowl-contending team, you think about your stars at the quarterback position. And we've got one of the best in the league," Gates said of Justin Herbert. "And then you talk about upgrading that defense ... to me, those are recipes to winning a Super Bowl, man."

As for one of the teams the Chargers would have to get through in the AFC to make it to the Big Game, Gates doesn't seem to be buying the hype in New York -- despite the Jets' recent acquisition of Rodgers.

The 42-year-old told us they have a talented roster ... but he'd be concerned if he were a Jets fan about chemistry and continuity.

"You can have the right players -- from a talent standpoint, you can have the best talent in the league," Gates said. "But if you ain't got the continuity or the chemistry, man, it don't make a difference."

Henry Ruggs was back at the Clark County Detention Center in Nevada this week ... where TMZ Sports has learned authorities made him pose for a new mug shot.

Because the former Raiders star took a plea deal from prosecutors in his DUI crash case on Tuesday, cops tell us he was required to head back to the Las Vegas jail on Thursday to be reprocessed.

As part of the procedure, Ruggs took a new photo ... and you can see, he didn't appear to be pleased to be back in front of a jail camera again.

Of course, the last time the 24-year-old had to pose for a mug shot was in 2021 ... after authorities accused him of drunkenly slamming his sports car into the back of Tina Tintor's Toyota, killing her and her dog.

At the time, Ruggs -- who was wearing a neck brace -- had visible cuts and bruises on his face in his mug shot.

Ruggs has since recovered from the injuries he suffered in the crash -- and his attorneys told a courtroom this week he reached an agreement with prosecutors to close out the criminal case against him.

Ruggs said he'll plead guilty to one felony count of DUI resulting in death and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter. In exchange, prosecutors said they'll drop the rest of the charges against the former NFL player.

Great news, Chargers fans ... J.C. Jackson tells TMZ Sports his rehab is going super well -- and he now expects to return to the field at "110 percent" in 2023.

Jackson spoke with us all about his recovery from a ruptured patellar tendon this week out in Los Angeles, and he said while he's not quite at full strength yet, all signs are pointing toward him coming back to SoFi Stadium better than before.

"It's gonna be big," Jackson said.

The L.A. cornerback, who inked a five-year, $82.5 million contract before last season, initially tore up his knee in Week 7 last year against the Seahawks ... and he said for the ensuing six or seventh months, he really wasn't allowed to run.

But, Jackson told us he's now on his feet during workouts -- and he seemed very pleased with all of his progress so far.

"I'm expecting a big year for us," Jackson said. "Especially from me."

J.C. added he was hopeful to "get back to the basics" this season "and do what I do best and that's leading the league in interceptions."

Damar Hamlin's near-death experience apparently brought him even closer to his Cincinnati buddies ... 'cause the Buffalo Bills safety spent part of his offseason hanging with the Bengals' trio of star receivers -- including Tee Higgins -- less than five months after his on-field collapse.

Of course, Hamlin was already tight with receiver Tyler Boyd ... as the two grew up playing against each other on the youth football field in Pennsylvania.

But, the longtime pals were joined by fellow Bengals route runners Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase when they decided to take a trip to the desert sometime recently ... with the four NFL stars posting up next to some ATVs.

"Hot Boyz," Boyd captioned the shot.

Remember, Damar was attempting to tackle Tee during the Jan. 2 Monday Night Football game before suffering commotio cordis and being rushed to a local hospital.

Higgins and his mother remained at the facility throughout the night ... and were there every step of the way to support Hamlin's family.

Now, five months later, Hamlin is thankfully cleared to return to normal life AND his football career ... and has since used his story to spread awareness for AEDs and CPR training.

Tom Brady still has plans of being in a broadcast booth in 2024 ... at least, that's according to the ex-NFL star himself, who refuted a report on Thursday morning that said he was considering otherwise.

The former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback took to the comment section of a Sports Illustrated Instagram post to make it clear ... he still has every intention of being a FOX Sports color commentator for NFL games next year.

In the SI post, the outlet cited a New York Post report that said the 45-year-old was now leaning toward walking away from the $375 million contract that he signed with FOX -- in order to pursue other ventures in retirement.

But, Brady denied the report with just two words ... "FakeNews."

TMZ Sports has learned Brady ain't just blowing smoke -- our sources tell us he's already dived headfirst into preparations for the role, despite being roughly 16 months away from starting the gig.

The future Hall of Famer initially inked the 10-year deal with FOX in May 2022 ... but said back in February he'll begin the job in the fall of 2024 in order to catch up on "other parts of my life that need some time and energy" in 2023.

Jessica Alba isn't phased Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner didn't know who she was ... and says after meeting the Jets' star cornerback, she understands why he has the nickname!

ICYMI, Sauce hit up the Knicks playoff game against the Heat Tuesday night (game 2) with his new quarterback, 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who had some fun with the 22-year-old for not knowing who Alba was.

"He was just picking on me for being young," Sauce told reporters Wednesday. "We was getting seated, and he was like, 'We about to sit by Jessica Alba.'"

"I'm just like, 'Oh, I don't know who that is.' He looked at me like I'm crazy. That whole night he'd keep asking me, 'Do you know who that person is?'"

On Thursday, the 42-year-old actress -- who got her breakthrough on the big screen in the 2003 film "Honey" -- spoke glowingly about Gardner ... despite the former 1st round pick being unfamiliar with her work.

"Lol -I totally see how this kid Sauce got his name," Alba tweeted. "But in all honesty he was actually very polite with his elder @AaronRodgers12 and everyone else in the room."

"It was nice meeting you," she added.

What won Jessica over was when Sauce -- the '22 Defensive Rookie of the Year -- asked one of Alba's friends ... "How can I get caught up when I'm the catch?"

NFL star Taylor Lewan claims Dr. James Andrews -- arguably the most notable sports surgeon on the planet -- is the one who botched his ACL surgery two and a half years ago.

According to the lawsuit the former Tennessee Titans left tackle filed this week in Florida, Lewan said Andrews caused permanent damage when the doc operated on his right knee after the O-lineman injured it during a game against the Houston Texans in October 2020.

In the suit, obtained by TMZ Sports on Thursday, Lewan says Andrews, among other things, failed to create a proper tunnel position in his knee, damaged cartilage and didn't fix all of his injuries during the operation.

Lewan says it all resulted in severe pain and disability ... and ultimately cut his NFL career short.

The 31-year-old, three-time Pro Bowler is asking for what could potentially be huge damages in the suit ... he was in the middle of a five-year, $80 million contract at the time of the surgery.

The allegations are shocking ... considering Andrews' resume. If you're unfamiliar, the 80-year-old doc -- who works for the Tampa Bay Rays, the Washington Commanders and the Auburn Tigers -- has operated on star athletes such as Michael Jordan, Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson for decades with great success.

Lewan spoke generally about the claims on his "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast earlier this week ... saying the whole situation has "sucked."

Lewan -- one of the best linemen in the NFL prior to his 2020 injury -- played in just 15 total games following the surgery ... before he reinjured the knee in Week 2 last season.

Cops in Alabama say their initial report of Michael Jefferson's car crash was wrong ... telling TMZ Sports on Wednesday they now believe the 2023 NFL Draft prospect was the one who was impaired on the night of the tragic wreck last month.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says it somehow mixed up the drivers of the two vehicles in its first report of the fatal car accident on April 9 in Mobile County, AL.

Initially, the ALEA claimed Jefferson was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Impala ... before Charles Dunn slammed head-on into it in his 2014 Dodge Charger.

Now, however, the ALEA says Jefferson was actually driving the Charger -- while Dunn was in the Impala.

That means, according to the crash report, cops suspect Jefferson was the one who was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs at the time of the accident -- not Dunn.

It also means, per a diagram of the crash in the report, that Jefferson (labeled Unit 1) is the one who was traveling in a southbound lane before moving into Dunn's northbound lane, headed in the wrong direction, before colliding with the 55-year-old (labeled Unit 2) head-on.

As we reported, Dunn died as a result of the crash. Jefferson -- a former star wideout at Louisiana who was in line to get drafted last month before the wreck -- sustained significant injuries that required several surgeries.

Police told us an investigation into the crash remains ongoing. According to the report, the 23-year-old's blood was taken following the crash, but the results have not yet come back.

Meanwhile, Jefferson's attorney, Brad Sohn, told us on Wednesday he had "absolutely no reason to believe that Michael Jefferson is under criminal investigation or has ever been under investigation."

Dunn's family told us in a statement they now want a public apology from Jefferson and his representatives ... adding, "Charles Dunn never drank or smoked in his life and we would like for his name to be cleared."

The wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett is breaking her silence days after their 2-year-old daughter drowned in the family pool ... saying they're devastated over her death and will love her "forever and ever and always."

The terrible incident happened on Sunday ... police received an emergency call indicating Arrayah had fallen into the pool at their Tampa area home. Sadly, despite the rescuer's best efforts, the 2-year child passed away.

Arrayah had just celebrated her birthday days earlier on April 19th.

The 2-time Super Bowl champ hasn't commented on the horrific tragedy, but his wife Jordanna -- whom he married in 2012 -- now has, releasing a statement Wednesday.

"Thank you all for all the messages, flowers, thoughts and prayers," Jordanna said. "Our world will never be the same. Arrayah was the apple of my eye, and my heart will forever be with hers."

Jordanna -- who has three other children with Shaq -- went on to say there's no "Barrett 6" without Arrayah.

"I love you so much my baby. I am so so sorry. Until we see each other again, please watch over your siblings and momma and dada."

"We love you forever and ever and always. I can’t wait to see that precious smile again, and just hug you so close. I would do absolutely anything."

The Barrett family will lay Arrayah to rest on Friday ... and the family has asked everyone to wear bright colors to honor her memory.

The Bucs -- who signed Shaq to a 4-year extension worth $72 million in 2021 -- issued a statement over the weekend, saying their "thoughts and prayers" are with the entire family during this "unimaginably difficult time."

Jackson Mahomes -- younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes -- was arrested for aggravated sexual battery on Wednesday ... in relation to an alleged incident at a Kansas restaurant in February.

Mahomes was booked around 7:45 AM .... and his bond was set at $100,000. According to court records, he's been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual battery. He was also charged with one count of misdemeanor battery.

The 22-year-old social media star was accused of sexually and physically assaulting the owner of the Aspens Restaurant and Lounge ... when the 40-year-old woman claimed he tried to forcibly kiss her multiple times.

The owner also alleged Jackson seemed intoxicated earlier in the night ... and claims he shoved a male member of her wait staff.

A conviction for aggravated sexual battery in Kansas can carry up to a 55-month sentence.

Shortly after the alleged incident, Jackson's attorney, Brandan Davies, said he did nothing wrong.

"Our investigation has revealed substantial evidence refuting the claims of Jackson’s accuser including the statements of several witnesses. We have reached out to law enforcement to provide the fruit of our investigation so that they may have a complete picture of the matter."

The incident appeared to have been caught on surveillance video ... and has been under police investigation since March.

Jackson -- who is known for documenting his life on the internet -- spent several weeks out of the public eye following the allegations ... but has since returned to social media and attended the NFL Draft in Kansas City last week.

It's not the first time Jackson has found himself embroiled in controversy -- he also faced backlash for dumping water on Baltimore Ravens fans at a game in 2021 ... and doing a TikTok dance over Washington's field memorial for late NFL star Sean Taylor a few weeks later.

He was also recorded grabbing a woman's face in Las Vegas in 2022.

Aaron Rodgers appears to already have a new Jets BFF -- he went on a man date with NY star Sauce Gardner to the Knicks game Tuesday ... and it sure felt bromantic to us!!

After months of recruiting the quarterback to the Big Apple, Gardner finally got some alone time with his new teammate ... and the two seemed to certainly hit it off.

According to Rodgers' IG, the guys got some grub at Carbone ... before they pulled up to Madison Square Garden for the Knicks' huge playoff game against the Miami Heat.

The two had great floor seats -- they sat next to "Entourage" star Jerry Ferrara -- and they even got to rub elbows with Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan.

The guys were later shown on the jumbotron during the game -- where they received a massive ovation from the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance.

The dudes appeared to be good luck for the home team, too ... as NY beat up the Jimmy Butler-less Heat, 111-105.

Both guys gushed over the evening afterward on social media, with Rodgers writing, "Another great day and night in the city with my boy @saucegardner."

"One of the best days/nights I had in a while man❕I appreciate you my guy🤞🏾," Gardner added in the comment section.

Forget tuxes and red carpets, Tom Brady was more into tee boxes and fairways on Monday ... eschewing a spot at the Met Gala -- an event he used to attend regularly with Gisele Bündchen -- for a round of golf.

The newly retired quarterback was spotted roughly 3,000 miles away from his ex-wife and the bright lights of the famed New York fashion event ... getting in hacks at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

Brady didn't seem to care much about missing the show that he's gone to multiple times over the last decade ... as he appeared ultra focused on improving his golf game.

The former Buccaneers and Patriots star could be seen hitting his wedges, irons, and driver -- while mobbin' around in a golf cart with his pal.

Of course, Gisele didn't seem to be missing Brady too much out in NYC either ... she rolled up to the event dateless -- and looked stunning.

The two used to attend Met Galas often ... hitting almost every single one from 2010 to 2019 -- and their looks over the years were iconic.

Henry Ruggs has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors in his DUI case ... and now, he could spend the next decade of his life behind bars if a judge signs off on the agreement.

Ruggs and his attorneys revealed the details of the deal at a hearing in a Nevada courtroom on Tuesday morning ... explaining the former Raiders star receiver will plead guilty to one felony count of DUI resulting in death and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter stemming from the fatal car crash in Las Vegas that he was involved in back in November 2021.

In exchange for the guilty pleas, prosecutors said they will drop the rest of the charges against the former NFL player.

As part of the agreement, Ruggs' attorneys also told the courtroom the 24-year-old would accept a sentence that included prison time of anywhere from 3 to 10 years.

Ruggs spoke briefly at the hearing, saying he agreed to all of the details of the outlined deal.

A judge is now expected to rule on the agreement at another hearing next week. If the judge does not agree to the stipulations, Ruggs' attorneys said the deal allows for his client to withdraw the guilty pleas and move forward with a trial.

"This is the first step toward a fair resolution to this matter," Ruggs' lawyers, David Z. Chesnoff and Richard A. Schonfeld, said following the hearing, "and we look forward to closure for all the parties involved."

As we reported, Ruggs was initially hit with four felonies and a misdemeanor in the case ... after prosecutors say he drunkenly slammed his Corvette into the back of Tina Tintor's Toyota Rav4, killing her and her dog.

According to prosecutors, Ruggs was traveling at 156 MPH just before the crash ... with a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit.

Ruggs, the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, was cut by the Raiders immediately after the accident ... and hasn't played a down in the NFL since.

It's been over 2 months since the Chiefs won the Super Bowl, but Patrick Mahomes is still livin' it up, hitting the 2023 Met Gala with his wife Brittany, and they looked fabulous!

The Kansas City Chiefs superstar and his wife walked the red carpet at the world's most famous fashion event in Manhattan on Monday for the "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" themed night.

Mahomes opted for a classic look, smooth black tuxedo made by Hugo Boss, along with loafers and a pair of dark shades.

Brittany wore an elegant off-the-shoulder gown with silver sequins and a thigh-high slit. As for her hair ... Artistry by LB gave her a natural look, placing her hair in a sleek bun.

Brittany -- who married Mahomes last March -- considered it the perfect "date night".

Fans, friends, and family loved the get up ... including Patrick's brother, Jackson, who said on Instagram, "BEST PHOTO EVER. SO GLAD YOU GUYS WENT!!"

NFL star Taylor Lewan says he's dragging the docs and others involved in his 2020 ACL surgery to court ... claiming they screwed up the procedure -- affecting his career and his life.

The former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman broke the news on his "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast on Tuesday ... revealing he recently filed a lawsuit "against the people and entities that are involved with my surgery from October of 2020."

Lewan didn't want to get into too many specifics of the complaint -- saying his lawyers advised him not to go into detail about it all -- but he made it clear, he believes the people tasked with repairing his knee botched it.

Lewan initially tore up the ligament on Oct. 18, 2020, during a game against the Houston Texans. He went on to have surgery to try to fix the issue days later.

The 31-year-old, though, was never quite the same after the procedure. He played just 13 games in the 2021 season ... and in 2022, he played in just two games -- before he reinjured his knee in a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Following the season, Lewan was cut by the Titans.

It might have taken a day longer than expected, but Will Levis' girlfriend is just as excited for her man's NFL future ... congratulating the quarterback with a mushy love note after getting drafted by the Tennessee Titans!!

"Let the adventure begin," Gia Duddy said on Monday. "Nashville here we come!!"

Of course, Duddy became a star in her own right after the draft on Thursday ... with many football fans gushing over her appearance as she patiently waited for Levis' name to get called.

Now, it's time for Levis to pack up and move to the Volunteer State ... and it sounds like Gia's going to be along for the ride.

"It’s hard to put in words what it’s like watching your best friend’s dreams come true," Duddy added. "Proud would be an understatement -- I don’t know anyone more deserving. Time to get back to work @will_levis. TITAN UP❤️‍🔥🤠💙"

The QB elected to not return to the venue for Day 2 of the draft ... but it looked just as fun at home, with Levis popping a bottle of champagne and donning his new team's merch.

Levis hit the comments section to show love to Duddy as well ... saying, "Love you 💙 new chapter starts now."