NFL

People in and around the sports world are honoring the life and legacy of Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus following his death ... with Barack Obama, Bill Belichick and more sharing their memories of the Hall of Fame linebacker.

"In Chicago, Dick Butkus was football," Obama -- a diehard Windy City sports fan -- said on Friday. "Thinking of his family today, and all the Bears fans who loved watching one of the best to ever play the game."

Belichick also addressed the tragic loss ... taking a few minutes out of his press conference to praise Butkus' impact on football.

"The prototype middle linebacker," the Patriots coach said. "From his playing style, to the look, to his ads. He was a Chicago Bear if there ever was one."

BB added he got to spend time with Butkus in recent years ... saying it was great to meet and talk with him.

"A ton of respect for Dick, his play style, what he did for the game. At that time, the way he played, he was the ultimate middle linebacker."

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher also joined in paying his respects ... saying, "Dick Butkus was not only a Legend, he was my Idol. Loved his Frankness, Toughness, and the Inspiration he was for me! You set the Standard for the role of a MLB! Love you Dick."

Current Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore -- who finished with 8 receptions, 230 yards and 3 touchdowns during Chicago's win over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football -- also shared a touching message about 51 after the game.

"R.I.P Dick Butkus. Was looking over us Tonight," he tweeted.

La madre de Travis Kelce se está abriendo sobre el romance en ciernes de su hijo con Taylor Swift, revelando que ella es una gran fan de la estrella pop.

Donna Kelce conversó con la presentadora Jennifer Vickery Smith en el podcast "Got It From Momma", y discutió una serie de temas relacionados con Taylor, incluyendo sus dos canciones favoritas: "Shake It Off" y "Bad Blood".

Durante el episodio del viernes, Donna también abordó todo el drama que ha rodeado al romance de Travis y Taylor desde que se hicieron públicos hace algunas semanas.

Donna dijo: "Me siento como si estuviera en un universo alternativo. Es algo en lo que nunca pensé que estaría involucrada". Ella mencionó brevemente que su familia ha sido blanco de "haters" que no están contentos con la relación.

La madre de Trav también apareció en 'Today' de la NBC el viernes y Hoda Kotb y compañía le preguntaron cómo ha sido sentarse junto a Taylor en las suites del estadio dos semanas seguidas. Digamos que no fue exactamente una crítica elogiosa, más bien parece que Donna no está segura si emocionarse mucho con la nueva "situación" de su hijo.

También está consciente de que la NFL se está aprovechando muy bien de la situación, por todas las entradas que han vendido para los partidos de los Kansas City Chiefs, a los que ha asistido Taylor para ver jugar a Travis.

En el podcast dijo que su familia le ha dado a la NFL mejor publicidad que cualquier empresa de relaciones públicas, que cobraría un millón de dólares a la liga.

Pero no hay mala sangre con la liga. Donna dice que está feliz por la NFL y agregó: "Bien por ellos. Están recibiendo las ramificaciones de todo".

Deion Sanders was under the weather on Thursday after having a bad reaction to medication ... Coach Prime was forced to skip his radio show Thursday, but thankfully, Colorado says the Hall of Famer is okay!

The CU Buffs' weekly radio show started Thursday afternoon with one very noticeable absence ... Deion, the man everyone wanted to hear.

Instead, assistant coach Gary "Flea" Harrell was behind the mic ... and show host Mark Johnson provided an update on Sanders.

“We are going without Coach Prime here today," Johnson said. "We received notification a little while ago that (he) was a little under the weather and had a bad reaction to his immune IVs, is what I was told.”

A spokesperson for the Buffs didn't add any further detail, per The Denver Post, but added the coach was fine.

Sanders has had a few health issues since putting on the headset. In 2022, Sanders had two toes on his right foot amputated.

The good news ... Coach Prime is expected to be well enough to travel with his team for their game on Saturday against Arizona State.

The Buffs started the season 3-0, and were ranked as one of the top 20 teams in the country ... before being blown out by Oregon.

Travis Kelce's mom is opening up about her son's budding relationship with Taylor Swift ... revealing that she's a HUGE fan of the pop star.

Donna Kelce sat down for an interview with host Jennifer Vickery Smith on the podcast "Got It From My Momma" -- and discussed a range of Taylor-related issues, including her 2 favorite songs: "Shake It Off" and "Bad Blood."

During Friday's episode, Donna also addressed all the drama surrounding Travis and Taylor's romance over the past few weeks since the couple went public.

Donna said, “I feel like I'm in an alternate universe. It’s something I never thought I’d be involved with." She briefly mentioned her family has been targeted by "haters" who are unhappy about the relationship.

Now, Trav's mom also popped up on NBC's 'Today' Friday morning, and Hoda Kotb and co. asked her what it was like to sit next to Taylor in those stadium suites for 2 consecutive weeks. Let's just say it wasn't exactly a glowing review, and more than anything it seems like Donna's hesitant to get too excited about her son's new "situation."

But, she's also keenly aware that the NFL is “laughing all the way to the bank,” with all the ticket sales at games Taylor has attended to watch Travis play with the Kansas City Chiefs.

On the podcast, Donna went on to say her family has given the NFL better publicity than any pricey PR firm, which would charge the league a million bucks.

But, there's no bad blood between them. Donna says she's happy for the NFL, adding, “Good for them. They’re getting the ramifications of everything."

As we reported ... Taylor and Travis started seeing each other several months ago - but they stayed under the radar at first. Now, the lovebirds are out there for all to see as Taylor has shown up at 2 of Travis' football games within the last few weeks.

Jay Cutler has apparently found love again three years after his split with Kristin Cavallari ... 'cause the ex-NFL star just went Instagram official with his new girlfriend!!

The former quarterback's new flame is Samantha Robertson ... and the two have grown so smitten with each other, she's now thrown him up on IG twice in the last couple weeks.

The first came on Sept. 20 ... when she shared some snaps of her and Cutler on the social media platform at a friend's wedding in France.

In total, there were three pics of the duo, including one where she was tucked into his chest with a glass of wine on a gravel road.

"Vive la France," she captioned the post.

When one of Robertson's friends commented, "I love, love" -- Cutler replied, "don't we all♥️"

Just days later, Robertson posted another pic of the two enjoying a Montana sunset. Cutler also commented on that post, writing, "When are we going back?"

"I was ready the second we left," she wrote back.

Robertson was previously married to Trace Ayala -- an actor and Justin Timberlake's good pal. Cutler, of course, had been with Cavallari for nearly a decade before they called things off back in 2020.

Jay had said in 2021 that dating post-Kristin was "hard as hell," explaining on his "Uncut with Jay Cutler" podcast that "meeting people is hard."

Magic Johnson's newest purchase is leaving him quite unhappy -- at least, that was the case on Thursday night -- 'cause after the Commanders got dusted by the Bears, he laid into them on his X page.

The Lakers legend -- who helped Josh Harris purchase the Washington Football Team for $6 billion earlier this summer -- sounded off just minutes after his new squad lost 40-20 ... making it clear he's looking for more from his guys going forward.

"Tonight the Commanders played with no intensity or fire," he said bluntly.

The Commanders did look lifeless during the game's first 30 minutes ... allowing Chicago stars Justin Fields and D.J. Moore to run wild all over them in the first half.

And, while they did fight back a bit to make things somewhat interesting in the second half, they still lost by 20 -- something Magic's obviously fuming over.

"We didn't compete in the first half and got down 27-3 heading into halftime," said Magic, who watched the game from a FedExField luxury box Thursday night. "It was too big of a hole to climb out of and that is why we ended up losing 40-20."

The night at least wasn't all sadness for Magic ... he got to enjoy some pregame giggles with Amazon's "Thursday Night Football" crew, signing a bunch of gear for superfan Ryan Fitzpatrick on the pregame show.

Chandler Jones seems to be handling his messy split with the Raiders well ... the former Las Vegas star was spotted at a tattoo parlor this week appearing to be in good spirits while getting his first-ever tat.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 33-year-old pass rusher was at Valerie DiMaggio's West Coast Tattoo Parlor in Vegas on Wednesday -- just four days after the Raiders cut him.

Jones, accompanied by a woman who seemed to be his love interest, was seen smiling ear-to-ear throughout his visit ... while he worked with artist Bobby Vegas to get some crosses etched on the side of his neck.

We're told Jones was "super friendly" and "super happy" while he made his way around the shop -- a somewhat surprising sight, considering last week he not only broke down in tears while on a live stream, but he was also arrested for allegedly violating a protective order.

But, according to DiMaggio, Jones was "a real nice guy" the entire time.

DiMaggio says Jones got tattooed for around 30 minutes ... and after it was all finished, he was so thrilled with it, he promised to come back to potentially get some matching ink with the woman he was with.

5:44 PM PT -- A moment of silence was held in Butkus' honor prior to Thursday Night Football at FedEx Field ... where his former team is currently playing against the Washington Commanders.

4:14 PM PT -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Butkus' death.

"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.

"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his “I Play Clean” campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.

"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."

3:46 PM PT -- The Butkus family just released a statement ... saying Dick died in his sleep overnight.

"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."

The Bears added ... "Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."

The statement continued ... "He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates.

"Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health.

"His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."

NFL legend Dick Butkus -- one of the greatest linebackers of all time -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned. He was 80 years old.

We're told someone went to check on Butkus at his home on Thursday ... and he was found unresponsive.

Our sources tell us ... paramedics responded to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest at Butkus' residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Butkus is among the most intimidating players to ever step onto a football field -- coming in at 6'3", 245 pounds, he was a defensive standout at the University of Illinois before joining his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965 ... going No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft.

He played his entire professional career with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 ... racking up every individual award imaginable -- six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors and eight Pro Bowls.

Butkus earned many nicknames due to his style of play .. including The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal and The Robot of Destruction.

Butkus was named to the league's All-Decade teams in the '60s and '70s ... as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

Butkus -- whose career was shortened due to injuries -- had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

In 1985, the Butkus Award was established to honor the top linebackers at the high school, college and professional levels.

The Bears retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.

Off the field, Butkus was known for starring in commercials for Miller Lite, Prestone, Schick and Visa ... as well as dozens of films and TV shows, including "Any Given Sunday," "Hang Time," and "The Last Boy Scout." He was also an analyst for CBS.

Butkus continued to follow the NFL in retirement -- in fact, he posted his weekly picks on his Instagram just hours ago.

Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and three children.

RIP

Taylor Swift está poniendo nerviosos a los fanáticos de la NFL en todas partes. Más recientemente, el temor se despertó en la estrella de los Philadelphia Eagles, Darius Slay, quien le está suplicando públicamente a la estrella pop que se quede fuera del partido que enfrentarán a finales de esta temporada.

El 5 veces Pro Bowler habló sobre la reciente presencia de Swift en los partidos de los Chiefs para apoyar a Travis Kelce, en el podcast Big Play Slay de esta semana. Y tenía un mensaje personal para la cantante de "Anti-Hero".

"Taylor, no vengas al partido, porque parece que traes la energía del triunfo", bromeó Slay en The Volume.

Slay tiene una buena razón para estar preocupado. Los Chiefs van 2-0 con Swift en la tribuna, dominando a los Bears en su primer partido en las gradas y exprimiendo una victoria sobre los Jets este fin de semana pasado.

Los Eagles tendrán una revancha del Super Bowl con los Chiefs el 20 de noviembre en Filadelfia, frente a las cámaras del Monday Night Football, y lo más probable es que Swift esté allí, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta que creció alentando a los Eagles.

La presencia de Taylor en los partidos ha sido una bendición para los ratings televisivos. El pasado domingo, el juego de los Chiefs vs. Jets alcanzó un máximo de 29 millones de espectadores y un promedio de 27 millones durante todo el concurso. Esta es la mayor audiencia para un partido regular del Sunday Night Football, de NBC Sports.

Taylor Swift is striking fear in the hearts of NFL teams everywhere -- most recently, the alarm sounded for Philadelphia Eagles star cornerback Darius Slay ... who's publicly pleading with her to sit out their matchup later this season.

The 5-time Pro Bowler spoke out about Swift's recent attendance at Chiefs games to support Travis Kelce during his Big Play Slay podcast this week ... and he had a personal message for the "Anti-Hero" singer.

"Taylor, do not come to the game, 'cause it seems like you bring the energy of winning," Slay quipped on The Volume.

Slay has a good reason to be worried -- the Chiefs are 2-0 with Swift in the crowd, dominating the Bears in her first game in the stands ... and squeezing out a road win over the Jets this past weekend.

The Eagles will have a Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs in Philadelphia on Nov. 20 in front of the Monday Night Football cameras ... and chances are Swift will be there, especially considering she grew up rooting for the Birds.

Taylor’s presence at games has been a blessing for TV ratings -- last Sunday, the Chiefs vs. Jets contest peaked at 29 million viewers and averaged 27 million throughout the contest.

The game was NBC Sports' biggest-ever streaming audience for a regular season Sunday Night Football contest.

A day after blasting NY Giants fans, Evan Neal is walking back the harsh comments ... admitting he was out of line when he attacked the loyal fanbase.

“I am wrong for lashing out at the fans who are just as passionate and frustrated as I am,” 23-year-old Neal wrote on X Wednesday night.

“I let my frustrations in my play + desire to win get the best of me. I had no right to make light of anyone's job and I deeply regret the things I said."

"We are working day in and day out to grow as a team and this was an unnecessary distraction. I apologize.”

Of course, Neal had a rough day at the office on Monday. His poor play was one of the reasons QB Daniel Jones was sacked one short of a dozen times against the Seahawks.

Throughout the game, fans booed the last-place team ... and Evan encouraged them to "boo louder."

Neal's tone clearly changed from earlier in the week when he made the inflammatory comments.

“Most critics really don’t understand the game of football to the level that we understand it in this building. So why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep? I’m just going to focus on Evan — and getting better. I honestly do not care what anybody has to say about Evan Neal, because they’re going to talk anyway," Neal told NJ Advance Media.

Evan didn't stop there, saying, "I genuinely don’t care. Why should I? I’m in the National Football League. The person that’s commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?”

The comments irked many Giants fans -- one of the most loyal fanbases in the league -- who have been living and dying with the organization for decades. Meanwhile, Neal arrived less than 2 years ago.

But, give Evan credit for apologizing. Whether fans accept it remains to be seen.

Tom Brady's jersey from his final NFL game is about to hit the auction block ... and it's about to be in the hands of someone VERY rich -- 'cause it could sell for up to $2.5 MILLION!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the iconic piece of Buccaneers gear will be available next month as part of RM Sotheby's and Wynn's Official Auction of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The white No. 12 threads are from Brady's last game on January 16, 2023 ... when the Bucs faced the Dallas Cowboys in a Wild Card playoff matchup on Monday Night Football.

Brady had 351 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the contest ... falling to Dallas, 31-14 and ending his stellar career.

Officials say the item could potentially become the most valuable game-worn jersey EVER ... passing Joe Montana’s San Francisco 49ers uni he wore in Super Bowl XIX and Super Bowl XXIII, which came with a $1.2 million price tag earlier this year.

Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear & Modern Collectables Brahm Wachter spoke about the rare piece of memorabilia ... saying, "There are only a few athletes who are universally accepted as the greatest in their sport -- Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Muhammed Ali, Wayne Gretzky, Babe Ruth."

"For the National Football League, it’s Tom Brady. Worn at the very last game of his tenured career, this historic shirt is a tangible reminder of Brady’s unparalleled legacy, and as such, is arguably the most coveted NFL jersey to ever come to auction."

Takeo Spikes says he was legitimately hurt by how the Buffalo Bills treated him at a game earlier this season ... claiming his visit with his former team had him feeling "worthless."

The ex-NFL linebacker went viral after sharing a pic of his setup for the Bills' matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sep. 17 -- a suite seat that was completely obstructed by the upper deck of the stadium.

As it turns out, the view wasn't the only issue -- Spikes said the organization didn't fulfill his request for a first-class seat for his flight to upstate New York ... and overall, the staffers did a bad job at communicating leading up to the game.

Spikes -- who was the Bills' "Legend of the Game" for the day -- admitted he considered not making the trip due to the accommodations ... but decided to go through with it anyway.

While Spikes said the pregame celebration was "great," things quickly went south -- 'cause once he got to his section for the game, he was shocked to find out it was not up to his standard.

"If I'm going to take time out of my day to come up, at least just show me the respect that I deserve," Spikes said on his "Behind the Mask" podcast. "Sometimes you have to remind people of how they need to be treated, and this was a case right here which hurt me. I felt hurt."

"For a second, it made you feel like you was worthless."

Spikes feels like the team should have offered him a spot in the owner's suite with Terry Pegula ... but that was never suggested as a possibility.

Ultimately, Spikes left the game unhappy ... but revealed Bills GM Brandon Beane texted him and offered to make up for the blunder.

If it wasn't already clear, here's more proof Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann absolutely hate each other ... after he allegedly locked her out of their main bedroom, and she called the cops.

We've obtained the body cam footage as well as the 911 call from an incident in late August when Kim claimed she was unable to get into her bedroom to retrieve her personal belongings and her medication.

The police response shows just how nasty things are between Kim and Kroy -- as he refuses to show his face -- only talking to the officers through a closed door.

Throughout the police visit, Kim bashes Kroy, telling officers Kroy is jobless, and she's the reason they even still have the house. She echoed some of the same sentiments on her 911 call as well ... even stating Kroy's threatened her and gotten physical before.

You gotta give credit to the officers here for handling such a childish situation, working to keep both Kim and Kroy calm to prevent things from getting more nasty.

Eventually, the officers convince Kroy to hand over Kim's comforter, phone charger, medications and -- according to Kim -- a $1000 beauty cream.

Travis Kelce thinks the NFL should pump the brakes with its Taylor Swift coverage ... saying the league is "overdoing it a little bit" when it comes to the pop singer's attendance at his games.

Kelce addressed the league's obsession with his new relationship on the "New Heights" podcast with his brother, Jason, on Wednesday ... saying he gets why the cameras continue to show Swift on TV, but it's gotten excessive at this point.

"I think it's fun when they show who all is at the game," Travis said. "I think it brings a little bit more to the atmosphere, brings a little bit more to what you're watching."

"But at the same time, I think they're overdoing it a little bit for sure. Especially my situation."

Travis explained he understands why the NFL is leaning into the Tayvis craze ... saying he thinks it's just trying to have fun with the situation -- but it's clear he wants the league to chill.

Of course, Swift brought her A-list besties to MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs' road game against the New York Jets ... with Blake Lively, Sophie Turner, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman joining her in a suite.

The broadcast showed Swift numerous times throughout the game ... and the league has gone full Swiftie on social media -- using her pics and name on its profiles.

Swift's attendance has done wonders for ratings ... with an average of 27 MILLION viewers tuning in to Sunday Night Football.

But if the league is listening to Kelce's comments, there's a chance the NFL's Swiftie era is coming to an end.

Travis Kelce cree que la NFL debe parar un momento con la cobertura de Taylor Swift, ya que han "exagerado un poco" cuando se trata de su asistencia a los partidos, dice.

Kelce abordó la obsesión de la liga con su nueva relación en el podcast "New Heights" con su hermano Jason el miércoles, diciendo que entiende por qué las cámaras siguen mostrando a Swift en la televisión, pero se ha vuelto excesivo en este punto.

"Creo que es divertido cuando muestran quién está en el juego", dijo Travis. "Creo que aporta un poco más a la atmósfera, aporta un poco más a lo que estás viendo".

"Pero al mismo tiempo, creo que exageran un poco, seguro. Especialmente en mi situación".

Travis dice que entiende por qué la NFL se ha sumado a la Tayvis manía. Cree que solo se están divirtiendo con la situación, pero también está claro que quiere que se calmen.

Por supuesto, Swift trajo a sus mejores amigos a MetLife Stadium para el partido de los Chiefs contra los Jets de Nueva York. Estuvo compartiendo con Blake Lively, Sophie Turner, Ryan Reynolds y Hugh Jackman en una suite.

La transmisión la mostró numerosas veces durante todo el partido y la liga ha utilizado sus fotos y nombre en sus perfiles y en las redes sociales.

La asistencia de Swift ha hecho maravillas para los ratings, con un promedio de 27 millones de espectadores sintonizando el Sunday Night Football.