NFL

Kristin Cavallari says there was absolutely NO scandal involving Jay Cutler that led to their divorce ... with the reality TV star insisting the marriage point-blank "just didn't work out."

The celeb couple announced their split back in April ... and it came as a shock to most -- considering the duo seemed publicly happy.

But, in an interview with People this week, Cavallari insists everything fell apart because the two grew apart ... adding "there was no real drama."

"I met Jay when I was 23," Cavallari said. "I was a kid. I was a baby. And Jay and I had so much love for each other, we really, really did. It just didn't work out."

"And that's -- that's it. There was no real drama. There was no scandal. There was no nothing."

In fact, 33-year-old Cavallari says she and the former NFL quarterback are still on great terms ... talking "almost every day" and still working to co-parent their three kids.

"There was nothing that happened that was like, 'Oh my God!'" Cavallari said. "We just couldn't make it work. And we tried really, really hard for years and years. We really did."

Cavallari says she's now focused on being a mom and running her jewelry biz ... adding COVID quarantine has allowed her to focus on herself.

Terrible news for L.A. Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor ... he reportedly suffered a PUNCTURED LUNG while getting a painkiller injection from a team doctor before Sunday's game.

Taylor was receiving treatment for a cracked rib prior to kickoff before the Bolts' game against the Kansas City Chiefs ... when he started to experience chest pains.

The 31-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital to get checked out ... and rookie QB Justin Herbert became the last-minute starter for L.A.'s 23-20 loss to the defending world champs.

Now, ESPN's Adam Schefter is revealing Taylor's condition was all caused by a team doc who accidentally punctured the quarterback's lung while giving the injection.

Taylor -- who suffered the cracked ribs in Week 1 against the Bengals -- has been listed as "week-to-week" while he recovers from the punctured lung ... but ESPN reports doctors are saying Taylor should sit indefinitely while he recovers.

Whenever Taylor DOES get back to 100%, Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn says he'll get the starting gig back from the rookie.

Powerful moment after the Cowboys-Falcons game Sunday ... Atlanta star Hayden Hurst sought out Dak Prescott to praise him for speaking about suicide prevention -- and the scene was all caught on video.

Hurst, despite losing to Prescott in heartbreaking fashion, sprinted toward the Dallas Cowboys QB after the game clock expired ... and grabbed him and gave him a big hug.

"Hey," Hurst told the Cowboys superstar. "I got a lot of respect for what you did. Came out and talked about it. Me and my mom have a foundation about suicide prevention, and I respect the hell out of you for talking about it man."

As we previously reported ... Dak opened up on his brother's suicide earlier this month in an emotional interview with Graham Bensinger -- and the QB didn't hold back on his feelings.

The 27-year-old said the death rocked his world ... and he added he now understands how important it is to open up about feeling vulnerable and mental health issues.

Hurst made it clear Sunday he appreciated all the awareness Dak brought to the cause ... because it's an issue the Falcons tight end has dealt with throughout his life.

Hayden's uncle and cousin both killed themselves ... and the former Univ of South Carolina star admitted earlier this year he cut his wrist in an apparent attempt to kill himself back in college.

That's why he says he felt it was important to find Dak after the game to applaud him for his comments.

"I'm sure Dak Prescott doesn't really know who I am," Hurst told ESPN this week. "But I know the courage that takes because a lot of people don't like talking about mental health. They're afraid to talk about it. They're embarrassed."

Hurst continued, "If guys like Dak Prescott can come out and talk about it, I think he's going to save a lot of lives. I think that's cool. I admire him. And I'll be a Dak Prescott fan forever. I think he's an awesome guy."

For Dak's part, he appreciated Hurst's words ... saying in the clip after the game, "We can collab one day."

Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers has died after a lengthy battle with dementia ... the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.

He was 77 years old.

Sayers -- despite only playing in 68 career games due to various injuries -- is considered one of the greatest running backs of all-time.

He made the All-Pro team FIVE times and was selected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1977 ... and, at 34 years old, is still the youngest person to ever be inducted.

HOF President and CEO David Baker said Wednesday the death rocked the football world ... adding, "The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Gale."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ardie, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will fly at half-staff until he is laid to rest."

Gale was diagnosed with dementia several years ago ... and his condition had deteriorated so much, his wife, Ardie, said last year Gale was struggling to move and speak.

Sayers, though, famously made an appearance at the Bears100 celebration last summer ... and the ovation he got at the event appeared to move him to tears.

In his 7-year career, Gale rushed for 4,956 yards and scored 56 career touchdowns.

Sayers also gained fame for his friendship with Brian Piccolo -- which was documented in the award-winning movie, "Brian's Song."

Gale and Brian became pals while teammates with the Bears ... and after Piccolo was diagnosed with cancer, Sayers stayed by his side until Brian's tragic death in 1970.

Sayers -- who was played in the movie by Billy Dee Williams -- had often called Piccolo one of the best men he'd ever known.

RIP

Drew Brees, listen up ... Warren Moon's got advice for winning football games despite declining arm talent -- telling TMZ Sports it's simple ... JUST TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!

Moon -- who famously played QB in the NFL until he was 44 years old -- says he knows EXACTLY what Brees is going through these days ... telling us the lack of velocity on the Saints star's passes is now apparent.

But, Moon says he knows there's a way for Drew to still be successful at 41 years old despite the issue ... saying the New Orleans QB just has to be mindful of his body going forward.

"The big thing is fatigue," Moon said. "Especially as the season goes along, you're only going to get that much more tired and your legs are going to lose that much more strength."

"So, you really have to be on top of how many reps you have in practice, how you're maintaining your body throughout the week, making sure you're not over-practicing yourself."

Moon also says Brees needs to make sure he's getting plenty of sleep ... because the Hall of Famer tells us when you're playing QB into your 40s -- being fresh on game days makes all the difference.

"That's what's going to make or break whether you have a great game or not is if you're rest that day," Moon says.

Warren, though, believes Drew is good enough to figure it all out ... telling us, "I don't think he's done!"

Dallas Cowboys star Everson Griffen just EXPLODED on a reporter over criticism of his play ... telling the guy to straight-up "keep my name out your mouth."

"I been producing in the Nfl protecting the shield for 11 mother f**king years," Griffen said Tuesday. "So if you feel the need to pick on someone in f**king week 2. It’s not going to be me. I tell you that."

Griffen just inked a deal with the Cowboys last month ... and it was widely celebrated at the time -- as the guy is considered one of the top pass rushers in the league.

But, through two games so far, Griffen and the rest of the Cowboys' defense has been underwhelming -- allowing big play after big play to the Rams and Falcons.

When a reporter pointed that out and said point blank Griffen "hasn't been good for the Cowboys at all yet" ... Everson FUMED.

"Are you f**king joking me" the pass rusher asked ... before adding, "Let’s talk about playing well at the end of the year instead of week 2."

Griffen insists he felt way better during Dallas' second game of the season as opposed to the team's first ... and claims he'll be MUCH better toward the end of the year.

"I get it everyone has job to do," Everson said, "but in this unique year of football, it’s all about the TREND LINE. Especially this year."

A SUPER RARE Colin Kaepernick football card just sold for over $20k at auction ... and at least $5 grand is being donated to the quarterback's charity!

As we previously reported ... the 2011 Topps Platinum Rookie Patch Autograph Red Refractor card featured a patch from Kap's rookie season jersey and his autograph.

The 1-of-1 card was put up on the block at Goldin Auctions ... and ended up selling for $20,400!!

Pretty awesome ... considering the card was originally part of a regular pack of cards. The anonymous seller picked up the card for less than $1,800 on eBay, before consigning it to GA.

Instead of keeping all the cash, the seller decided to donate a chunk of his profits to the Know Your Rights Camp -- Colin's charity.

BTW, the Kap memorabilia doesn't stop with the card -- the consignor is now selling a pair of game-worn, autographed Kaepernick gloves ... and you guessed it, KYRC is gonna get another check!

"I would almost give my left arm to be a part of this staff."

Jacksonville Jaguars legend Jimmy Smith REALLLLLY wants to work with Deion Sanders at Jackson St. ... telling TMZ Sports he's all in on his alma mater's latest football head coaching hire.

"Please, please let me be a part of this historic event that's going on right now," the former Pro Bowl wide receiver said of his message for Deion. "I want to be a part of it and I'm sure I'm not the only one."

Prime was just officially hired by JSU this week ... and Jimmy tells us Deion's passionate speech at the announcement rally Monday fired him up.

So much so ... Jimmy -- who played at JSU before being drafted in 1992 -- says he's gunning to get a face-to-face meeting with Sanders ASAP.

"In the past, I didn't have any interest [in coaching] but after today and seeing that press conference introducing Deion Sanders as the head coach, I would almost give my left arm to be a part of this staff," Smith said.

"I'm thinking about getting in the car and driving over to Jackson today just to hunt for Deion Sanders and take him by the coattails and say, 'Look, I'm going to be here. This is my alma mater.'"

Smith also clapped back at critics of the hire ... saying Deion is more than capable of leading JSU to plenty of wins despite never being a college head coach before.

"He has done it!" Smith says. "This is the best defensive back in NFL history!"

Las Vegas Raiders star Josh Jacobs is paying homage to both his old and new homes on his feet for Monday Night Football ... by repping Oakland and Sin City on his cleats!!

The 22-year-old running back showed off the incredible work on Instagram earlier Monday ... which features several images in honor of LV and The Town.

Most notable is the phrase, "Thank You, Oakland" on the inside of his right cleat ... with a silhouette of Oakland Coliseum.

JJ also shows love for the late Al Davis with his image and signature phrase, "Just Win, Baby" ... as well as the torch that sits inside Allegiant Stadium in honor of the legendary owner.

The design -- put together by artist Luke Dangler -- also has the iconic Vegas "Welcome" sign ... and other notable buildings from the LV skyline.

Of course, with the Raiders being in Vegas, JJ had to add some playing cards -- 2 Jacks, a 2 and an 8 -- to symbolize his initials and jersey number.

We'll see if any of the Vegas tributes give Jacob some extra luck on MNF.

Ever imagined what it would be like to hear Hue Jackson sing "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion?? Well, today is your lucky day!!

Except we're not talking *that* kinda WAP ... we're talkin' WINGS AND PIZZA!!!

So ... how the hell did we get here?? Browns fan and Big Ten football prophet "Sir Yacht" decided to shell out $60 for a Cameo from coach ... requesting he dedicate some Kidz Bop-esque altered lines from "WAP" to the Dawg Pound.

And, oh boy, did Hue DELIVER.

"Now, from the top, we gotta make it drop ... that's some wings and pizza," Hue rapped.

"Now, get a bucket and a mop ... that's some wings and pizza."

"Macaroni in a pot ... that's some wings and pizza."

Of course, it goes without saying Cardi and Meg were NOT referring to wings and pizza in the OG version ... but ya really think Jackson was gonna rap the real lines??

BTW, We're not gonna knock Hue too much here -- after all, the guy donates his earnings from Cameo to his charity, which fights human trafficking.

PHEWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!

Indianapolis Colts star linebacker Darius Leonard damn-near LOST his wedding ring gifting a pair of his game-used gloves to fans ... but, thankfully, TMZ Sports has learned he got it back!

Here's the deal ... after the Colts destroyed the Vikings on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium -- Leonard gave away his mitts to some young fans who were in attendance.

The problem? As Leonard was taking off his gloves ... his wedding ring got caught in them -- and then he unknowingly handed it over to the kids!!

A family member of the glove recipients posted about the whole thing on social media Monday ... and when Leonard caught wind of it all -- he wrote back, "I need that."

Ya think!?!?

Happy ending for Darius though ... we're told the fans are good friends with a Colts staffer -- and were able to return the ring no problem.

"I did not leave my hundred acres and a view to come here for no bull junk!"

Deion Sanders just GUARANTEED he'd bring victories to Jackson State after accepting the HBCU's head football coaching job -- and his speech promising the Ws was epic!

Prime Time was introduced as the school's new head man Monday morning at a raucous pep rally on the Mississippi campus ... and it didn't take long for Deion to fire up the crowd.

The NFL legend spoke for about 10 minutes ... and said point-blank JSU is going to win PLENTY of football games under his watch.

"We going to win," Sanders said. "We going to look good while we win. We going to have a good time while we win. And we going to do this professionally."

In fact, the 53-year-old said his program is going to be so good ... he promised it'd lift up every other sport on the campus as well!!!

"I believe this is going to be a marriage made in heaven," Sanders said, "and I cannot wait to get started."

Deion added some Prime Time flare to his speech ... rockin' a custom suit that had JSU patches not only on the outside -- but in the lining of his jacket as well!!

The school, meanwhile, says it's PUMPED to add the Hall of Famer to its football program ... with university officials saying they have championship expectations with Deion at the helm.

"Just when you thought you were ready to spit on the grave of the Dallas Cowboys, that's when we raised our hand up and said, 'We're not dead yet!!!'"

Michael Irvin went INSANE breaking down his former team's epic comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons ... and his impassioned speech is MUST WATCH!!!

Irvin went on NFL Network on Sunday night to talk football just a few hours after the Cowboys came back from down 26-7 to beat ATL, 40-39 ... and the former WR let his emotions fly!

Ya gotta watch the clip ... Irvin gets so fired up over the win -- he straight-up has to tell himself on camera, "Calm down, Michael! Calm down!"

As for the game ... it probably deserved the reaction from Irv -- the Cowboys not only needed to make up a 19-point deficit, but they also needed a miracle onside kick to do it.

Turns out, Dallas did both things ... and Irvin and just about everyone else in the NFL world couldn't believe it!!

In fact, even Charles Barkley had to chime in on the game while was doing his NBA on TNT show ... saying the Falcons choked it all away!!

"They outdid themselves today," Barkley said of Atlanta. "That was the biggest choke job, what the Atlanta Falcons did today. I'm not giving the Dallas Cowboys any credit. That was a choke job!"

How'd Kansas City Chiefs rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire celebrate his huge NFL debut??

DIAMOND PENDANTS, BABY!!!

TMZ Sports has learned Patrick Mahomes' new star teammate just copped some ice after his first-ever monster game in the pros ... and the jewelry is INSANE!!

We're told the running back -- who rushed for 138 yards and a TD in the Chiefs' opening game last week -- hit up Leo Frost to make FIVE pieces ... and the celeb jeweler didn't disappoint.

The bling features the word "Glyde" -- a play on Clyde's "The Glyde" nickname -- as well as his former LSU jersey #22.

We're told each pendant is decked out in 18 carats of VVS diamonds ... plus Clyde's drip includes a bracelet and a Cuban link chain that also have "Glyde" on the locking clasps.

Unclear how much Clyde paid for the pieces ... but we're told the RB is spreading the pendants out to some of his closest family members and friends.

Before these little lads made it big time playing for the NFL, they were just youngsters focusing on growing up!

With football season back in full swing and on a lot of folks' minds, we're sticking to the program and bringing you some old school pics from the players themselves ... although it's up to you to tackle who is in the throwback shot!

Now is your chance to test your player knowledge and see if you can guess which NFL star is in the kid pic ... Just scroll through our gallery and play along!

Atlanta Falcons star Calvin Ridley will be reppin' his new baby daughter everywhere he goes ... courtesy of a brand new diamond chain!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 25-year-old former Alabama receiver wanted to do something WAY better than a picture in the wallet to show off his daughter, so he hit up Al the Jeweler of Labelle Jewelry in NJ to come up with the special piece.

The final product is a massive charm featuring Cree Michelle's name and birthday -- 06-27-2020 -- sitting on an NFL logo.

We're told the piece is made of more than 70 carats of VS clarity diamonds between the pendant and chain it sits on ... in other words, high-quality stuff!!

Ridley isn't the only one getting treats ... check out the Louis Vuitton blanket his baby girl was laying on when he introduced her on IG!!

Ridley -- who is still on his rookie contract -- has made about $9 million in his 3 years in the league so far ... but expect that number to rise if he continues to ball out!!