NFL

Tim Tebow's dream of becoming a major leaguer is coming to an end -- the football superstar-turned-slugger is officially retiring from baseball.

The 33-year-old Heisman Trophy winner joined the New York Mets in 2016 ... making it as far as the AAA level with the Syracuse Mets in 2019.

Tebow appeared in 287 games in 3 pro seasons in the Mets farm system ... earning 18 homers, 107 runs scored, 48 doubles, three triples, 107 RBI and 5 stolen bases.

Tebow released a statement on his decision to walk away from the sport Wednesday afternoon ... saying he's ready to pursue other dreams.

"I want to thank the Mets, Mr. Alderson, the fans and all my teammates for the chance to be a part of such a great organization," Tebow said.

"I loved every minute of the journey, but at this time I feel called in other directions. I never want to be partially in on anything. I always want to be 100 percent in on whatever I choose."

"Thank you again for everyone’s support of this awesome journey in baseball, I’ll always cherish my time as a Met."

TMZ Sports spoke to Tebow about his baseball career last month ... and he said he was still fully committed to baseball.

"For me, I'm super excited about spring training," Tebow said at the time. "So, that's where my focus kind of swirls right now."

It's unclear what changed his mind since we spoke to him a few weeks ago ... maybe he IS helping out Urban Meyer in Jacksonville after all??

Ex-NFL star Vincent Jackson "suffered from chronic alcoholism" -- and it appears to have been a factor in his death, this according to law enforcement.

Sheriff Chad Chronister of the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office in Florida revealed the findings from Jackson's autopsy Wednesday on the "MJ Morning Show" saying -- "We got the autopsy report that will be released today showed, unfortunately, he suffered from chronic alcoholism. Just tragic!"

Sheriff Chronister says officials are still waiting on the toxicology report to come back before they can issue an official cause of death -- but he notes Jackson had "long-standing health conditions that contributed to his passing because of some alcohol abuse."

The 38-year-old NFL wide receiver was discovered Monday by a housekeeper at the Homewood Suites hotel in Brandon, Florida (located in the Tampa area) ... where he had been living since January.

The whole situation was bizarre considering Jackson made more than $70 million in his NFL career and was widely loved in the community by family, friends and law enforcement.

So, why was he at that hotel alone? Sheriff Chronister has a theory ...

"Well this is true speculation but what the family is telling me is that he suffered from CTE. They believe he had a lot of concussion problems and when you suffer from that, you're not yourself."

Sheriff Chronister continued, "[The family believes] wholeheartedly all of these actions are the result of what he suffered while he was playing in the NFL."

Jackson spent 12 years in the pros -- making 3 Pro Bowls during his time with the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Bucs. He formally retired in 2018 but last played in 2016.

Sheriff Chronister noted how involved Jackson was in the community.

"He would never say no! He's the person you would call 'Hey I have something we wanna do for a child in need, a family in need, a military member in need' and he was always there. I don't know how he balanced his schedule."

Good news Jacksonville Jaguars fans ... your next QB underwent successful shoulder surgery in L.A. on Tuesday and he's already pouring coffee on his own!

Check out former Clemson superstar Trevor Lawrence back in his kitchen following a procedure to repair labrum damage in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

"Surgery went great. Excited rehab," Lawrence posted on social media.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal Elattrache -- who has worked with some of the top athletes on the planet ... including Tom Brady and Kobe Bryant. He's also the team doctor for the L.A. Rams and the L.A. Dodgers.

In other words, Trevor is in good hands.

Now, the 21-year-old quarterback can focus on getting ready for the NFL Draft on April 29 -- when he's expected to be taken #1 overall by the Jaguars.

You knew Cam Newton could dance ... but did you know he could dance AND skate at the same time?!?!

It's true ... TMZ Sports has obtained video of the NFL star tearing up the floor at a Georgia roller rink over the weekend -- AND THE FOOTAGE IS AMAZING!!

The 31-year-old New England Patriots quarterback hit up Sparkles in Smyrna, GA. with his family for Valentine's Day ... and he wasted no time getting his groove on.

We're told Cam -- in a loud, pink jacket and skinny jeans -- brought his own skates to the rink ... strapped them up and cut a rug all over the place all night long!!

Check out the clip ... Cam is seriously incredible on the skates -- weaving in and out of people like he's on the football field!

One witness tells us Newton was SUPER friendly too ... taking selfies and chatting away with the rest of the skaters.

FYI -- we're told Cam does this pretty often, with one witness saying they spotted him out skating at a different Georgia rink just a few nights prior.

"My NFL brothers continue to die and nobody's doing a goddamn thing about it."

Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf fought back tears in an emotional video in which he accuses the league of turning its back on players with mental health issues ... and lamenting, "I don't know what the f**k to do anymore."

Leaf posted the video AFTER after news broke about the death of ex-NFL star wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was found by himself in a hotel where he'd been living in Florida. We don't know if Leaf is referencing Jackson in the video, but it sure seems like it.

"The NFL just doesn't f**king care," Leaf said ... "They don't care. They'll write condolences letters and s**t like that but if they were invested, they'd actually put some money behind the NFL Legends Community and into the mental health/substance abuse side of it."

Leaf adds, "Once you're bad for the brand, the shield, they can give two s**ts."

The 44-year-old -- who's talked publicly about his own struggles with mental health and substance abuse -- said he spoke with another former NFL player on Monday who spent the weekend at a psych ward.

"I don't know what the hell to do," Leaf continued ... "They [the NFL] don't get how precious life is and then I have this f**king survivor's guilt! A ton of it!"

Leaf ended his video begging viewers to "just be part of the solution please."

We know the NFL has previously said they've committed to expanding mental health resources to players (which you can read about here) ... but clearly Leaf doesn't feel like the league is doing enough.

TMZ Sports has obtained video of the wild bar fight that led to the arrest of ex-NFL star Pacman Jones ... and you can hear people begging for the violence to stop.

The barstools were flying. People went crashing to the ground. And, it's a miracle more people weren't seriously hurt.

Here's the backstory, per the witness who shot this video ...

The drama began after 37-year-old Pacman and someone from his crew left the Clutch OTR bar in Cincinnati around 1 AM on Monday morning -- and the security staff wouldn't let them back inside.

"Pacman pushed his way back in and it started getting aggressive," the witness tells us.

We're told Pacman got into a heated verbal confrontation with the DJ -- and when security got involved, Pacman took a swing.

"Pacman knocked the security guy out then proceeded to kick the guy in the head multiple times. That’s when a lot of the staff stepped in and my video starts."

The footage shows several people grabbing bar stools and throwing them across the room while bystanders scream for everyone to stop. Unclear if any of the chair-throwers in our footage is Pacman, but you can clearly see him standing in the center of the bar when things begin to calm down.

A pissed off person in the bar brandishes a bar stool and screams, "F*ck with me. I dare you."

As we previously reported, cops arrived at the bar and arrested Pacman. He was booked on 1 count of misdemeanor assault.

The police report says Jones "punched and kicked" an employee at the establishment, "causing the bouncer to lose consciousness."

Jones later went on The Pat McAfee Show and claimed it was the bouncer who was the aggressor and when he saw his brother getting attacked, he jumped in and "did what I needed to do."

"Ariel is awake."

That's the GREAT news everyone has been waiting for regarding the little girl who was badly injured in a car accident involving KC Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid.

5-year-old Ariel Young suffered serious brain injuries when Britt Reid -- the son of head coach Andy Reid -- allegedly slammed his car into the vehicle she was in, the Thursday before the Super Bowl.

Young was hospitalized in critical condition and remained in a coma for more than a week, according to the GundFundMe page created by her aunt.

The family had been asking for prayers -- and it seems they were finally answered, because they announced Ariel awoke from the coma on Monday.

The family did not expand on her medical condition -- but the assumption is that it's a move in the right direction.

Ariel's 4-year-old cousin, Julianna, was also injured in the Feb. 4 crash -- suffering a broken nose and a concussion, according to the family. She's at home recovering.

35-year-old Britt -- who was a linebacker coach with the Chiefs -- was initially placed on leave the crash. But, he is no longer employed by the team.

As we previously reported, cops say Reid admitted to drinking alcohol and taking Adderall before smashing into 2 parked cars that were pulled over on the side of a highway on-ramp. The crash occurred just minutes from Arrowhead Stadium in KC.

Cops announced they were investigating the crash but so far no formal charges have been brought against Reid.

FYI, Ariel's GoFundMe page has already raised more than $488,000 to help cover medical expenses ... an incredible show of support.

Vincent Jackson -- a 3-time Pro Bowl wide receiver -- was found dead in a hotel room in Florida on Monday, officials confirm. He was only 38.

The former San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Bucs star was discovered by a housekeeper inside his room at the Homewood Suites hotel in Brandon, Florida (located in the Tampa area). Cops have released pics from the scene.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says it's investigating -- as there is no apparent cause of death. No signs of trauma, etc.

Jackson had been staying at the hotel since January 11 -- though it's unclear why he was living there considering he made a fortune during his 12 years as an NFL player.

Officials say Jackson's family filed a missing persons report regarding the NFL star on February 11. He was located on Feb. 12 and cops spoke with him.

"After assessing Jackson’s well-being, the missing persons case was canceled," officials say.

He was found dead in his hotel room days later.

Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a statement saying, "My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him."

"Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else."

Jackson worked closely with the Sheriff's Dept and was even made an honorary deputy.

"He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions."

Jackson was a star athlete in both football and basketball at the University of Northern Colorado before going 61st overall to the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Jackson played for the Chargers from 2005 to 2011, making the Pro Bowl twice.

He spent the latter part of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a 3rd Pro Bowl spot in 2012.

The WR finally retired from the game in 2016. Jackson earned 540 receptions, 57 TDs and more than 9,000 receiving yards during his 12 seasons in the league ... and reportedly made more than $71 million in contract money during his NFL run.

Tributes are already starting to pour in ... his ex-Chargers teammate, Shawne Merriman, tweeted, "Man, no way. Praying for Vincent Jackson’s family. Dude was 3 years younger than me. Rest In Peace brother."

His alma mater also posted a tribute ...

The Chargers released a statement Monday ... saying, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by news of Vincent Jackson's sudden passing."

"Vincent was a fan favorite not only for his Pro Bowl play on the field but for the impact he made on the community off of it. The work he had done on behalf of military families through his foundation in the years since his retirement has been an inspiration to all of us."

"We simply cannot believe he's gone, and our hearts go out to his wife, Lindsey, their children, his parents, former teammates and everyone whose lives were touched by having known Vincent."

DJ Swearinger -- who played with Jackson on the Bucs in 2015 -- says, "My Goodness, may God be with your family Vincent Jackson! Rest In Peace! Og was a helluva teammate & a great guy frfr! Man I’m Praying for your Family."

NFL linebacker Tre Watson tweeted, "This Vincent Jackson story is so sad & really odd at the same time. Just doesn’t sound right."

Bucs star Mike Evans -- who played with Jackson for 2 seasons in TB -- shared his condolences ... saying, "V Jax thank you for everything I love you big bro. Praying for your family Rest in Paradise."

Here's a video that'll brighten up your Monday ...

Dallas Cowboys superstar Amari Cooper surprised some kids with an impromptu game of catch while he was out house hunting ... and the adorable gesture will hit you right in the feels!!

The 26-year-old WR was looking at some investment properties recently when he noticed some kids in the neighborhood were playing some ball in the street.

According to a witness, Cooper had said out loud after seeing the front-yard games, "This is the future right there."

So, Cooper's friend went over to one of the boys and asked if he watched the Dallas Cowboys.

When the boy said yes, she asked if he wanted to meet Amari -- and, of course, the kid said yes!

What happened next was super sweet ... Cooper, despite still limping after having ankle surgery in early January, decided to play some catch with the kids!!

Check out the footage, Cooper chatted it up with the oldest boy while tossing around the pigskin ... and they even traded a little smack talk!!

At one point, you can hear the boy was so excited, he told his siblings to "go get mom!"

More legal trouble for Adam "Pacman" Jones ... the ex-NFL star was arrested again Monday morning after he allegedly beat a person unconscious.

Jail records show Jones was booked at 1:54 AM ET in Hamilton County, Ohio ... with court records revealing the 37-year-old was formally charged with one count of misdemeanor assault.

Details surrounding the incident are unclear ... we're working on it -- but according to court docs obtained by WCPO, Jones is accused of punching and kicking somebody in the head until they were knocked out.

Jones is due in court to face a judge later Monday.

Jones is no stranger to a jail cell, he's been arrested multiple times the past few years ... including once back in 2019 when he snapped after he was accused of cheating at an Indiana casino.

Officials in court docs said Jones threatened cops, and even told one of them to "suck my d***."

Jones eventually cut a deal with prosecutors in the case ... agreeing to plead guilty to one count of felony cheating at gambling and one count of misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

And, don't forget Pacman's infamous airport fight -- when he knocked a dude out inside a terminal. Jones was NOT accused of wrongdoing in that incident, but he definitely put his fighting skills on display.

Jones had a great NFL career after being selected in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft ... logging one Pro Bowl selection and one All-Pro honor before retiring in 2019.

The Colin Kaepernick TV production is taking security measures in the wake of a threat at the hands of anti-BLM protesters ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Executives on the project sent an email to the staff with measures to protect the cast and crew. We will not disclose the measures, but the honchos are clearly taking it seriously.

Production sources tell TMZ Sports, they were told the anti-BLM group was planning a protest last Friday at the location shoot. That protest did not materialize, but it caused worry among cast and crew.

The production -- starring Jaden Michael as CK -- was notified last week in a memo ... "anti-BLM sentiments may protest against the production."  Two production sources tell TMZ Sports there was also an ominous phone call made last week to the production office.

The production sources tell us the anti-BLM group that made the threat was the Proud Boys.

BTW ... we're told Colin was not on set last week.

The production -- "Colin in Black and White" -- chronicles Kaepernick's high school years and the racism he confronted. It highlights the events that inspired Colin's social activism. It's directed by Ava DuVernay and Colin will narrate the 6-part series.

Emmitt Smith's rushing record ain't safe at all ... 'cause Adrian Peterson tells TMZ Sports he's still gunning to play until he's 40 -- and run for 1,500 yards when he gets there!!!

Peterson is just 3,535 rushing yards away from catching Smith's all-time mark of 18,355 ... and the NFL legend says if all goes according to plan, he should blow right by the former Cowboys superstar.

"I want to live to be a 40-year-old back out there rushing for 1,500 yards and amazing people still," Peterson tells us.

Of course, A.P. will turn 36 years old next month ... and, as a free agent this offseason, he doesn't have a team for 2021 yet.

But, if there's anybody who can defy the odds ... it's Peterson -- remember when the dude blew out his ACL in 2011 and returned to be the NFL's MVP a few months later in 2012?!

Peterson, though, says breaking the all-time rushing yards mark isn't his #1 goal ... he tells us he wants to win a Super Bowl ring more.

Tom Brady's signature is like GOLD -- the prices for a TB12 autograph are higher than ever ... DOUBLING in just 4 years!!

The Tampa Bay Bucs QB is holding a private autograph session for collectors and memorabilia shops ... and if you want his John Hancock on a Bucs helmet, you're gonna have to shell out $3,700!!!

Here are the current prices compared with rates from a TB12 signing back in 2017 -- back when Tom only had 5 Super Bowl rings (he's got 7 now!).

TB signed photo from SBLV -- $1,600 (up from $850 in 2017)

TB signed football -- $2,000 (up from $1,000 in 2017)

TB signed mini-helmet -- $1,800 (up from $900 in 2017)

TB signed Bucs jersey with special SBLV inscription -- $3,000 (up from $1,600 in 2017)

And a signed TB Bucs SBLV helmet with “LV MVP” inscription can be yours for $3,699.99!!!

Obviously, a lot has changed since 2017 ... Tom left the New England Patriots and basically secured his spot as the greatest NFL quarterback of all time.

7 Super Bowl titles. 5 Super Bowl MVP awards ... and he still wants to play a few more years!

Johnny Manziel says his return to the gridiron in the Fan Controlled Football league is NOT an attempt to catch the eye of the NFL ... the QB tells TMZ Sports that's just not the point of his comeback.

"There are no comeback implications with me and football moving forward from here," the former Heisman Trophy winner and ex-Cleveland Browns first-round pick said.

In fact, when we asked Manziel straight-up if he envisioned the FCF as a springboard to a rejuvenated NFL career ... the 28-year-old unequivocally said, "Not at all."

Manziel signed up for the FCF -- a 7-on-7, full-contact football league where fans control everything -- a few weeks ago, but he explained to us it's all strictly about having fun.

"To be honest, I got a lot of free time on my hands," Manziel said ... "I got onto the golf course life in Scottsdale but I got a lot of free time for six weeks to come and pretty much get to be a player, coach a little bit in this."

Manziel says his game isn't what it used to be back when he was dodging SEC defenders at Texas A&M ... but he did tell us he has some expectations to still ball out during the FCF season.

"You'll see little flashes of the old stuff," Manziel says. "I still have the ability to throw the football around to a somewhat high degree. Not like I had in the past, but I think there's still some flashes left in the tank."

Manziel -- who hasn't played professional football since the AAF in 2019 -- will kick off his season with the Zappers on Twitch at 6 PM PT on Saturday.

Cam Newton's NFL days are NOT numbered ... so says his former teammate Trai Turner, who tells TMZ Sports he believes the quarterback "has more left in the tank."

Newton is coming off his worst season as a pro -- throwing just eight touchdown passes to 10 interceptions -- and it's got some wondering, is retirement the next move for the former NFL MVP?

Turner -- who blocked for Cam from 2014 through 2019 in Carolina -- says hell no ... telling us people shouldn't rush to judge Newton's future based off his 1 year in New England.

"First year on a new team and it's just different man," Turner says. "Different people around you. Different city, new place and all that. But, I don't think that was the last showing that Cam would have wanted."

"Me just knowing him and knowing what he can do and just being able to see him play, I know that he has more left in in the tank to give."

Newton is slated to be a free agent this offseason ... and he's already promised to come back to the league next season a better player.

Chris Doyle's run as the Jacksonville Jaguars' director of sports performance is over before it ever really got started ... with the controversial coach resigning amid major backlash.

Jags head coach Urban Meyer made the move official late Friday night ... saying, "Chris Doyle came to us this evening to submit his resignation and we have accepted."

"Chris did not want to be a distraction to what we are building in Jacksonville."

So ... what was the distraction??

Doyle -- who served as Iowa's strength and conditioning coach from 1999-2020 -- was accused of making racial comments, bullying and other instances of misconduct towards players during his time with the Hawkeyes.

Doyle's time in Iowa City ended after multiple players came forward about his alleged antics last year ... resulting in a "separation agreement" of roughly $1.1 million in June.

The decision to hire a guy accused of that kind of misconduct was ill-received ... and the Fritz Pollard Alliance -- which works with the NFL on diversity -- released a scathing statement, calling the hire "unacceptable."

While Meyer initially claimed he and Jags ownership went through a serious vetting process before hiring Doyle, he is now admitting it wasn't a good look.

"We are responsible for all aspects of our program and, in retrospect, should have given greater consideration to how his appointment may have affected all involved."