NFL

Kyle Pitts and Mac Jones will have personal spots to chill while they wait to hear their names called at the NFL Draft on Thursday ... with the league hooking up all the prospects and their families with their very own backstage pods!!

... and it's all in the name of COVID-19 awareness!!

Of course, the 2021 draft in Cleveland is going to look a LOT different this year ... with players, families and fans returning to the event after COVID-19 forced the 2020 draft to go totally virtual.

There are some strict protocols in place -- attendees in the stands will have to be FULLY vaccinated ... and any other fans enjoying the festivities will be required to wear masks at all times (except for drinking and eating).

Folks will also have to remain 6 feet apart, which will be no problem for the 12 prospects in town for the big night ... thanks to the backstage pods.

The NFL shared a glimpse of what they look like Thursday morning ... showing off Jones' pod, which includes a widescreen TV, tables and multiple couches.

Remember, the draft usually features all the big names and their families lined up at tables throughout the venue ... but the pandemic is forcing everyone to be as separated as possible.

It looks like a great spot to kick back and relax ... but we're sure there won't be too much partying until AFTER the fellas hear commish Roger Goodell say their names.

FYI, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields will NOT get to have their own dope pods -- they decided to enjoy their big moment elsewhere.

Tommy Tuberville tells TMZ Sports ... Thursday's NFL draft picks should avoid speaking publicly about politics, saying the rookies should straight-up "talk about what you know about."

The Alabama Senator -- who coached future NFL draft picks for YEARS during his tenure as a college headman -- tells us he wants to see less political chatter from athletes, and more playing.

"Nobody's looking for an outspoken person," Tuberville said on Capitol Hill this week of the advice he'd give to his players if they were heading into Thursday's draft. "We're too divided as it is."

Tuberville clearly believes the sports landscape would be better off if players -- particularly younger ones who are just arriving in their respective leagues -- avoided polarizing subjects altogether.

"Everybody wants to make an opinion and that's fine," Tuberville tells us. "But, I think, especially for young people to get involved in something that maybe they might not understand as much, I think they need to let people that, whatever they do for a living, justify it."

Tuberville added, "I'd just like to see our country be more settled down in terms of people getting into politics or in sports and vice versa."

What's interesting ... the draft's projected top overall pick, former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence, has made it clear he's already comfortable commenting on hot-button topics outside of the gridiron.

Rich Eisen WANTS ALL THE SMOKE!!!!

The NFL Network star touched down in Cleveland on Tuesday night for the upcoming NFL Draft -- where he was immediately challenged to a footrace by an L.A. Rams fan.

Fortunately for Rich, he'd been training for his "Run Rich Run" event (which raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) and was ready to go ... despite the fact he just got off a plane!!

Watch the video ... 51-year-old Rich had some JUICE off the line -- and then he kicked in the afterburners!

Okay, he's no Ja'Marr Chase ... but at least Rich got the "W" without pulling a hammy!

And, if you're a fan of watching Rich run, his "Run Rich Run" special -- featuring stars like Jerry Rice and Ray Lewis -- airs on NFL Network on May 1.

Caleb Farley -- a former Va. Tech star who's expected to be a top 20 pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday -- has tested positive for COVID and has now been barred from the league's official party.

The DB's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, made the announcement in a statement to Pro Football Talk on Wednesday ... saying the 22-year-old is feeling fine, but will now not attend the NFL's in-person draft event in Cleveland this week.

"Caleb Farley tested positive for Covid 19 yesterday on a test administered by the NFL," Rosenhaus said.

"He is totally asymptomatic and feels completely normal. However, he won’t be allowed to attend the draft in Cleveland."

Farley had been just 1 of 13 former college football stars scheduled to be in Ohio for the annual selection process ... so it's obviously a big bummer for the CB.

But, Farley's draft night should still be a memorable one nonetheless -- he's been projected by draft experts to possibly go as high as #9 overall to the Denver Broncos.

Farley -- who opted to sit out the 2020 season over COVID concerns -- played in 23 games in his 2-year career at Virginia Tech, logging six total interceptions.

Antonio Brown is officially returning to Tampa ... the star receiver re-signed with the Buccaneers on Wednesday morning, just 1 week after settling his sexual assault case.

Brown was a key part of Tampa's Super Bowl-winning team in 2020 -- he caught a TD in the title game against the Chiefs -- and he had been campaigning for a 2021 return.

And, after AB struck a settlement last week with the woman who had accused him of a 2018 rape, the Bucs clearly felt comfortable bringing the 32-year-old back.

The deal is a one-year contract worth up to $6.25 million, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. The agreement also includes a $2 million signing bonus, Pelissero added.

Brown -- who released a joint statement with his accuser, Britney Taylor, last week saying "Their dispute is resolved and they wish each other great continued success" -- played in 8 games for the Bucs last season.

Kenny Chesney is hoping to get back to performing massive stadium concerts in the near future ... and says he's looking to the NFL to come up with a COVID-conscious blueprint.

"We're watching really closely what the NFL is going to do this year," Chesney told Brett Favre on the Hall of Famer's "Bolling With Favre" podcast this month.

"We're watching really closely to what the NFL does and how many people they allow in there and I think that's going to allow us to see what we're going to do in 2022."

Chesney says he and his band have no plans to tour this summer ... but he's anticipating putting together shows that'll stop at plenty of NFL stadiums in '22.

He explained to Favre that he's going to watch how the NFL handles attendance ... and could potentially mimic the same regulations when he's ready to return to the big stage.

"We all got our fingers crossed that we're going to be able to go with no restrictions -- with a lot of people in there," Chesney says.

Chesney added he's foaming at the mouth to get back to playing, telling Favre, "I can tell you that I have really missed it. I missed the energy."

As for how the conversation with Favre all came about ... it turns out, Brett is actually a HUGE country music fan who's been buds with KC for a long time.

In fact, Favre told a funny Chesney story about how he was once on the singer's tour bus with Vince Vaughn when the thing caught on fire!

Trey Songz will not face criminal charges for his violent altercation with cops at an NFL playoff game ... TMZ has learned.

The Prosecutor's Office for Jackson County, MO tells us they have decided to decline filing charges against the singer, citing insufficient evidence.

We broke the story ... Trey was arrested back in January at a Kansas City Chiefs home playoff game, with video showing what looked like a violent dust-up with a police officer.

The incident started when Songz allegedly refused to wear a mask inside Arrowhead Stadium, despite coronavirus protocols in place at the game.

As we told you, Trey was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest -- both misdemeanors -- and for assaulting a police officer, a low-grade felony.

The footage police released appeared to show Trey throwing the first punch during his interaction with police, but his camp claimed the officer had it out for him before the brawl. In any event, no charges are being filed in the case.

Ex-NFL linebacker Geno Hayes died Monday night while in hospice at his parents' home in Georgia. He was only 33.

Hayes -- was drafted in 2008 and played 7 seasons in the NFL -- had been diagnosed with chronic liver disease in 2019.

The former Florida State linebacker believed the condition was brought on by a combination of nonprescription pain medications and a family history of liver disease.

Hayes' health had been declining in recent weeks so he was moved to hospice care -- where he spent his final days being visited by family members and close friends.

After his passing, Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell issued a statement saying, "Thoughts and prayer for the family and friends of Geno Hayes."

"He lived his life as a tremendous Seminole who impacted so many throughout his journey on and off the field. His legacy will live on. #RIP #NoleFamily."

Hayes was a football star since his high school days -- when he was personally recruited by Florida State legend Bobby Bowden.

Geno lived up to his potential at FSU -- earning 1st Team All-ACC honors in 2007.

He went on to have a 7-year run in the NFL -- which started when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the 6th-round of the 2008 Draft.

Hayes went on to play with the Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars before his pro career came to an end following the 2014 season.

Some of the fastest legs in sports are now also officially the coolest looking ... 'cause Robert Griffin III just completed a tattoo sleeve on his leg with pics of the Ninja Turtles -- and they're AWESOME!!

RGIII's leg art has been in the works for months -- he famously got Hulk and Goku inked on his left limb back in September -- but he was finally able to finish off the piece this past weekend.

We're told Griffin turned to Nic Westfall, the same guy who did the original artwork, to add on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a Black Panther piece ... and you can see in the pics and vids, it all came out great.

Westfall tells us RGIII came out to Sacramento to get the work done ... and sat like a rock for HOURS to get the ink all packed in.

Westfall says he needled RGIII's leg for the Ninja Turtles portion from around 10:30 a.m. to around 10 p.m. on Saturday -- only taking breaks to watch the UFC fights.

On Sunday, Westfall says RGIII returned from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to put on the Black Panther tattoo.

As for why all the superhero characters, RGIII is a notorious cartoon and comic book nerd ... even rocking a "TMNT" shirt and socks to the tattoo sesh!!

Forget Rolexes, presents and cash ... Patrick Peterson just paid his new teammate for jersey #7 in a WAY cooler fashion -- making a sweet donation to the guy's former high school!

The new Minnesota Vikings corner -- who rocked #7 during his college days at LSU -- wanted to sport the digit in his first year away from the Arizona Cardinals this season.

The problem? Quarterback Nate Stanley already had the number ... and Peterson didn't want to just railroad the 2nd-year man for the uniform.

So, Peterson made a trade ... in exchange for paying for new shoulder pads for Stanley's alma mater, Menomonie High School in Wisconsin, Nate gave up the jersey!

And, Patrick was stoked about the transaction ... joining Bryant McFadden on their "All Things Covered" podcast and explaining why he has so much love for the number.

"Once [the NFL] passed that new rule where skill positions were able to wear any number between 1 and 49, it was only right," said Peterson, who wore #21 with the Cardinals.

"I always wore it in high school, I wore it in college. I always felt comfortable with it. And that's what I felt started me. So it was only right to go back to my roots and rock that seven."

The move could be a huge one for Peterson and the Vikes ... when Patrick donned that number back at LSU -- he became one of the greatest defensive backs in college football history.

The FaZe Clan empire is expanding ... this time, the world-famous Esports organization has added NFL star Kyler Murray as an official member!!!

FaZe made the announcement official on Monday ... saying the 23-year-old Arizona Cardinals QB has joined the family as "FaZe K1."

Murray says he's been playing video games since he was 5 years old ... and his love for Madden and Call of Duty made the move a natural fit.

"I’ve played video games my whole life," Murray said. "To be drafted by FaZe and welcomed into the family is a blessing and an honor, and honestly one of the most exciting moments of my life and career so far."

FYI, Murray spends a lot of time on Twitch when he's not busy with his day job -- he's gained nearly 63,000 followers on his channel.

"I am looking forward to this next chapter and representing FaZe at the highest level.”

On top of becoming an official member, Murry is currently working on becoming an investor for the org.

Murray joins a growing list of massive sports names joining the FaZe Clan recently ... including NBA star Ben Simmons and LeBron James' son, Bronny.

Co-founder FaZe Banks shared his excitement on the big get ... saying, "We’re so stoked to officially welcome Kyler to the FaZe family."

"Aside from being one of the best QBs out there, he is embedded in the gaming community racking up hours upon hours playing and streaming. The friendship with Kyler, myself and all the FaZe members is natural and organic."

"He’s a perfect fit for FaZe as we continue to lead the cultural collision of traditional sports and gaming."

G.O.A.T. players fetch G.O.A.T. numbers .. and that's why LeBron James and Tom Brady's trading cards just sold for a combined $3.44 million at auction!!

A King James '03-'04 Upper Deck "Exquisite Collection" Rookie Patch Autograph card -- 1 of only 99 ever made -- sold for $1.72 million ... a record for the super coveted card.

The card -- rated a mint 9 -- comes complete with an LBJ autograph ... and a rookie patch from one of James' rookie Cleveland Cavaliers uniforms.

As for the 7x Super Bowl champ, the Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders #144 Signed Championship Ticket Rookie card -- graded a near mint 8.5 by Beckett -- it also sold for $1.72 million.

Both cards closed Saturday night on the Goldin Auctions website ... after weeks of fierce bidding.

The scary part ... GA founder Ken Goldin says he expects prices to continue to rise.

"Prices for cards across sports like golf, soccer and hockey, and for trading card games like Pokémon, have absolutely taken off and we’re just scratching the surface!”

Get a sick headshot ... then hit The Griddy next?!?

Players in Fortnite will now be able to do exactly that ... and it's all because Justin Jefferson made the dance famous during his touchdown celebrations!!!

Here's the deal if you ain't familiar ... the Minnesota Vikings superstar has been hitting the move in endzones since his LSU days, where he got inspiration for the dance from its creator, Louisiana athlete Allen "Griddy" Davis.

In fact, Jefferson scored so much and did the dance so much ... it became a phenomenon, with athletes from every major sport hitting the move to celebrate big plays!

Now, it's grown so huge, it's getting immortalized in Fortnite, with reps for the game announcing Monday the Griddy will be a new "emote" that players can hit in matches.

As for how it'll look in the game, check out the video of Jefferson's avatar hitting the dance ... it's spot on!!!

Reps for Fortnite say the emote be available starting Wednesday ... and Justin couldn't be more pumped about it.

"Julian Edelman will be in the Hall of Fame."

That's Terrell Davis saying it's not a matter of if but when Julian Edelman gets into Canton ... telling TMZ Sports the Patriots legend HAS done enough to get the call someday.

"For me, I'm saying yes," Davis says. "I think he is a Hall of Famer."

Edelman retired earlier this month after he said his body couldn't withstand the rigors of the NFL anymore ... and the debate over his HOF candidacy has been intense ever since.

Julian's regular-season numbers are historically not good enough to get him in ... but when we spoke to Davis -- who did get into the Hall despite unconventional career statistics -- he guaranteed Edelman would get a bust eventually.

"Always to me, it's looking at impact," Davis says. "I don't care about whether you made it to the Pro Bowl or 1st Team All-Pro -- I mean, those are great to have and they signify how great you've played."

"But, my eyes tell me that when I watch this man play every single Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, whatever day they played on, he was a playmaker. He was a difference-maker. And, he made huge plays in the Super Bowl as we saw."

Davis says he's not sure if Edelman will be a first-ballot guy ... but he added that shouldn't matter in the end regardless.

"Once you're in, once we're amongst each other," Davis says. "There is no, 'Oh, yeah, that's the guy that waited 11 years to get in the Hall of Fame.'"

TMZ Sports has obtained police video from Justin Layne's arrest Friday ... and the Steelers DB can be heard in the back of a squad car saying, "They acting like I got some drugs -- I got one blunt!"

The 23-year-old -- who was a Steelers third-round pick in 2019 -- was pulled over after cops say he was doing 89 MPH in a 60 MPH zone in his 2020 Dodge Charger.

During the stop, officers put him in the back of a patrol car while they searched his ride ... and that's when Layne got on the phone with some of his friends to talk them through his situation.

While on the line ... Layne can be heard telling one friend, "I'm nervous as f***, bro. They about to get me."

Layne continued, "They might get me for the pistol, bro." He later told his friend that he had a blunt in the car.

Cops say they eventually found weed residue, a grinder and a loaded Glock 9mm pistol during their search of his car ... and released photos of their findings to TMZ Sports.

Layne was ultimately arrested and booked on a felony charge of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

What's interesting ... Layne mentioned twice during the stop he was an NFL player -- and even at one point told an officer he played for the Steelers.

For their part, the Steelers said they were aware of the situation and were gathering more information.

Bengals star Tyler Boyd won't change into a swaggier jersey number this season ... he says even though he's allowed to now -- he ain't about to open up his wallet for it!!

The NFL passed a new rule this week that'll give skill position players like Boyd the ability to rock basically any digits they want for the 2021 season.

And, as a guy who currently wears a forgettable #83, Boyd seemed like a prime candidate to switch.

But, when the 26-year-old -- who wore #23 in college -- was leaving Catch on Thursday night ... he said point-blank he's sticking with the ocho tres.

"I'mma keep my same number, bro," the Cincinnati wideout said. "I'mma keep my s***. I'mma have to pay if I want to get my s*** changed!"

As for why Boyd would have to shell out coins to get a fancier number ... the league is forcing players to buy out the inventory of current unsold jerseys in order to make the switch.

The move could cost hundreds of thousands -- if not MILLIONS -- so, yeah, Boyd says he's sticking with his number for now.