NFL

Rap star 2 Chainz says he's sad as hell to see the Atlanta Falcons trade his good friend Julio Jones ... but tells TMZ Sports he's still gonna support his guy by coppin' his new Titans jersey!!

Of course, the "Grey Area" MC is a diehard Dirty Birds fan ... and has been tight with JJ over the years.

Now that the Falcons are entering their first season since 2011 without Julio ... we had to ask how 2 Chainz is holding up.

"I'm bummed out about it, man," Julio told us outside Amiri on Rodeo Drive. "I'm a Falcons fan, but "I'm a Julio fan. He's a great friend of mine."

"I'm a huge Julio fan," he added. "Somebody today called me about the suites up there at the Falcons. I don't know how I feel yet."

2 Chainz explains Falcons fans had a strong relationship with Julio ... which is why it stings to see him go.

But, good news for Julio -- 2 Chainz says he's gonna be sure to get Jones' new #2 jersey with the Titans ... after all, the number couldn't be more perfect.

Police say they've identified the two guys who stole -- and then crashed -- Thomas Davis Sr.'s McLaren 720S supercar ... and they're just kids.

The Union County Sheriff's Office says investigators working the case believe the suspects are only 17 and 15 -- and officials are currently scrambling to take them into custody.

Despite their age, officials say both suspects "face juvenile petitions charging them with Burglary, two counts of Larceny of a Firearm, 5 counts of Breaking and Entering of a Motor Vehicle and 1 count of Motor Vehicle Theft."

As we previously reported, cops believe the guys broke into the ex-NFL star's North Carolina home early Tuesday morning, rummaged through his belongings and eventually stole the McLaren as well as two firearms.

During the getaway, cops say the men crashed the McLaren into their getaway car, rendering the McLaren inoperable.

Cops say they will not release the names of the suspects because they're juveniles ... but once in custody, the guys will "be held in a juvenile facility pending an appearance before a District Court judge."

For his part, Davis Sr. -- who retired from the NFL after the 2020 season -- said Wednesday his family is "all good" despite the disturbing situation.

Titans fans, rejoice ... Julio Jones just got in his first workout as a Tennessee wide receiver -- and he looks AWESOME!!!!!

The 32-year-old, who was just traded from the Falcons to the Titans over the weekend, ran crisp routes, flashed fancy footwork and showed off strong hands all morning Thursday.

Yeah, it's only June, but the Titans are CLEARLY winning!!

The workout was all part of voluntary organized team activities ... so Julio didn't have to show up, but obviously he wanted to make a good first impression on his new squad.

Jones rocked the #2 after he turned down A.J. Brown's offer to take #11 ... and by all accounts from local reporters, he was one of the best players on the field.

Jones is expected to meet with reporters shortly after practice ends ... and we wouldn't expect him to crap on Atlanta for trading him -- but crazier things have happened.

Chris Johnson says he's straight-up jealous of Derrick Henry ... telling TMZ Sports the Titans running back is going to FEAST in 2021 after the Julio Jones trade!!

"I wish I could've played there when we had that GM," the former Tennessee halfback said. "They doing what they got to do to win games."

As for why CJ2K sees Henry exploding ... Johnson says it's simple -- with Julio and A.J. Brown now on the outsides, Chris says it's not possible for defenses to just key in on Derrick.

"There's no way you can put 8, 9 in the box on Henry," Johnson tells us. "You got Julio on the outside. You got A.J. on the other side. So, you can't stack the box or anything like that."

"It's like, man, it's crazy."

It's a scary scene to think about -- especially for AFC South teams -- 'cause Henry was ALREADY a beast in 2020.

The 27-year-old monster ran for 2,027 yards, 17 touchdowns AND he added 114 receiving yards.

But, Johnson sees it going even better for Derrick with Julio on the team ... telling us, "I wish they would have made them moves when I was there."

"You love that move," Chris said of the blockbuster trade. "You don't want to continue to run against 8 and 9 in the box. You don't want to do that."

Johnson -- who by the way is opening up a chain of coffee shops in Florida that he hopes can compete with Starbucks someday -- says the move officially makes the Titans real contenders in 2021 for the Lombardi Trophy.

Ex-NFL star Thomas Davis Sr. claims he has surveillance video showing two men breaking into his home and stealing his expensive McLaren supercar and wrecking it ... and now, he's offering a reward for help IDing the "idiots" involved.

The former Carolina Panthers linebacker claims the security video shows two men inside his garage this week -- sifting through his things ... before getting in his McLaren and taking it for a joy ride.

38-year-old Davis claims the men eventually crashed the car ... and he posted photos to his IG page which appear to show the major damage to his beloved vehicle.

Davis says he's now offering a reward for anyone who can help him find the men.

"If any of you recognize either one of these idiots that decided it was good idea to come into my home and go through all of my cars and even steal and wreck my McLaren. I’m offering a cash reward for anyone that can help identify who these guys are!"

We've reached out to law enforcement to see if they're investigating, but so far, no word back yet.

Davis was a star in the NFL for over a decade -- a 3-time Pro Bowl selection and a 1st-team All-Pro pick in 2015. He retired after the 2020 season.

Davis reportedly made over $70 MILLION in his 15-year NFL career.

For the first time in his NFL career, Julio Jones will NOT wear #11 ... A.J. Brown just revealed the newest Tennessee Titan has refused to take the digits.

Brown said Tuesday he tried like hell to give Jones the number -- considering, you know, Brown did recruit the former Falcons star to Tennessee HARD -- but he claims Julio just wouldn't accept it.

"I tried to give it up and he wouldn’t take it," said Brown, who got the Titans' #11 when he joined the team in 2019. "Respect."

Julio was drafted by the Falcons in 2011 and got the #11 shortly after ... but he'll clearly have to find a new number in Nashville now.

As for potential replacements ... Jones did rock #8 during his college career at Alabama -- and while Titans rookie punter James Smith has already been assigned the ocho, something tells us that'll change if Julio wants it bad enough.

After all, the Titans did give up a 2nd-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft AND a 4th-round pick in the 2023 Draft in order to get Julio (and another '23 pick) over the weekend.

Happy new number hunting from here, Julio!

Jim Fassel -- the former NFL head coach who led the NY Giants to Super Bowl XXXV -- has died ... and his ex-star player, Michael Strahan, is heartbroken.

Fassel passed away Monday in Las Vegas after suffering a heart attack following chest pains, his son, John, told the L.A. Times.

And, when Strahan was asked about his former coach on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday ... the ex-pass rusher explained he was crushed to learn of the passing.

"Just a great man, great coach," Strahan said of Fassel. "And, he will be missed. But, I was definitely shocked this morning to find out this news and I just wanted to send my love and condolences to his family."

Strahan continued, "Great man. I enjoyed every minute with him as my coach and after my career when we continued to stay in touch and talk."

Fassel joined the Giants as an assistant coach in 1991 and later became the head coach in 1997, when he won NFL Coach of the Year honors.

Fassel eventually took Strahan and the G-Men to Super Bowl XXXV in the 2000 season ... where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens.

Fassel was fired in 2003 after piling up a career 58-53-1 record ... but he still went on to be an offensive coordinator for the Ravens before wrapping up his coaching career as the head man for the United Football League's Las Vegas Locomotives.

He was 71 years old.

Christian McCaffrey just got an AWESOME 25th birthday present -- a love note from one of the hottest women on the planet -- and it's adorable!!!

Olivia Culpo penned the mush on Monday afternoon ... gushing over her NFL superstar boyfriend with a series of pictures and sweet words.

"I’m obsessed with you 😍," Culpo said of her man on her social media page. "Happy birthday kintin!!!!!!! Thank you for making me the luckiest girl in the world I love you."

Christian didn't wait long to respond ... he commented on the post with an L-bomb of his own!!

"My ❤️," Christian wrote. "I love you."

The Carolina Panthers running back and the supermodel have been dating since 2019 ... and they've been pretty much inseparable ever since.

They've been on vacations, they've exchanged fancy gifts, they've flashed their toned bodies, and they certainly haven't hidden any PDA!!

Here it is ... Julio Jones' first touchdown in Tennessee as a member of the Titans.

The superstar WR just landed in Nashville after being traded from the Atlanta Falcons ... and of course, he made the trip in a private jet!

The 32-year-old perennial All-Pro seemed to be in a great mood as he stepped off the plane ... ready to enter his 11th season in the league with a serious Super Bowl contender.

He was greeted by Titans GM Jon Robinson.

As you may know, the Falcons sent Julio (and a 2023 draft pick) to the Titans for a 2nd-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and a 4th-round pick in the 2023 Draft.

After the deal became official, Robinson told reporters he was STOKED about the move.

"Excited to add Julio to the football team. He's excited to be part of what we've got going on in Nashville. It's a big day for our team."

Jones will add even more firepower to an already dangerous offense that includes superstar RB Derrick Henry and explosive wide-out A.J. Brown.

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill is also excited -- tweeting out, "Let's Gooo!!"

As for the Falcons, they kept it classy -- tweeting out a tribute video to their former superstar.

NBA fans gotta keep the water bottles, spit and popcorn to themselves ... so says NFL tight end Gerald Everett, who tells TMZ Sports the wild spectators need to cut the crap and keep sports a peaceful place for everyone.

There have been several instances of fans crossing the line at NBA games over the past week -- with superstars like Trae Young, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook having objects -- or liquids -- hurled in their direction.

On top of that, one fan even ran on the court during Game 5 of the Wizards vs. Sixers matchup on Monday night ... before getting absolutely leveled by arena security.

We spoke with 26-year-old Everett about the rise in fan-related incidents over the past week ... and he says it's extremely important to keep sports a fun place for everyone -- especially during tough times.

"Man, we just gotta realize that it's a team sport," Everett told us at LAX. "We're doing it to bring everybody together and it's just like a crazy time right now -- coronavirus and everybody's still tryna make it through."

"Sports is the only thing we have left so we have to use that as a key element to bringing people back together."

Everett says he's excited for fans to be back in NFL stadiums this season ... that is, if everyone behaves.

Antonio Brown is ready to follow his QB into battle again for the 2021 NFL season -- sharing kind words about Tom Brady ... this while engaging in even kinder acts with the community.

We got this video of AB out at Northeast High School Saturday in Oakland Park, FL ... where the star Buccaneers receiver was hosting a free youth football camp for 200 inner-city kids with his charity "Live Your Vision Foundation" ... with the help of some other star footballers like Michael Vick, Frank Gore and more.

As Antonio was making his way to the field to mingle with the youngsters who showed up in droves for a workout ... he did a quick stop and chat with a photog, who asked about another season with Tom at the helm, at age 43 no less.

Check it out ... AB weighs in on how much longer TB12 can play for -- and he does a great job teasing Tom's play, as well as what the rest of the team are expecting to do this year following their Super Bowl championship. Sounds like he thinks Tom can beat Father Time!

He also notes that he himself is feeling great health-wise, after undergoing off-season knee surgery, and based on the way he's moving in this clip -- we believe him.

Ezekiel Elliott's Rottweiler has been accused of being a very bad boy yet again ... TMZ Sports has learned another person is claiming the NFL star's dog violently attacked them.

It's all spelled out in a new lawsuit ... in which a pet resort employee says Elliott's Rottweiler viciously bit him on March 25, 2021.

Brandon Williams says he was working for Bliss Pet Resort in Prosper, Texas ... when he encountered the three dogs Elliott had boarded.

Williams claims he was taking the Cowboys running back's Rottweiler and two bulldogs out to relieve themselves -- when all of a sudden, Elliott's Rottweiler attacked.

Williams says the dog seized his right arm, clamped down, and threw him to the ground. Williams claims the bite was so ferocious, he needed stitches and was "seriously injured."

Williams is now suing Elliott and Bliss Pet Resort ... seeking more than $250,000, but less than $1 million.

Of course, this is FAR from the first time Elliott's dogs have been accused of attacks ... he was already battling a separate lawsuit in which a pool cleaner claimed she was bitten by his dogs in March 2020.

In that case, a woman says she went to clean Elliott's pool in Frisco, TX ... when Zeke's Rottweiler and two bulldogs severely mangled her arm.

As we previously reported, Elliott is also currently under police investigation after cops say his dogs, including his Rottweiler, escaped his Frisco, Texas home last month and bit neighbors.

"You making the millions, you're doing the media."

That's Marcellus Wiley telling TMZ Sports ... Naomi Osaka should NOT get a pass from speaking with reporters after matches -- even if she's claiming it's for mental health reasons.

The former NFL star says the tennis player straight-up just HAS to do the post-match sessions ... explaining the interviews are one of the biggest reasons for the sport's popularity.

"How do they think that this sport is driven?" Wiley said. "Just because people show up and pay for cotton candy? That's not it!"

"It's all of the investment that goes into the sport and participation."

In other words, the host of FS1's "Speak for Yourself" says Osaka's boycott could cost the sport fans' interest ... and in turn, take money out of players' pockets.

As for the mental health argument ... Wiley admits it's important for Osaka to deal with that aspect of her life -- but he claims she should still have to do media regardless.

"Handle your mental health -- you!" Wiley tells us. "And, then show up when you're ready and don't burn down the house."

As we previously reported, Osaka had initially planned to do no press conferences at the French Open ... saying it was all in an effort to improve her mental health.

Amazing news for Greg Olsen and his family ... the former NFL star says his 8-year-old son, TJ, has found a donor match for his heart transplant!

The 36-year-old tight end made the announcement on his social media page Friday morning, calling the news "a huge step forward."

"A day we have prayed for has arrived," Olsen said while posting a picture of him smiling with TJ and his wife, Kara.

"We were alerted last night that there was a donor match for TJ to receive his heart transplant. Walking our little boy, with tears of hope and fear in our eyes, was one of the toughest moments of our lives."

Olsen added, "We ask for everyone’s prayers for TJ and his amazing team of doctors and nurses. TJ has a long road ahead of him but today is a huge step forward."

As we previously reported, TJ was hospitalized last month in North Carolina with a serious heart condition.

Olsen said it was all very terrifying, 'cause TJ "has already undergone 3 open heart surgeries and has survived with a modified heart for his first 8 years of life."

It's unclear when TJ will have his operation ... but he's already got at least one big NFL star rooting for him -- Julian Edelman tweeted to Olsen on Friday, "Thoughts are you with your little one today bubs."

Attention all tattoo artists in Denver ... Von Miller could be needing a cover-up soon!!!

The NFL superstar says he's now changing his unborn son's name ... this despite already inking it onto his body just 2 months ago!!!

The Denver Broncos pass rusher made the announcement on his social media page Thursday ... saying his son will no longer be Valor Miller, but will instead go by Legacy Miller when he's born later this summer.

"Get ready to play some golf son," Miller said after announcing the name change. "My legacy. He gon be a beast just like his daddy."

Miller had fun realizing this might require some sort of tattoo cover-up ... crossing out his "Valor" ink and writing the word "Legacy" above it.

"I had his other name tatted," Miller explained. "Valor can be his nickname."

The 32-year-old then ensured he still had plans for the kid to grow up a quarterback ... adding, "It's all love. I'm just excited for my young QB."

"You guys remember this one???"

That's Tom Brady joking about one of the most embarrassing moments of his NFL career ... the 4th down mixup in Chicago -- and hey, it's good that he's able to finally laugh at himself!

Brief backstory ... Tom's Tampa Bay Bucs were taking on the Bears back in October, trying to come back from a 20 to 19 deficit late in the 4th quarter.

But, during the final drive, Tom lost count of the downs ... and after an incomplete pass, he held up 4 fingers, believing he still had one more chance.

He did not.

Game over. Bucs lose.

Of course, Tom's squad ended up winning the Super Bowl ... which is probably why he's now ready to poke fun at himself over the moment in a new TikTok video.

"4th quarter, last chance in Chicago," Brady said while setting up the clip ... "I thought it was the 2nd to last chance in Chicago, but apparently not."

"I don’t think I’ve ever been as confused as I am in this moment right here. Look at that face."

After the game, Bucs coach Bruce Arians SWORE Brady knew it was 4th down.

Apparently not!