NFL

Darren Waller says if Tim Tebow wants his advice on the tight end position ... he'd gladly give it -- telling TMZ Sports he's down to be a mentor of sorts for the new Jaguar!

"If he thinks he can learn from me," Waller said of Tebow, "then I'd love to help him and help make his transition smoother."

The Las Vegas Raiders superstar definitely knows a thing or two about what Tebow is going through ... you'll recall, Darren actually started his NFL career as a wide receiver before making the switch to TE.

And, while even Waller admits that's a far easier task than changing from QB to TE, he says he can still relate to Tim and help him out.

"I tried to find any information I could from watching guys play or asking people when I moved," Waller says. "So, I'd love to continue to pass that on and help him be a better player."

Even if Tim doesn't reach out ... Waller tells us he's pretty confident the 33-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner can succeed -- even despite his long football layoff.

"Football is in his blood," Waller says. "So, I feel like he'll find a way. He'll find a way. He's physical, he's athletic. So, I wish him nothing but the best going forward."

As for Tebow's first few months in the role ... Jacksonville head coach Urban Meyer recently said Tim's done a "decent job" adjusting so far.

Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke loved Kobe Bryant SO MUCH ... he got a tattoo of the Lakers legend on his calf -- and it's AWESOME!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Locke idolized the Black Mamba growing up, and when the former NBA superstar died in 2020, he felt it was only right to honor him with a new tat.

So, we're told Locke hit up Joshua Butierres at Filthy Family Tattoo in Denver last month to get the Mamba ink ... and after 9 hours in the shop, the masterpiece came out great!

The piece -- centered on Locke's left calf -- features Kobe in his #24 Lakers jersey waving. Locke also added an image of a gorilla and a pic of himself to the artwork as well.

Locke tells us the pic of himself in his Texas Longhorns gear means a lot ... as it's from one of his best college games.

And, when it comes to the gorilla, Locke explained that represents his work ethic and "competitive edge."

Locke says the reason behind combining all three images is to symbolize and remind himself that, "Bro, you a beast!!!"

NFL legend Bruce Smith says the Packers are SCREWED if they don't remedy the Aaron Rodgers situation ... telling TMZ Sports Green Bay is NOT a contender without the QB.

Smith didn't mince words when talking about the Cheesehead drama ... saying straight-up, "With [Rodgers], they are a contender. Without him, they are not!"

Of course, the Packers certainly know that -- Rodgers is one of the greatest football players EVER -- but for some reason, they still haven't been able to squash the beef.

Rodgers has made it clear he's upset over his contract situation ... and reportedly, the 37-year-old ain't too happy with some of the team's personnel moves over the past few years either.

Smith is warning the Packers to get it all behind them quickly ... explaining the drop-off from Rodgers to Jordan Love in 2021 could be significant.

"My advice would be to hash out their differences," Smith said.

Smith tells us at the very least, the Packers have to figure out a way to hold onto Rodgers for at least one more year before they move on.

"It would be in everyone's best interest that Aaron is happy going into this season or he at least knows what his future is going to look like after the season is over."

The Washington Football Team is getting hammered with a staggering, and record-setting, $10 MILLION fine after the NFL wrapped up its sexual misconduct investigation of the organization ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The punishment was determined and handed down Thursday after the league investigated claims that high-ranking figures within the team sexually harassed and verbally abused female employees repeatedly and rampantly over the last decade.

At least 15 women came forward with the allegations last year ... saying the NFL's team workplace was toxic and demeaning toward females.

In a bombshell 2020 Washington Post report, one of the women -- former marketing coordinator Emily Applegate -- said she was told to wear revealing clothes "so the men in the room have something to look at."

Another woman -- who wished to remain anonymous, according to the report -- alleged men in the team's football facility would stand at the base of a staircase near the entrance in order to stare up women's skirts.

The league's fine of the team is historic -- it's the largest The Shield has EVER slapped on a team or individual.

Worth noting, the WFT and its owner, Dan Snyder, just announced sweeping and progressive changes to the organization ... including naming Snyder's wife, Tanya, the new co-CEO. Other changes, some put in motion 18 months ago, include changing the cheerleading squad to a co-ed dance team and installing a more racially diverse front office.

Snyder, who was not personally fined by the league, says ... "I feel great remorse for the people who had difficult, even traumatic experiences while working here. I'm truly sorry for that."

"I can't turn back the clock, but I promise that nobody who works here will ever have that kind of experience again, at least not as long as Tanya and I are owners of this team."

Michael Irvin says someone stole one of his favorite pieces of jewelry -- a diamond necklace with TONS of sentimental value -- and he's mortified that it's now gone.

The Dallas Cowboys legend lamented losing the piece to his social media followers on Wednesday ... saying the ice was jacked by a thief in Miami last weekend.

Irvin says when he was returning to his hotel from a Univ. of Miami football event ... he set his black Louie Vuitton bag down -- which had his necklace in it -- to interact with some fans.

Irvin claims while he was sidetracked ... a man grabbed the bag and bolted.

Michael pleaded with his followers to help find the scumbag and return his stuff, but the former NFL superstar seemed to believe Wednesday there was no hope of getting it back.

And, Irvin said he was straight-up depressed over it, because his chain was PRICELESS to him.

"I have to come out of this depression. So I am sharing with ALL," Irvin said. "This is my necklace that was in my bag. I designed it as a first down chain, holding an all diamond football, which is holding an all diamond cross."

"On each end of the cross are diamonds I acquired at the birth of my children Myesha, Chelsea, Michael and Elijah. It was a piece I built over my life that represents. Faith, Family and Football and my own sentimental way of praying to GOD please always protect my babies."

Irvin added, "I am so hurt its gone."

Chad Pennington's star quarterback son is following in his footsteps ... announcing that he's committed to Marshall University --- his father's alma mater!!!

Cole Pennington -- a 3-star junior QB at Sayre H.S. in Lexington, KY -- made the announcement Wednesday via Twitter ... saying he's stoked to join the Herd.

"To be a college student-athlete has always been a dream of mine," Cole says.

"Thank you, Coach Huff, Coach Cramsey, and the rest of the Marshall Football Staff for giving me this opportunity to say I'm 100% committed to Marshall University!!!! Go Herd!!!"

CP got interest from other schools like Akron, Ball State and Eastern Kentucky ... but come on, the dude is destined to take his talents to Huntington!!!

After all, Chad was a legend at MU -- he played QB from 1995 to 1999 and holds the Herds record for most passing yards (14,098) and is second all-time in passing TDs (123).

In fact, he was a finalist for the Heisman in '99.

Chad was selected 18th overall to the NY Jets in 2000 ... making 3 playoff appearances for the Green and White. He also had a short stint with the Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2011.

And, get this -- Chad got a new gig in retirement ... he's Cole's football coach at Sayre!!!

"To my parents and brothers, thank you for your unconditional love and being my greatest support," Cole added.

"LET'S GOOOOOOOOO!!!"

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry was FIRED UP when he found out he and his wife were having a baby boy ... and the video of it all is AWESOME!!

The couple posted the amazing gender reveal footage on Instagram on Tuesday ... showing how they walked into Gillette Stadium hand-in-hand while staring at a jumbotron that read, "He or She?"

Before it was revealed, the 26-year-old Pats star said he thought it was going to be a girl ... but his wife, Parker, thought otherwise.

Turns out ... after a countdown from 3, Parker ended up being right -- and Hunter went CRAZY!!

Henry screamed, threw his hands in the air and even started fist pumpin'!

"No way!" he yelled. "That's dope!!!"

The couple -- who married in 2018 --- says #BabyHenry is due to arrive in December.

The NFL is making it clear it stands firmly with the LGBTQ+ community ... releasing a powerful video Monday that featured the message, "Football is gay."

The clip, which is 30 seconds in length, added, "Football is lesbian. Football is beautiful. Football is queer. Football is life."

The messages didn't stop there ... they even went on to say, "Football is transgender" and "Football is bisexual" -- before the video ended with, "Football is for everyone."

A league spokesperson confirmed to Outsports on Monday the video was a direct response to Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Carl Nassib announcing he's gay last week.

"I am proud of the clear message this spot sends to the NFL’s LGBTQ+ fans: This game is unquestionably for you," another rep for the league, NFL diversity director Sam Rapoport, added to Outsports.

"I will be playing its first line over and over in my head all season."

As part of the video message, the NFL once again encouraged people to donate to The Trevor Project -- an org. established to try to help prevent suicides in the LGBTQ+ community.

Nassib said last week he was donating $100K to the organization during his video announcement ... and the NFL quickly followed suit matching the donation hours later.

"NFL proudly supports The Trevor Project," the league said in Monday's video. "LGBTQ+ youth with at least one accepting adult have 40% lower risk of attempting suicide."

Bruce Smith says he has a ton of respect for Carl Nassib for coming out -- but the Hall of Famer tells TMZ Sports gay players in the NFL is nothing new.

"We had a gay player in our locker room," Smith says ... "I think it was the mid to late 90s and I think we might have had 2 but that wasn't what we were focused on."

Remember, Smith's Bills were legendary in the '90s ... making the playoffs 8 times (including 4 Super Bowl appearances).

But, Smith says he never cared about anyone's sexual orientation -- as long as that player could ball out on the field.

"We were focused on winning games and each and every person that was in that locker room contributing to the goal at hand which was winning football games. None of that other stuff mattered. This was about winning football games and trying to be a good person."

Smith says he completely understands the cultural significance of having an openly gay player in the NFL -- and believes Nassib's decision to come out will have a tremendous impact.

"Obviously, we like to see the inclusion part. We like to see folks that understand that the world is changing and you have to embrace those that may be a little bit different and it's okay."

But, ultimately, Smith believes NFL locker rooms have been more inclusive than people think ... and the notion that older players wouldn't have accepted a gay teammate is just wrong.

This is one of the sweetest videos you'll see today.

Philadelphia Eagles rookie DeVonta Smith just thanked his mother, Christina, in a HUGE way this week -- by gifting her a new home!!

The 22-year-old Heisman winner posted footage of the big reveal to his Instagram on Thursday ... saying, "To the world you are a mother, but to me you are the absolute world."

The vid is priceless -- Christine walks into the front door of her new digs and immediately bursts into tears ... giving her son a big hug.

Smith -- the #10 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- is giving back to his loved ones fresh off inking his 4-year deal worth $20.1 million with a $12 million signing bonus.

But, don't worry ... Smith previously said he's not really intending to make any other big purchases with his big payday ... telling reporters he's mainly going to keep it in the bank.

Smith was an absolute baller for Alabama ... earning 24 TDs with more than 1,800 receiving yards during his senior season.

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis got in a "mini" car accident on Wednesday ... and we mean that in more ways than one.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Davis -- the son of legendary Raiders owner Al Davis -- was involved in a wreck with another vehicle in a shopping complex near the Vegas strip early Wednesday afternoon.

From the looks of it, it was a fender bender -- nobody appeared to be seriously injured or anything like that.

In fact, it was such a minor incident, cops confirm no officers were called to the scene.

The bigger issue ... Mark Davis -- reportedly worth more than $500 million -- was spotted near a TJ Maxx and drives a Mini?? How financially responsible!!

Hey, Derek Carr is in the middle of a $125 million contract ... gotta save up so the man gets paid!!

We've obtained video following the accident ... showing Davis driving his Mini away from the scene. So don't worry, Raider fans -- your owner's car seems to be okay!!

We've reached out to Davis and the Raiders for comment ... so far, no word back.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is gonna love this ...

Tom Brady is a HUUUUGE fan of the musical "Hamilton" -- he's seen it live a whole bunch of times -- and busted out one of the songs last night with James Corden!

"Doesn’t everybody love it?!" Tom said during an appearance on "The Late Late Show ... "I mean it’s just, it’s so good!"

Brady explained his father was obsessed with Broadway growing up -- and it eventually rubbed off on him.

Then, TB12 and Corden busted out the opening number from the musical -- "Alexander Hamilton."

Did Tom mess up some of the lyrics? Yes. Did he have a great time doing it? Absolutely!

There's a lot more ... TB12 also teaches Corden the proper way to work out with stretch bands.

Corden heckles Brady during their golf outing (Tom threatens to smash James in the face).

And, Tom also talks about what it's like to be the greatest football player of all time.

It's good stuff ... but we're here for the show tunes.

Las Vegas Raiders star Darren Waller says he couldn't be happier for his teammate, Carl Nassib ... telling TMZ Sports the whole team will continue to love and support the guy no matter what.

28-year-old Nassib made the groundbreaking decision to come out as gay earlier this week ... becoming the first active NFL player to do so.

Waller says he was pumped for his teammate when he heard the news ... but hopes these sort of announcements aren't such a big deal in the future.

"My initial reaction was like, ‘oh, that’s dope,'" Waller tells us. "I feel like one day, maybe we’ll get to a point where if somebody says they are gay, like it won’t be this huge thing. It’s just like, hey that’s who he is, and he’s being who he is 100%."

"And so, it’s all respect, all love for Carl, but just because Carl came out and announced that doesn’t mean he’s gonna be a different person. He’s gonna be the same person he’s been all along and we love having him on our team."

Waller added he's "super proud" of Nassib ... calling him a pioneer for speaking his truth and making a real impact in the world.

Nassib has received support from friends, teammates and others throughout sports since coming out on Monday ... and even got a shoutout from President Biden!!

As for the organization, Waller says everyone will continue to love Nassib the way they always have ... and will do whatever they can to show support.

"I feel like the people in the building are good people," he said. "And you know, good people show unconditional love and accept people as they are no matter if it's against what you believe or what you’re used to."

NFL free agent Derrius Guice is officially off the hook in his domestic violence case ... after the running back reached a deal with his ex-GF on Wednesday.

As we previously reported, the 24-year-old former LSU star was arrested in Virginia back in August 2020 ... after he allegedly choked and pushed his ex-GF to the ground on 3 separate occasions between February and April.

He was also accused of destroying her cell phone.

Guice faced 3 counts of assault and battery and 1 count of destruction of property. He also faced 1 count of felony strangulation, but that charge was dropped back in January.

According to reports, Guice and the alleged victim appeared in court to ask the judge to accept an agreement and drop the charges, which the judge apparently did.

Details on the settlement have not been released, but a rep for the prosecutors said this "process permits the parties to control the direction and outcome of such matters."

The Washington Football Team cut Guice following his arrest ... saying it was fully cooperating with the NFL as the league and law enforcement investigated the alleged incidents.

Guice was a 2nd-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft -- but has only played in 5 games in his career due to injury.

President Joe Biden is heaping praise on two high profile athletes who came out this week -- Carl Nassib and Kumi Yokoyama -- hailing them as courageous and inspiring.

Of course, 28-year-old Nassib -- a star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders -- became the first active NFL player to come out as gay.

Kumi Yokoyama is a star soccer player for Team Japan and the NWSL's Washington Spirit. The 27-year-old came out as a transgender man on Sunday and uses they/them pronouns.

Both athletes are now getting shout-outs from the White House -- with Biden tweeting late Tuesday evening.

"To Carl Nassib and Kumi Yokoyama -- two prominent, inspiring athletes who came out this week: I’m so proud of your courage," Biden said.

"Because of you, countless kids around the world are seeing themselves in a new light today."

As we previously reported, Nassib's announcement was met with widespread support from top athletes, celebrities and officials. Ditto for Yokoyama.

It's not Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers ... no, the NFL player with the top-selling jersey over the last 24 hours is none other than Carl Nassib!!!

According to the ultra-popular fan gear website Fanatics, Nassib's #94 Las Vegas Raiders jersey has been flying off the shelves ever since the D-lineman announced Monday he's gay.

It's unclear the total number of Nassib jerseys that have sold so far on Monday and Tuesday (we're working on it) ... but as the #1 jersey seller in America's most popular sport, it's safe to say A LOT of Nassib units have been moved in the last 24 hours!!

Of course, the support for Nassib since he made his announcement has been overwhelming ... everybody from Saquon Barkley to Roger Goodell to even O.J. Simpson has praised the 28-year-old for coming forward.

In fact, the NFL was so moved by Nassib's announcement and simultaneous charitable donation to The Trevor Project -- an org. established to help prevent suicides in the LGBTQ community -- it agreed Tuesday to match the pass rusher's $100k.

As for Nassib's head coach, Jon Gruden also threw his support behind his player Monday evening ... telling the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "I learned a long time ago what makes a man different is what makes him great."