NFL

The battle scars Dak Prescott earned after having TWO major surgeries on his ankle last year were finally revealed on Tuesday night ... and the red and purple wounds are GNARLY.

The quarterback showed off the marks during the opening episode of this year's 'Hard Knocks' ... pointing out that they run in a "wishbone" pattern from the top of his foot to near his Achilles.

Of course, the procedures that caused the scars were VERY serious ... you'll recall, Dak was rushed to the operating table last October after he dislocated and broke his ankle during a game.

Prescott, though, appeared to be in great spirits while talking about the injury ... even telling the 'Hard Knocks' camera crew that everything's now all gravy with the once-disfigured leg.

"When I had the first surgery, it was an open wound," 28-year-old Dak said. "And, they just wanted to go in and do what they needed to do initially. I thought I was going to be able to start rehab and yet I had to go back under the knife."

"We kept that down, nobody knew that. And then, [the scar] became a wishbone."

Dak added, "I'm healthy. I'm completely healthy."

Prescott was later shown in the episode complaining to coaches about being taken out of practice reps ... cussing and emphasizing, "I sat enough last year."

Ray Lewis celebrated a huge fishing haul in the most Ray Lewis way ever this weekend -- by hitting his iconic "Squirrel" dance right on the boat!!!

The ex-NFL star busted out the moves on Sunday during his visit to Cleveland for the weekend's Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies ... and it was awesome.

Check out the footage, after Ray reeled in two fish from Lake Erie that were nearly the size of his lower body ... he threw it back to the early 2000s and shook his tailfeather!

Of course, Ray made the dance famous during his 17-year NFL career ... and it's clear as day the dude hasn't lost even the smallest of steps on the dance floor.

As for the rest of the fishing trip ... TMZ Sports has learned it went great -- the former Baltimore Raven and his crew caught more than 10 fish -- and have plans to make the event an annual one going forward.

In fact, we spoke with Ray during the outing ... and it ain't hard to see the guy LOVES catching fish.

Ben Roethlisberger will do anything for health -- that is, except try Tom Brady's infamous avocado ice cream ... saying there's NO WAY he's including that atrocity in his diet!!

The 39-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers QB has looked much slimmer leading into the new season ... with folks left wondering what the did to get in better shape.

Big Ben -- who's always been listed at 240 lbs. -- is finally speaking out on his trimmed look ... but as it turns out, he's denying he's doing anything differently from years past.

"So much was made a week or 2 [ago]," Roethlisberger told the Washington Post. "I mean, listen, as you get older ... for the last 4 or 5 years, I’ve really focused on having a trainer, my body."

"Part of it’s football. But part of it’s life. I’m not getting any younger. I’m almost 40 years old. So you’ve got to take care of yourself."

But, Ben makes it clear he's not taking any tips from his 7-time Super Bowl champion rival ... saying there are some levels he simply will not stoop to in order to stay in shape.

"And nothing against Tom [Brady], but I’m not eating avocado ice cream," Roethlisberger added. "Yeah, you have a chef and you try and eat healthy. But you’re eating healthy because you want to be and feel good."

Remember, TB12 has sworn up and down in the past that the dessert is tasty ... and even included the recipe -- consisting of avocado, cashews, coconut, dates, cacao powder and water -- in his "The TB12 Method" book.

But we spoke with Brady's bestie, Julian Edelman, in the past ... who confirmed to us it's really as bad as it sounds.

Deion Sanders brought out some Prime guests during his first season as head coach at Jackson State ... with Rex Ryan and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman rolling through to check out his team, a new documentary series revealed Monday.

Coach Prime -- who took the helm at the HBCU in 2020 -- had the cameras rolling during his first season with the Tigers for a 'Hard Knocks'-esque series with Barstool Sports and SMAC Productions ... fittingly titled, "Coach Prime."

The trailer for the series just dropped minutes ago ... showing a passionate Sanders giving motivational speeches to his players ... as well as the big-time names who showed up to get a glimpse of the Tigers during the season.

The clip shows Ryan hyping up the team ... talking about the amount of courage it takes to play the sport. It's pretty intense stuff.

Sanders spoke about the decision to allow the all-access series to happen ... saying, "I am incredibly proud to share the incredible story of Jackson State University, our football program, and our student athletes."

"This docuseries serves as a platform that will help us continue the important work we are doing to level the playing field, create opportunity and raise awareness for JSU and all HBCUs. I BELIEVE!"

The 6-part series is set to debut August 29 and will be available on all platforms.

The Saints won't have to wait long to replace Drew Brees with another Hall of Fame QB ... 'cause will Will Blackmon tells TMZ Sports Aaron Rodgers is heading to New Orleans next season.

"Next year," Blackmon said, "Aaron Rodgers will be a New Orleans Saint."

Blackmon's prediction is a bold one ... but it's not necessarily uninformed -- you'll recall, the former NFL defensive back was teammates with Aaron in Green Bay from 2006 through 2009.

And, Will tells us he still has a good relationship with Aaron ... and it wouldn't surprise him if the Green Bay signal-caller ended up under center for Sean Payton in 2022, given all of the drama Rodgers has gone through with the Packers this offseason.

"I can see Aaron Rodgers being a New Orleans Saint next year," Blackmon said.

Of course, Jameis Winston is N.O.'s starter this year ... but Blackmon doesn't appear to be sure the former #1 overall draft pick will do enough to prove he should get a second year in that role.

Blackmon says cutting down the interceptions -- particularly with a depleted wide receiver group in New Orleans -- might be just too difficult for Jameis ... opening the door for a run at Rodgers.

What do the greatest cornerback of all time and a trash talkin' receiver have in common???

SMART CARS!!!

TMZ Sports has learned that ex-NFL stars Deion Sanders and Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson just copped these custom-made SMART rides from Alex Vegas's Auto Firm in FL.

We're told Deion (well, Coach Sanders) decided to get a SMART vehicle when he saw Ocho cruisin' around in one ... and they're both pretty dope!

Check out Primetime's whip -- the glossy black with dark tints featuring his jersey number '21' on the grill and Prime on the trunk.

His nickname is even on the car tires!!

Johnson went with the matte black -- with his nickname 'Ochocinco' on the tires, too!

Even though they're small, these electric cars are filled with cool stuff -- including auto parking, automatic emergency braking and wireless charging docks.

And, they're pretty fast ... that's according to Ochocinco who was doing some spinnin' moves in his new whip Friday --- challenging anyone to see him on the streets.

"Doing doughnuts in the city in luxury," Ocho said on Instagram.

"900 horses under the hood, any of you Donk riders, Hell Cats, Trackhawk or Challengers want smoke bet whatever & I’ll pull up."

Carolina Panthers receiver Robby Anderson is commemorating his journey from going undrafted to being a 6-year vet ... by getting an awesome ring decked out in diamonds!!

The 28-year-old ex-Temple standout was passed up by literally every team in the league in 2016 ... but made the most of his opportunity when the New York Jets took a chance on him.

He went on to sign a 2-year, $20 MILLION deal with Carolina in 2020 ... posting career highs in receptions (95) and yards (1,096) last season.

Now, Anderson is treating himself to a meaningful keepsake in honor of his success ... hitting up Gabriel The Jeweler to cop an INCREDIBLE ring with 16 carats of VVS diamonds!!

The piece is truly special -- Anderson's nickname, "The Chosen One," is etched on top ... with a set of prayer hands and a cross (made of emerald cut diamonds) on each side.

There's also a special message engraved on the inside of the ring ... reading, "All Glory To God."

No word on how much Anderson actually dropped for the awesome ice ... but we're told a piece like this is worth around $40k!!

O.J. Simpson has some cajones on him -- saying with a seemingly straight face that he won't return to Los Angeles out of fear of running into the actual person who murdered his ex-wife.

The disgraced ex-NFL'er -- who was acquitted for the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, but found liable in a civil suit shortly thereafter -- dished his thoughts on visiting the City of Angels anew in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic ... and he says he doesn't entertain it for one very specific, ass-backward reason.

O.J. is quoted as saying ... "I have trouble with L.A.," going on to add, "People may think this is self-serving, but I might be sitting next to whoever did it. I really don’t know who did this."

That's pretty much what his hesitation boils down to -- that he might, perhaps, end up running into the "real" murderer ... and maybe get murdered himself. At least that's how it sounds on its face here. BTW, O.J. had more to say on the so-called one who got away.

He says, "I figured eventually somebody would confess to something, you know? I had one suspect I told my lawyers to look at. I still think he might be involved, but I can’t talk about it." O.J. also feels he lives a "good life" now in Vegas -- despite what people may think.

While O.J. was limited to just Nevada after getting parole, it appears the guy's been given a longer leash over time -- with reports saying he's gone to Florida of late to visit his kids, with permission from his P.O., of course. So, it does seem he could come to L.A. if he wanted.

For the third time in the last 14 months, Ezekiel Elliott is being sued over an alleged dog biting incident ... and this time, the accuser is looking for more than $1 MILLION in damages.

In the new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, Jennifer Gampper claims she's one of Elliott's neighbors and says on May 20, 2021, she was attacked by one of his dogs near his Frisco, Texas-area home.

Gampper claims that while the company Perfect Synthetic Grass (which she's also suing) was performing landscaping work at the residence ... Elliott's pooch escaped the house and attacked her.

In the suit, Gampper says she suffered severe and permanent injuries ... but doesn't get more specific.

Gampper is asking for monetary relief of over $1,000,000.

As for Elliott, his attorney, Frank Salzano tells us he's concerned about Gampper, but that doesn't mean he's at fault.

"Mr. Elliott and his representatives are aware of the lawsuit filed on July 30th, which stems from a previously reported incident from May 21st of this year.  As Mr. Elliott expressed at that time, he was - and remains concerned - for the party involved."

"However, as in most disputes, there are extenuating circumstances to this matter which will impact the legal proceedings which we are not at liberty to disclose.  As such, we have no further comment at this time."

You'll recall, cops actually investigated the incident ... and said two people were injured in the alleged attack, listing Gampper as one of the "victims" in a report.

Cops added that three of the running back's dogs escaped that day ... and said they ultimately ended up issuing Elliott 3 citations.

As for the dog that allegedly bit Gampper -- Zeke's Rottweiler, Ace -- a court official tells us it had a "dangerous dog hearing" after the incident, and was ultimately required to be removed from the city.

Of course, this is far from the first time Ace and the rest of Elliott's dogs have been accused of being violent.

Remember, back in June 2020, a pool cleaner alleged in a lawsuit that Ace bit her arm and dragged her ... before the 26-year-old's two bulldogs began attacking her legs.

Court records show that case has since been closed. We reached out to the accuser's attorney in that case for further details, but so far, no word back yet.

Elliott was also sued earlier this summer, in June, when a pet resort employee claimed Ace viciously bit him too on March 25, 2021. That case is still playing out in the court system.

Kirk Cousins is getting cut -- not by the Minnesota Vikings, but his hometown hospital ... and it's all thanks to his stance against taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

Cousins is one of the most famous celebs out of Holland, Michigan ... becoming a high school superstar before taking his talents to Michigan State.

The 32-year-old signal-caller has served as a spokesperson for the Holland Hospital in the past ... but a spokesperson says they will be distancing themselves from Cousins for the time being.

"While we acknowledge that each person is entitled to their own viewpoints, those who speak on our behalf must support the messages that align with the hospital’s position on matters of vital importance to individual and community health," the statement said.

Remember, Cousins said he'll do everything in his power to stay healthy and safe during the NFL season ... that is, except getting the vaccination.

As a hospital, they saw no choice but to move on from Cousins, who is actively and openly refuting recommendations from leading medical experts and the CDC.

Holland Hospital was nice during the breakup, however, ... adding, "We are proud of our association with Kirk. He embodies many values we respect and share as a part of our work culture."

Worth noting -- while the NFL is implementing rules that push their players towards the vaccine, Cousin’s Vikings have among the lowest vaccination rate of any team in the league.

The New England Patriots are helping 30,000 kids of military families prepare for the next school year ... with the team doing a huge giveaway with backpacks stuffed with supplies!!

Of course, coach Bill Belichick would be the first to admit preparation is a key element of winning ... so naturally, the team is making sure kids throughout the area will have all the tools to succeed in the classroom this fall.

Josh Kraft, the president of Kraft Family Philanthropies is pumped to give back to his community.

"With the support of our fans, 30,000 students will be well-equipped for the upcoming school year," he said.

The founder of the Massachusetts Military Support Fund, Don Cox, explained the importance to help children in the area ... especially those in military fams.

"Military children often face moving multiple times and changing schools or having a parent deploy. We are proud to partner with the Patriots, Revolution, Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree Stores to provide military children with the basic tools needed to participate in school."

"It is just one small way to show them they are supported by the community."

Peyton Manning will have his longtime rival present when he gets his gold jacket this weekend -- 'cause none other than Tom Brady is reportedly slated to attend his Hall of Fame ceremony!!!

Of course, the Manning vs. Brady matchup is as epic as it gets ... with the guys dominating the NFL from 2001 to 2015.

While Peyton and TB12 went at it on the field -- Brady came out on top with an 11-6 overall record, but Manning got three of his wins in AFC title games -- the superstars remained tight over the years.

Now, as Manning is set to get enshrined in Canton on Sunday, his pal, Brady, will be present for his buddy's big moment, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians told the Tampa Bay Times.

Remember, Arians was Manning's QB coach with the Indianapolis Colts way back in the day ... before teaming up with Brady in Tampa.

There's a bunch of other guys getting in the Hall this weekend as well -- from Calvin Johnson to John Lynch to Charles Woodson and more ... so it's really gonna be a night filled with legends.

The Washington Football Team is taking yet another step toward distancing itself from its controversial past ... now banning fans from wearing Native American-inspired headdresses and face paint at its stadium.

The team made the announcement in an email to WFT fans on Wednesday ... explaining the once-popular fan attire will now no longer be accepted at home games.

"We are excited to welcome everyone back wearing their Burgundy & Gold," team officials said in the statement.

"However, Native American inspired ceremonial headdresses or face paint may no longer be worn into the stadium."

The ban should come as a surprise to absolutely nobody ... especially given just last month, the team announced its future nickname would not be the "Warriors" or anything else that could be perceived to be associated with Native American imagery.

"We will choose an identity that unequivocally departs from any use of or approximate linkage to Native American imagery," WFT President Jason Wright said in a July statement.

"As I have said many times before, our new identity should unite us. It should bring us together the way this team comes together on the football field and the way we have seen our Fans come together and proudly support our Team and our DMV community."

No hints have been given yet as to other possible nicknames, though an announcement on a new, permanent name change is expected to come before the 2022 season.

Micah Parsons is quickly checkin' things off his bucket list in 2021 ... first, he got drafted by the Dallas Cowboys -- and now, he's buying his mom a brand new home!!!

The rookie linebacker -- a first-round selection in April's NFL draft -- revealed the huge estate he bought for his mother, Sherese, on Tuesday ... and it looks GORGEOUS!!

Unclear where the property is located -- we're working on it -- but the home is LARGE ... featuring two stories and a ton of big windows.

"One goal after another!!" the 22-year-old said after making the purchase. "Going to be a great year!"

The gesture was so sweet ... Parsons' alma mater, Penn State, gave him an awesome shoutout on Instagram.

"Picture this: You’re 22 years old. You’re a Penn State grad. You were just selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. You finally get the chance to buy your mom a house like you’ve always dreamed to do. Life is good," the school said.

"Proud of you, @_MicahParsons11 👏"

Of course, this was all a big goal of Micah's ... you'll recall, back in the spring, he told BroBible he wanted to buy his mom a new home badly with his first NFL paychecks.

"I moved a lot when I was younger," Parsons said, "and if I could put me and my mother into our own home and have something to call ours, it would be amazing."

Joe Judge went absolutely ballistic on his Giants players after they were involved in an all-out brawl Tuesday ... punishing them with cuss words, sprints and push-ups!!

It all went down during the Giants' first day of full pads ... after running back Corey Clement got rocked by Jabrill Peppers at the end of a play.

Giants tight end Evan Engram apparently felt it was a somewhat dirty hit, so he jumped in to defend Clement. That's when cornerback Logan Ryan jumped in to defend Peppers, and then all hell broke loose.

Reporters on the scene say EVERYONE got involved in the melee ... with even quarterback Daniel Jones somehow ending up at the bottom of the dogpile!!

Of course, that set Judge off ... with multiple reporters saying the dude completely lost his mind on his players.

Judge made the team run full, 100-yard wind sprints over and over and over again ... and then forced them to do push-ups.

It was so intense, Giants reporter Pat Leonard said it "would not surprise me if someone starts puking here."

Judge eventually called the team up to berate them some more over the fracas ... before ending the workout.

Afterward, the Giants insisted it was all nothing more than just a heated practice ... with Jones (who wasn't injured in the brawl) explaining, "Guys certainly got the message today."

Scary moment at Carolina Panthers practice on Tuesday -- wide receiver Keith Kirkwood took a powerful blow to the head ... and was taken away in an ambulance.

The 27-year-old pro was going across the middle of the field attempting to catch a pass that was thrown high ... when defensive back JT Ibe launched himself into Kirkwood's head area.

Kirkwood immediately went to the ground ... with coaches and players rushing to his side.

Trainers put Kirkwood on a backboard to immobilize him as he was carted off the field and taken away in an ambulance ... but there's good news -- head coach Matt Rhule says the player has movement in his arms and legs and has no pain in his neck.

It appeared coaches were immediately pissed off with Ibe's hit ... and Rhule ejected him from practice.

Kirkwood was an undrafted free agent out of Temple in 2018 ... and signed with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Panthers in 2020.

He has more than 200 yards and 2 touchdowns in his career.

Get well soon, Keith!!