NFL

If Lamar Jackson ends up breaking all of Michael Vick's records ... the NFL legend says he's just fine with it -- explaining to TMZ Sports he's actually rooting for it to happen.

We got the former Falcons and Eagles superstar at LAX just before Lamar took on the Dolphins on Thursday ... and the ex-QB said he's ready for Jackson to snatch all of the trophies off his mantle.

"Hell yeah I'm rooting for it," Vick said. "It's for the good of the game of football. Records are made to be broken, baby."

Jackson is on his way to demolishing one of Vick's huge records this season ... 'cause he just tied Mike's mark for most 100-yard rushing games in NFL history this past Sunday, and could surpass it with one more big rushing performance in the next few weeks.

Lamar is also less than 2,600 yards away from catching Vick for most all-time rushing yards by a QB.

While the four-time Pro Bowler says he hasn't yet had a chance to talk with Jackson about it all yet ... he says he knows all of his marks are in the Ravens star's sights.

"I know he gunning for it," Vick said. "I know he gunning for it."

There will be no more blue-and-gold cleats for DeSean Jackson -- the former L.A. Rams wideout is a Raider now ... and he just copped some dope skull-and-crossbone spikes to celebrate the move!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the receiver hit up his go-to artist, Joe Castro, just days after he was released by the Rams and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Castro tells us the 34-year-old wanted a "new team, new cleats" theme involving skulls for his first game as a Raider on Sunday -- and the shoe expert delivered.

The kicks feature a silver-and-black image of a skull rockin' a black patch over its right eye with two swords crossed behind it -- just like the Raiders' logo.

On the other side of the white Under Armour cleats is another scary skull figure in front of two intense blades.

The shoes also feature faded grey skeleton heads scattered around.

Castro -- who's made custom cleats for DJack for several years -- says it only took him a couple of hours to make.

Jackson had requested his release from the Rams after only catching 8 passes for 221 yards and 1 touchdown in 7 games this season.

Jon Gruden is accusing the NFL and Roger Goodell of conducting a "malicious and orchestrated campaign ... to destroy [his] career and reputation."

It's all spelled out in a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, filed in a Nevada court on Thursday ... in which Gruden says the Goodell and the NFL obtained his private emails with his friend and former coworker Bruce Allen.

The former Raiders head coach accused the NFL and its commish of holding the emails for months ... only to leak them when they could cause maximum damage to Gruden.

Gruden characterizes this as a "soviet-style character assassination."

In the docs, Gruden points out that the NFL uncovered hundreds of thousands of emails as part of a larger investigation into sexual harassment allegations against the Washington Football Team ... but the only emails that he claims the NFL leaked are the ones that implicate Gruden.

The 58-year-old, meanwhile, says Goodell and the league have kept all of the other ones under wraps.

Gruden also claims the NFL initially only released a single email -- the one containing the reference to NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith's lips -- and immediately began pressuring the Raiders to fire him over it.

But, when the Raiders refused, Gruden claims the NFL then released a batch of other emails, saying the league "weaponized" them, and ultimately caused the Raiders to pressure Gruden into resigning.

Gruden notes in the suit that the NFL has historically tried to appear transparent, by issuing written reports on a host of past investigations, including Deflategate, the Ray Rice incident, and the harassment allegations against the Miami Dolphins.

The former coach says the leak is an attempt to distract from the NFL's failure to properly handle the sexual harassment allegations against the WFT.

Gruden is suing for unspecified damages -- including punitives -- claiming the NFL's actions caused him to lose his sponsorships and recognition (including his place in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ring of Honor).

It should be noted -- nowhere in the documents does Gruden deny sending the offensive emails.

For its part, the NFL has denied Gruden's allegations ... saying in a statement they "are entirely meritless and the NFL will vigorously defend against these claims.”

Mark Davis was one of about 100 people who attended the funeral services for Tina Tintor on Thursday ... paying respects to the woman who died in a car crash that authorities say his former player, Henry Ruggs, caused.

The Las Vegas Raiders owner showed up to the somber ceremony in a black suit, white-collared shirt and a tie ... and sat in a pew at the local church where the services for Tintor went down.

Davis stayed for the entire hour-long event ... and did not speak with media members afterward.

As we previously reported, Tintor died along with her dog, Max, after cops say Ruggs crashed his Corvette into the back of their Toyota on a street in Las Vegas on Nov. 2.

Officials say Ruggs had been speeding prior to the wreck -- going 156 MPH just seconds before the crash -- and claim the former Raiders star was drunk at the time, too.

Ruggs has since been hit with five charges over the incident -- including four felonies -- and prosecutors say he's facing over 50 years behind bars if convicted on all counts.

As for Tintor and her family, her attorney said in a statement following the crash that they're "devastated" over the loss of the 23-year-old.

"Family was everything to Tina," the lawyer said, "and she was the light of her parents' life."

Henry Ruggs' NFL career is likely over ... so says Shannon Sharpe, who tells TMZ Sports he believes the former Raiders star's fatal car crash will "probably" cost him his spot in the league.

The Hall of Famer broke it down at LAX earlier this week ... saying he's pretty sure Ruggs' alleged actions during the Nov. 2 wreck in Las Vegas will almost certainly spell the end of his time as an NFL player.

"It's sad," the Broncos legend said. "I hate it for him that what he's going to have to go through probably cost himself a career."

Sharpe, though, made it clear he doesn't have too much sympathy for the 22-year-old over it all ... explaining the choices Ruggs is accused of making that night are just inexcusable.

"He was very selfish," Sharpe said ... "This lady lost her life because he was selfish. Because he was reckless. This isn't a mistake."

"A mistake is leaving my phone in the Uber. That's a mistake. Getting intoxicated, making a conscious decision to drive a vehicle at a high rate of speed, that's not a mistake. That's reckless."

As we previously reported, authorities say Ruggs traveled at 156 MPH while drunk in his Corvette ... before slamming it into the back of a Toyota, killing a woman and her dog.

Ruggs has since been hit with five charges for his alleged role in the incident, including four felonies ... and prosecutors say he's facing over 50 years behind bars if convicted on all counts.

Sharpe clearly believes even if Ruggs serves one-tenth of that possible sentence ... his last down in the NFL has likely already been played.

A police investigation into allegations that Dalvin Cook beat up his ex-girlfriend is NOT currently underway ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Despite domestic violence allegations against the NFL star in a new lawsuit filed by Cook's ex, Gracelyn Trimble, this week ... the Inver Grove Heights P.D. tells us it has not been contacted by any alleged Cook victims -- and therefore, has not launched a probe into the football player.

But, the Inver Grove Heights chief of police, Melissa Chiodo, said that all could change if someone does file a report.

"At this point in time," Chiodo said, "we have not been contacted by anyone for police assistance or that would like to file a police report."

"When anyone does contact us we will be responsive, we are only a phone call away for any citizen or visitor to Inver Grove Heights or they can come in person to our police station to file a report or ask for any police assistance."

As we previously reported, Trimble -- in her lawsuit -- claims Cook punched, hit and threw her violently during an altercation in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. in Nov. 2020. She says she was left a bloody and bruised mess.

She claimed at one point during the incident, Cook held a gun to her head and told her she was going to die. She also said the Minnesota Vikings player held her against her will for hours -- before eventually letting her go.

In her suit, Trimble never said she went to cops over it all, but we've reached out to her attorney to see if she now has plans to -- but so far, no word back.

As for Cook, he's maintained he was the real victim, saying Trimble broke into his home and held him hostage at gunpoint. Dalvin's reps claim the accusations are nothing more than an attempt to extort the football player.

It's worth noting, police also tell us they are NOT investigating Trimble, either.

"I just want everybody to know I'm the victim in the situation," Cook told reporters earlier this week. "The truth and the details about the situation will come out at a further time."

Odell Beckham Jr. has said goodbye to Cleveland and is now close to saying hello to Los Angeles ... 'cause the star receiver is reportedly about to sign with the Rams.

Just a couple days after the Browns waived the wideout -- Beckham is now finalizing a deal to play with Matt Stafford and Sean McVay, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday.

Of course, L.A.'s receiver room is already loaded ... Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods are perhaps the best duo in the league -- and their backups, including Van Jefferson, ain't slouches either.

But, L.A. hasn't been afraid to sign and/or trade for veteran depth at any point in the last few seasons regardless of its current roster -- so the move to ink Odell makes sense.

OBJ hasn't been a surefire superstar in years -- he battled injuries and, at times, poor QB play in Cleveland -- but seems like a good bet McVay, an offensive genius, will be able to feature him in Hollywood.

As for what number OBJ will wear when he finally gets on the squad ... for the first time in his career, it could be something different than #13.

Cam Newton could be going home -- the former MVP is reportedly set to meet with the Carolina Panthers on Thursday ... as the injury-laden team looks for serious quarterback help.

The 32-year-old has been out of the job since getting cut by the New England Patriots in September ... but recently had chats with the Seattle Seahawks after being let go.

Newton -- who led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2016 -- could be returning to his old stomping grounds as the team searches to replace Sam Darnold, who just went down with a shoulder injury.

Newton played 9 seasons for the Panthers ... throwing for more than 29,000 yards, 182 touchdowns ... adding 4,800 yards on the ground with 58 TDs.

But, his lone season with the Pats wasn't nearly as successful ... starting 15 games and going 7-8 under Bill Belichick.

A Newton reunion could bring some energy to a 4-5 Panthers squad ... and given he's now vaccinated, the team wouldn't have to worry nearly as much about health and safety protocols.

Cam's old coach, Ron Rivera, is now with the Washington Football Team ... but if he hits it off with Matt Rhule, Panthers fans might need to dust off those #1 jerseys!!

Ya can't even get through a country music awards show without hearing about Aaron Rodgers ... 'cause the Green Bay Packers QB's COVID-19 drama was the butt of a joke during Luke Bryan's opening monologue.

The country singer welcomed the crowd at the 55th Country Music Awards Wednesday night by thanking everyone for going through the proper protocols to be present for the event ... which turned into the perfect opportunity to poke fun at the NFL MVP.

"Rest assured, we're following all the health protocols to keep everyone safe," Bryan said. "And, it is so great to be here with all my favorite artists, tested and together ... or immunized???"

Of course, Bryan's line is mocking Rodgers' now-infamous response to questions surrounding his COVID-19 vaccine status back in August ... when he did not say he got the jab, but rather was "immunized."

Most people brushed over the comment, thinking he was vaxxed ... but Rodgers' status came to light when he tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

A couple 'Pat McAfee Show' appearances later, Rodgers has since apologized for misleading people with his initial response ... but that hasn't stopped the jokes and criticism from pouring in.

Earlier this week, Jon Stewart railed AR12 at the Stand Up for Heroes event in NYC ... and Howard Stern said he would kick the QB out of the NFL if he were Roger Goodell.

Dalvin Cook is innocent until proven guilty ... and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe says people need to remember that as the Minnesota Vikings running back faces serious allegations of domestic violence made by his ex-girlfriend.

As we previously reported, the 26-year-old is accused of assaulting and threatening to kill his ex, U.S. Army veteran Gracelyn Trimble, in 2020 ... but he claims he's actually the victim.

TMZ Sports spoke with Sharpe about the situation, and he says the masses have to reserve judgment until Cook goes through the legal process ... but they won't.

"Man, this is really tough because my heart goes out to all abused," Sharpe tells us. "But, I mean, now we just don't even get a chance to prove innocence or nothing. We just automatically assume."

"Everybody says, 'I hear that.' We should have our day in court and we should have this. But, that's not what we do. We automatically rush to judgment."

Sharpe adds he hopes the allegations made against Cook aren't true.

"I'm just not trying to convict people in the court of the public opinion without them having their due process," he added.

As for Cook, he told reporters "the truth will come out" and he fully intends to play on Sunday ... but Sharpe would be surprised if that happens.

The Minnesota Vikings are still allowing Dalvin Cook to practice with the team ... this despite new allegations that he roughed up his ex-GF during a violent Nov. 2020 incident.

Vikes head coach Mike Zimmer just revealed the news ... saying Cook will work out with the team Wednesday.

Zimmer added that, as of now, the star running back is slated to be available to play in Minnesota's game against the Chargers on Sunday as planned too.

Of course, it's a surprising announcement ... considering Cook's ex, Gracelyn Trimble, has accused the football player of being violent with her on multiple occasions since 2018.

In a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, Tremble says Cook got physical with her throughout their relationship -- including a Nov. 19, 2020 incident in which she claims he left her a bloody mess.

During the alleged confrontation ... Trimble says Cook hit her repeatedly and even at one point aimed a gun at her head and told her she was going to die.

For his part, Cook -- through his representatives -- has denied the allegations ... and claimed he was actually the victim in the situation, adding that Trimble was attempting to extort him.

The NFL has said it's investigating it all ... explaining in a statement this week, "The matter will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy. We will continue to monitor developments but there's no change to [Cook's] status."

Henry Ruggs is scheduled to make his second public appearance since his fatal car crash last week -- the ex-Raiders star is due in court in a matter of minutes ... and he's expected to be formally hit with five charges while there.

The 22-year-old, who's accused of getting drunk, speeding in his car and then killing a woman and her dog in a wreck in Las Vegas last Tuesday, has a hearing slated for 7:30 AM.

Prosecutors are expected to formally announce five charges against him -- including four felonies and one misdemeanor -- and Ruggs could enter a plea afterward.

Of course, the last time anybody saw Ruggs publicly was last Wednesday -- a little over 24 hours after his crash -- when he showed up to court for a bond hearing in a neck brace and a wheelchair.

At that hearing, Ruggs was admonished by officials ... with a judge noting he'd never seen a case where the defendant was accused of traveling at such a high rate of speed.

As we previously reported, law enforcement says Ruggs hit 156 MPH in his Corvette before slamming it into the back of a Toyota at around 3:40 a.m.

The collision was so violent, it sparked a fire in the Toyota that killed Tina Tintor and her golden retriever.

Prosecutors say bloodwork revealed Ruggs had a .161 BAC -- more than two times the legal limit of .08 -- and they said last week he could be facing up to 46 years in prison over it all.

We'll be covering the case as Ruggs goes before the judge ... stay tuned.

A woman claiming to have dated Dalvin Cook throughout the past 3 years says the NFL star beat the hell out of her in Nov. 2020 ... leaving her a scratched, bruised and bloody mess.

But, the Minnesota Vikings running back is adamant he's actually the victim ... and the woman is now attempting to extort him.

U.S. Army veteran Gracelyn Trimble spelled out the troubling accusations in a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports ... saying she met Cook on a beach in Florida in 2018 and began dating the football player a short time later.

Trimble, though, says in the docs that in March 2020 ... the relationship took a turn for the worse.

Trimble claims Cook had gotten her pregnant, but she suffered a miscarriage -- and while in the hospital dealing with it all, she says Cook was cheating on her.

Trimble says that led to a "physically violent argument" between the two, where she claims Cook pushed her -- resulting in their break-up.

But, Trimble says less than 3 months later, they rekindled their romance and started living together in Florida ... and also shared space in Minnesota, where Cook was living during the Vikings' season.

Trimble, though, says in mid-November, the two got into an argument at the Mall of America, and when they returned home, Cook punched her and threw her to the ground.

Because of Cook's alleged history of violence, Trimble says she stored mace in his garage.

Shortly after the altercation, Trimble says she then learned Cook was again cheating on her ... so she decided to confront him, gather her things and end the relationship.

On Nov. 19, 2020, Trimble claims in the docs she entered Cook's home through the garage, grabbed the mace and headed inside to pack up her belongings.

Inside the home, Trimble claims she asked Cook for help packing up her belongings -- but he got mad, "grabbed her arm, and slung her whole body over the couch, slamming her face into the coffee table and causing her lower forehead and the bridge of her nose to bust open and start gushing blood."

Trimble claims she then attempted to defend herself by macing Cook, but he overpowered her, and the mace primarily got in her eyes.

After briefly going outside, Trimble says she went upstairs and attempted to take a shower in order to wash the mace out of her eyes -- but she claims she was again confronted by Cook ... saying the NFL star picked her up and slammed her on the floor. She claims she hit the corner of a bed in the room, which caused a deep gash on her arm.

Trimble claims Cook then pinned her to the ground and told her she was "going to die." She then claims Cook punched and choked her and then grabbed a gun and pointed it at her head "all while yelling death threats."

Trimble says in the docs Cook eventually put the gun down, but kept her pinned to the ground.

The woman says Cook let her up -- and she was able to get into the shower to try to wash the blood off of her. But, she says their violent altercation continued after she finished in the bathroom.

Trimble says she went downstairs where she and Cook began to argue again -- before she claims Dalvin began beating her with a broomstick.

"Despite having been a soldier in active combat," the documents read, "where she had missiles and bullets fired at her, Trimble feared for her life like she had never before."

Trimble claims the beating continued as she attempted to crawl away from Cook to get help, but she says Cook would not let her go.

Trimble claims despite begging Cook to call police or an ambulance, he held her against her will for hours -- before eventually taking her to the airport.

After returning to Florida, Trimble says she didn't initially go to the hospital because she wanted to protect Cook ... but on Nov. 25, she claims she realized her injuries were severe, so she went to the emergency room.

While there, she says she told doctors she was in an ATV accident ... and they diagnosed her with a concussion and "several deep cuts and bruising."

Trimble claims Cook profusely apologized after the incident, but they did not see each other for about a month until a death in Cook's family -- which she claims brought the couple back together.

But, Trimble says the relationship eventually broke down again -- and they called things off.

Cook's attorney, however, claimed in a statement to TMZ Sports on Tuesday that he's actually the victim ... and said shortly after the two began dating, she "became emotionally abusive, physically aggressive and confrontational, and repeatedly attempted to provoke" him.

Cook accused Trimble of damaging his car, assaulting him and attempting to "stop him from seeing other women" throughout their relationship.

We also talked to Dalvin's agent, Zac Hiller, who told us regarding the Nov. 19, 2020 incident that "[Trimble] showed up at [Dalvin's] house, illegally entered, punched him in the face, maced him, armed herself with a gun, and held him and his 2 house guests hostage."

Cook and his attorney claim they actually have video from the incident that they say shows she was the aggressor.

Cook's attorney added that any injuries Trimble suffered during the altercation were "the result of Sgt. Trimble's own unlawful conduct."

"We are confident a full disclosure of the facts will show Mr. Cook did nothing wrong," Cook's attorney said.

Aaron Rodgers just got fined by the National Football League for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols ... and the Green Bay Packers also got dinged.

The NFL fined Rodgers a measly $14,650 for attending a Halloween party with other Packers while he was unvaccinated. The protocols prohibit unvaxxed players from going to large gatherings outside team facilities.

Packers receiver Allen Lazard, who is also unvaccinated, was also docked $14,650 for attending the team-sanctioned Halloween bash.

The big fine came for the Packers ... the franchise was hit with a $300,000 penalty for not enforcing the rules with Rodgers and Lazard, including a failure to wear face coverings inside team facilities.

As we reported ... Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday, later admitting he was not vaccinated.

The star QB claimed he was allergic to something in the Pfizer and Moderna shots ... and didn't want to take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, saying he feared adverse side effects.

On Friday, AR told Pat McAfee he took Ivermectin -- among other treatments -- after conferring with friend Joe Rogan.

Rodgers missed last Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game his team lost. The future Hall of Famer will likely have a chance to return to the field this weekend.

Aaron Rodgers made it clear Tuesday he's ready to turn the page following his controversial COVID vaccine comments last week ... saying, "I'm an athlete, not an activist."

Just four days after the Green Bay Packers star made waves with his 46-minute, vax rant on "The Pat McAfee Show" ... he rejoined the former NFL player to try to clear some things up.

Rodgers began his interview by offering a bit of an apology ... telling McAfee, "I made some comments that people might have felt were misleading. And to anybody who felt misled by those comments, I take full responsibility."

Rodgers then appeared to distance himself from being any sort of poster boy for the unvaccinated -- saying his research led him to do what he believes is right for himself, not necessarily for the masses.

"I made a decision that was in my best interest based on consulting with my doctors, and I understand that not everybody is going to understand that, necessarily," Rodgers said. "But I respect everybody's opinions."

Rodgers added that he's ready to move on to focusing solely on quarterbacking and not global health -- telling McAfee there's a chance he'll be under center for the Packers vs. the Seahawks on Sunday.

As we previously reported, Rodgers tested positive for the coronavirus last Wednesday -- and admitted to McAfee on Friday that he was not vaccinated.

Aaron claimed he was allergic to the Pfizer and Moderna shots -- and just straight up didn't want to take the Johnson & Johnson version.

Rodgers ended up missing the Packers' game against the Chiefs over it all -- but said Tuesday he's "feeling better."

As for Rogan, the podcaster praised Rodgers on his own show this week ... saying, "he’s a smart f***ing dude."

Monday Night Football shared an emotional story of how Steelers running back Najee Harris was so used to being homeless as a kid, he still slept on the floor in his Alabama dorm room because it was more comfortable than his bed.

Touching, right?? But as it turns out, it never happened -- so says Harris himself, who called fake news on the anecdote shortly after Pittsburgh's 29-27 win over the Chicago Bears.

"Bra I ain’t sleep on no dam floor in college," Harris tweeted Monday night. "I slept on my bed."

Harris was also pissed the broadcast team mispronounced his name ... which also got the Twitter treatment.

"Y’all mess up my name and y’all say that stuff smh bet," he added.

There's belief Steve Levy might have gotten his Bama running backs mixed up -- according to a Bleacher Report article from 2018, fellow Crimson Tide football alum Josh Jacobs used to sleep on his dorm room floor.