NFL

Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin are two huge personalities, but Charlie Batch isn't worried about how they'll coexist in Pittsburgh -- the ex-Steelers QB tells TMZ Sports he believes the guys are actually a great match for one another.

Rodgers, of course, agreed on Thursday to join Tomlin's Steelers squad for 2025-26 ... and when Batch sat down with us on Friday to break down the move -- he made it clear, he likes it.

In fact, he told us he's been anticipating the signing for months ... calling it "the worst-kept secret ever."

Former Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan definitely made the correct career choice as a football player, 'cause the 3x Pro Bowler threw out one of the WORST first pitches ever!

It all went down Thursday night at Busch Stadium out in The Lou. Lewan -- alongside his "Bussin' With The Boys" co-host Will Compton -- were given the honors of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during the pregame festivities.

Unfortunately for Lewan, his throw went about as badly as it could. Toeing the rubber, the lefty had the ball sail on him to the spectators hanging out near the backstop ... and the embarrassment was immediate.

Those ready to name A.D. the G.O.A.T. are in luck ... Aaron Donald spoke to TMZ Sports this week about his "best ever" candidacy -- and he made it clear, he's not going to fight anyone who wants to give him the label.

Donald, of course, retired from the NFL last year, and ever since he hung up his spikes ... fans have wondered if he has a legit claim to the title of greatest defensive player ever.

He did, after all, earn 10 Pro Bowl selections in 10 seasons ... and won a Super Bowl too. But with guys like Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White having pretty good resumes as well, we had to ask Donald while he was out at Raising Cane's event in Los Angeles on Tuesday what he thought of the chatter.

Aaron Rodgers isn't hanging up the cleats just yet ... the 20-year NFL veteran is going to join the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 season.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 41-year-old is signing a one-year contract to link up with Mike Tomlin's squad.

The impending deal follows two rough years in New York for the 41-year-old QB. His first season lasted only four plays due to a ruptured Achilles. He did play in all 17 games for the Jets in 2025 ... but the team finished with a 5-12 record -- placing them third in the AFC East.

Greg Hardy's girlfriend claims the former NFL star pushed her onto a bed and held her down by her neck in an argument over cheating allegations prior to his arrest ... this according to documents obtained by TMZ Sports.

The woman called police around 2 PM on Wednesday to report a family violence in progress ... stating Hardy assaulted her and she had marks on her body. The woman also said Hardy fled their home in a white 2018 GMC Acadia after the physical altercation.

When cops arrived, the woman said the argument started when they were driving back from the park with their children -- Hardy asked his girlfriend what was wrong, and she replied they would address it when they were home ... as she didn't want to bicker in front of the kids.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are back on everyone's radar, enjoying a cozy dinner together at a Florida bistro Wednesday -- and it was all caught on camera!

The couple popped up at Buccan restaurant in Palm Beach last evening as they gradually resurface in the public eye after keeping a low profile for the past few months. Photos and a video posted to Instagram tell the story about their sweet date night.

In one snapshot, Taylor and Travis are seated side by side at a table sharing a menu. At another point, Travis is photographed laughing his butt off about something.

Donovan McNabb says Saquon Barkley landing the "Madden NFL 26" cover is "absolutely well-deserved" ... but breathe easy, Eagles fans -- the former face of the game tells TMZ Sports he doesn't believe in the infamous "curse" surrounding the honor.

We caught up with McNabb -- who graced the cover of the iconic series back in 2005 for "Madden NFL 06" -- and talked to him all about the running back joining him as the only other Philly great to receive the recognition.

McNabb believes the folks at EA Sports would have made the right call in either Barkley or quarterback Jalen Hurts ... especially after what they were able to accomplish in winning a Super Bowl this past season.

Reggie Bush is begging the NFL to go au naturel ... saying turf fields are "dangerous" for its players -- and quite frankly, everyone hates playing on them.

The former running back vented about artificial grass in a new GQ Sports interview ... and criticized the billion-dollar organization for ignoring players' repeated complaints about the surface and its apparent link to serious injuries.

He used Odell Beckham Jr. as an example for his stance ... saying the wide receiver never fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl LVI, which was played on turf at SoFi Stadium.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are seemingly distancing themselves from Mason Rudolph's political allegiances after the quarterback hit a rally for President Trump on Friday ... emailing a reminder to fans that their current and former players' personal views do not speak for the entire organization.

Rudolph, as well as teammate Miles Killebrew and former Steeler Rocky Bleier, took the stage at No. 45-47's event near Pittsburgh ... and at one point, even gifted POTUS with his own custom team jersey.

According to Front Office Sports, their cameos ruffled some feathers with some season ticket holders ... and the team issued a response to anyone raising concern over it all.

Travis Kelce is cheering on Taylor Swift days after she announced she officially owns her first six studio albums.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end supported his pop superstar girlfriend on Wednesday's episode of his and his brother Jason Kelce’s "New Heights" podcast, with special guest Shaquille O’Neal.

Turns out Shaq is a major Swiftie, and he began playing his "favorite song in the world" -- her "Red" track "I Knew You Were Trouble" -- on his phone, receiving an elated response from TK.

6/5 9:55 AM PT -- Never fear, Louisianimals ... Wayne says he's doing something super special for his next festival this fall!!!

Lil Wayne is hitting the road in support of his upcoming "Tha Carter VI" album and stopping in virtually every major U.S. territory ... except the state that birthed him!!!

On Tuesday, Wayne and Live Nation certified the 34-city "Tha Carter VI" tour -- which kicks off on Friday in NYC at Madison Square Garden ... barely enough time to clean out Tom Thibodeau's desk!!!

New Yorkers will get the first taste of the new music, followed by dates in Toronto, Los Angeles, Atlanta and several Florida shows -- but nothing for The Boot!!!

Minnesota Vikings legend Jim Marshall has passed away, the team announced Tuesday. He was 87 years old.

The organization made a statement minutes ago ... saying it is mourning the loss of the defensive end -- who set several NFL records during his 20-year career.

"He gave everything he had at every step," the org. said, "fostering a Vikings identity hallmarked by a relentless pursuit that took the team from fledgling to formidable."

Olivia Culpo is making the most of the downtime she has left before becoming a first-time mother ... getting some R&R with her girlfriends during a chill getaway -- and showing off her growing baby bump in the process.

Culpo shared her photo dump Tuesday morning ... seemingly hitting up the part of the country she used to call home with her husband, Christian McCaffrey, back when he was a member of the Carolina Panthers.

OC made sure her belly was prominent in almost every photo. While it's unclear how far along the 33-year-old is, a baby shower was held in Rhode Island in May ... and based on the visual clues, we take it the little one's coming sooner than later.

Tyreek Hill's estranged wife, Keeta Vaccaro, is seemingly making it clear she's not bothered by the NFL star apparently moving on with another woman.

Check out some pics Vaccaro posted on her Instagram page Monday -- just hours after Hill was seen at an Orlando resort getting flirty with a stunning brunette -- she doesn't appear to have many cares in the world.

In one set of snaps, she flashed a grin while rockin' a tiny yellow bikini. In another, she looked to be having a bunch of fun during a paddle tennis session with some friends.

Dak Prescott has begun rebuilding in Texas ... TMZ Sports has learned construction on his new mansion in Prosper is now underway.

Check out these photos we obtained on Monday ... you can see multiple structures have been erected on the Prescott property that used to feature a multi-million-dollar house.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback, of course, knocked it down back in October ... with the hopes of putting a more modern pad in its stead. And, as you can see, QB1's dream is clearly on its way to becoming a reality.

Chase Stegall -- the son of former NFL wide receiver Milton Stegall and a rising collegiate soccer star -- has died.

Chase unexpectedly died inside his dormitory at Chicago's DePaul University Monday morning, according to the school's newspaper, The DePaulia.

DePaul President Rob Manuel reportedly announced the tragedy in a university-wide email, describing him as someone "known for his warmth, strength of character, and vibrant presence."