NFL

A lot of football fans were livid about "NFL RedZone" including commercials for the first time this season ... but the program's beloved host, Scott Hanson, tells TMZ Sports he's thankful fans are still loving the product after Week 1.

The commotion was sparked prior to the 2025-26 campaign ... when folks learned "seven hours of commercial-free football" was a thing of the past.

The reality -- a whopping one total minute of ads (four 15-second spots) sprinkled throughout the day of coverage ... proving the product largely remained the same.

Brett Favre took in the Packers vs. Lions game on Sunday, and while he loved what his former team did on the field, he made it clear he was not impressed one bit by Detroit's play.

The Hall of Famer sat down with TMZ Sports a day after his ex-squad beat up its NFC North rival at Lambeau Field ... and he glowed about the green and gold's performance.

He told us he thought Jordan Love was "outstanding" in the 27-13 win ... adding that Green Bay "dominated every facet of the game."

Jerry Jones still has one very large Cowboys fan in his corner despite his shocking trade of Micah Parsons -- Shaquille O'Neal!!!

The Big Diesel told TMZ Sports this week he still has Jones' back ... this despite the Dallas owner jettisoning his favorite team's best player to Green Bay late last month.

In fact, Shaq jokingly threatened to get physical with our Michael Babcock for even remotely implying that Dallas supporters should turn on the Cowboys' boss.

Travis Kelce is owning up to his role in a collision that forced Xavier Worthy out of the Chiefs' Week 1 loss to the Chargers ... saying he simply has to be better.

The superstar tight end shared his regret over the freak accident during the latest "New Heights" episode with his brother, Jason, on Wednesday ... and he chalked it all up to not being prepared out the gate.

"I wasn’t ready that first drive, I ran into one of my guys and offed him out of the game, I literally took one of my players out," Travis said. "That's one of the most frustrating parts, and it's hard to get your juices back going knowing you just hurt a guy."

We all know some sports fans can get crazy at stadiums and arenas ... but a new low was reached in 2025, when dildos started flying at players during matchups.

Yeah, that's where we are these days ... and even though many fans might have hoped the trend died after a few people got arrested for their actions, sex toys ended up on the field at several NFL games during 2025's first week of the regular season.

We're going to take a look at how sex toy tossing at sports events became a trend, and see how it jumped from one sport to the next.

In case you haven't heard, dildos being tossed at sporting events isn't exactly a new thing ... because they were thrown on the court at several WNBA games.

The first incident took place in late July 2025, when a dildo was thrown during the fourth quarter of the Golden State Valkyries' game against the Atlanta Dream.

Several other games were interrupted by sex toys making appearances on the court over the course of the season, which were usually tossed off or kicked away by referees.

The dildo tosses have resulted in the arrest of several individuals who've been accused of interrupting games with the immature gesture.

The WNBA's dildo tosses were met with widespread reactions -- many of which were negative -- and lots of sports fans brushed off the incidents as a passing trend.

However, the trend proved to be alive and well during the NFL's preseason, when a green dildo made it onto the field at a Vikings-Titans preseason game in August 2025.

It's worth noting sex toys have been present at NFL games in the past, as an overzealous Buffalo Bills fan tossed one on the field while watching his team play the Patriots back in 2016, according to the New York Post.

Oh, and the Bills Mafia pulled off the same stunt the following year when the Patriots returned for a rematch.

The NFL's first week of the 2025 season started off with a bang, as a bright green dildo was thrown on the field while the Cincinnati Bengals played on the Cleveland Browns' home turf.

The Athletic reported the sex toy was thrown from the Browns' legendary fan section known as the Dawg Pound ... located in Huntington Bank Field's east end zone.

An official on the field ultimately tossed the dildo off the field, and the game continued without further phallic interruption.

Caleb Williams has garnered plenty of attention throughout his football career ... and not all of it's been for his skills on the field!

The Chicago Bears quarterback's also made a name for himself by painting his nails prior to big games, which he's done since before entering the NFL.

We're going to check out how the pro football star received notice over the years for his style choices, as well as what he's said about his manicure.

Caleb first received notice for his painted nails during his time at the University of Southern California, where he played football from 2022 to 2023.

The thing is, the QB's been around nail professionals his whole life ... because his mother was a nail technician for several years.

He spoke about his mani history in a video shared on USC Athletics' TikTok account back in 2022, explaining the process of getting nails done had "kind of always been around me."

CW subsequently told People he saw it as "another way of expression" and acknowledged his style choice "took everybody by surprise" on the gridiron.

Williams' efforts at USC eventually landed him in the 2024 NFL draft -- the Bears picked him in the first round -- and he immediately became Chicago's starting QB.

However, his rookie season was a rocky one, as the team endured a 10-game losing streak, and opponents ended up sacking Caleb 68 times!

He briefly stopped painting his nails in response to the team's hardships, and told ESPN he was focusing on "trying to figure out how to get things back on track."

Caleb admitted feeling pressure weighing on him as the season went on, which he described as "a little tiring at the end."

The Bears ended up finishing out the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, and underwent various personnel changes in preparation for their 2025 season.

Another change was in the books for the team, as Williams resumed painting his nails during the team's off-season training.

The athlete said any criticism over it "doesn't bother me," and he wasn't "going to apologize" for expressing himself on the field.

Rhode Island locals are eager to host Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's forthcoming wedding ... RI State Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy tells TMZ.

The local politician tells TMZ ... he hasn't heard whether or not Swelce plans to have their nuptials in the Ocean State, but he's hopeful it happens ... given the star-studded wedding could bring serious business to his constituents.

Per Rep. Kennedy, the wedding would be great for the state's economy, as Tay and Trav's celeb friends would likely flock to the area and spend big bucks ... on everything from housing to restaurants to entertainment.

Brett Favre says there is one facet of Aaron Rodgers' Hall of Fame career that perplexes him ... admitting to TMZ Sports he's shocked the star quarterback only has one Super Bowl ring.

No. 4 sat down with us this week to break down his former teammate's Steelers debut ... and while he raved over Rodgers' play in Pittsburgh's season-opening win, he did relent he's surprised there's not some more championship bling on Aaron's mantle.

"What I'm most surprised by," Favre said as he reflected on Rodgers' time in the NFL, "is he hasn't won more Super Bowls, as prolific as he's been."

Jalen Carter's spit just cost him a wad of cash -- the NFL just hit the Eagles defensive tackle with a $57K fine for his role in a wet incident with Dak Prescott in the season opener.

The NFL revealed the punishment on Tuesday ... days after Carter was caught in the act at the beginning of "Thursday Night Football" last week.

The league stated the fine will be Carter's game check -- which comes out to $57,222.

Taylor Swift was right by Travis Kelce's side as he toasted his new venture -- the soft opening of his steakhouse, which he co-owns with Patrick Mahomes -- turning the night into a celebration of both business and love.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the couple arrived hand in hand to 1587 Prime Steakhouse around 6:15 PM Monday, making their way up the grand staircase before greeting family and friends. Once inside, they tucked into a semi-private corner booth, where things stayed low-key but affectionate.

Taylor wore in a blue denim mid-thigh dress paired with wedges, her hair swept to the side, while Travis kept it casual in a green striped shirt and cap. We're told the two acted like any normal couple -- laughing with his teammates, trading quick kisses, and flashing smiles across the room whenever they drifted apart.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce's new restaurant isn't just about good eats -- it'll also give fans a chance to drink like the NFL superstars AND their lovely ladies ... thanks to signature cocktails in honor of the Chiefs besties, Taylor Swift and Brittany!!

The 1587 Prime steakhouse is gearing up for its grand opening next week in Kansas City, Missouri ... and the eatery features a detailed interior, a menu personally taste-tested by Mahomes and Kelce themselves -- and four drinks inspired by the famous couples.

TMZ Sports has learned Mahomes' signature drink, "Showtime," is a mix of aged rum blend with coconut, Coors Light syrup, lime and soda.

One of Emmitt Smith's former business associates is asking the court for the right to countersue the NFL legend ... claiming the ex-running back defrauded him.

Smith initially sued Johnny Wimbrey back in Dec. 2024 -- alleging he gave Wimbrey and several other defendants hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest ... but claims the funds were "misappropriated for other purposes."

This week, though, Wimbrey filed to amend a previously dismissed lawsuit against Smith -- alleging the Dallas Cowboys great was actually the one who caused the financial losses.

Florida Gators defensive lineman Brendan Bett is sharing his regret over hocking a loogie at South Florida football player Cole Skinner on Saturday ... issuing an apology for his actions.

The redshirt sophomore took to his Instagram Monday to address what happened during the Gators' 18-16 loss to the Bulls ... directing his message to everyone ranging from "Gator nation" and Skinner himself.

"There is no excuse for my actions. I'm truly sorry to both you and your family."

Peyton Manning was more like Prayin' Manning on Monday night ... as he revealed he's desperately trying to get Pope Leo XIV to be a guest on his "ManningCast" show.

During the third quarter of the Vikings vs. Bears game at Soldier Field, Manning informed his massive audience that he went to great lengths to try to get His Holiness to come talk ball with him and his brother, Eli, during a "Monday Night Football" matchup.

Peyton said he penned two handwritten letters -- one for the pope and another for his executive assistant -- and while they went unanswered for Monday's contest ... he threw up a Hail Mary that one day the pope might join him and his little bro on their ESPN2 broadcast.

Ray Lewis had no problem playfully running his mouth at Andre Reed before their teams faced off on "Sunday Night Football" ... but after the Buffalo Bills pulled off an incredible comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens -- guess who's talking now??

TMZ Sports spoke with the Pro Football Hall of Famer fresh off his Bills' Week 1 victory ... and he had a fun response to the legendary linebacker, who warned him prior to kickoff of a "storm" making its way to Upstate New York.

"Ray knew what was up," Andre said Monday. "He's coming to Buffalo, he's coming to the best fans in the NFL. The storm was coming, you're right -- it's not December. These two teams were a storm and it was here, but we had 70,000 plows ready for that storm and we cleared 'em out in the end."

Jalen Carter's made a name for himself with his prowess on the gridiron ... not that he got to show much of it in the first game of the 2025 season, because he was kicked out after just a few seconds of play.

The Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman was caught in an unsportsmanlike moment, and  promptly removed from the matchup, much to the dismay of Birds fans.

We're going to see how the professional football player made his bones in the world of football ... prior to some stray saliva landing him in hot water.

Carter started playing football for a youth team in his hometown of Apopka, Florida, and he played several positions ... including receiver, cornerback, and outside linebacker, according to ESPN.

He eventually took his talents to Apopka High School, where he continued playing football, but also developed his skills on the basketball court.

Jalen later committed to the University of Georgia, debuted on the football team as a freshman in 2020 ... and helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, where they beat the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide.

JC declared for the 2023 NFL Draft shortly after the Bulldogs' championship.

He was ultimately drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's played as defensive tackle since signing with the team.

Jalen's first season with the Eagles saw the team finish with an 11-6 record, and they ended up in second place in the NFC East division.

However, the team fared much better in the 2024 season, as Jalen and his teammates won it all at Super Bowl LIX ... preventing the Kansas City Chiefs from achieving a three-peat.

Jalen's 2025 season certainly started off with a bang, because he got ejected for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. ... just six seconds into the first game!

Dak and Jalen were jawing at each other following the opening kickoff, which is when the Eagles' DT spat on his opponent ... earning the ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Prescott opened up about the incident after the game, admitting to spitting in the direction of the Eagles at the start of the matchup. However, he claimed he spits "a thousand times throughout the game," according to NBC Sports.