NFL

Take off the tinfoil hats, folks -- Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's romance is NOT a publicity stunt ... this according to the Kansas City Chiefs superstar's managers, who claim the relationship was never part of their "plan" to make him famous.

Of course, there has been speculation surrounding Tayvis ever since the pop superstar started showing up to Kelce's games earlier this season ... with many questioning if the coupling was actually all for clout.

Andre and Aaron Eanes -- who handle Kelce's business affairs -- did an interview with the New York Times about their client skyrocketing to fame over the past year ... and they say they've always had their sights set on getting the two-time Super Bowl champ bigger than the average athlete.

"People say to me, 'Man, it's been a crazy year,'" Aaron told the outlet. "When I say, 'Actually, it's not that crazy,' people look at me funny. It's because it's easy when you have a plan. We're executing that plan."

Their strategy has led to countless commercials, an expanded business portfolio and a "Saturday Night Live" hosting gig ... but Kelce's team insists dating the biggest musician on the planet wasn't on their 2023 bingo card.

Swift previously told Time her new relationship was the result of Kelce putting her "on blast" for not meeting him before or after her Arrowhead Stadium concert ... and they got to know each shortly after -- becoming a full-on couple, even spending the holidays together.

Ey, amantes de las teorías conspirativas, el romance de Travis Kelce y Taylor Swift NO es un truco publicitario, de acuerdo con los managers de la superestrella de los Kansas City Chiefs, quienes afirman que la relación nunca fue parte de su "plan" para hacerlo famoso.

Por supuesto, ha habido especulaciones en torno a Tayvis desde que la superestrella del pop comenzó a aparecer en los partidos de Kelce a principios de esta temporada. Muchos han cuestionado si su relación es en realidad una estrategia para ganar popularidad.

Andre y Aaron Eanes, encargados de manejar los asuntos de negocios de Kelce, le concedieron una entrevista al New York Times sobre el salto a la fama de su cliente en el último año y dicen que siempre han tenido en la mira que el dos veces campeón del Super Bowl se convierta en algo más grande que el atleta promedio.

"La gente me dice: 'Hombre, ha sido un año de locos'", dijo Aaron. "Cuando digo: 'En realidad, no es tan loco', la gente me mira raro. Es porque es fácil cuando tienes un plan. Estamos ejecutando ese plan".

Su estrategia ha dado lugar a innumerables comerciales, una cartera de negocios ampliada y un concierto como anfitrión de "Saturday Night Live". Pero el equipo de Kelce insiste en que salir con la estrella más grande del planeta nunca estuvo en su plan de 2023.

Swift le dijo anteriormente a Time que su nueva relación fue el resultado de que Kelce la "expusiera públicamente" por no reunirse con él antes o después de su concierto en el Arrowhead Stadium, razón por la que llegaron a conocerse poco después. Desde entonces se han convertido en una pareja de pleno derecho, incluso pasaron las fiestas juntos.

Damar Hamlin is commemorating the one-year anniversary of his terrifying cardiac arrest with some new ink ... getting a pair of heart hands tattooed on the back of his neck.

The Buffalo Bills safety hit up Alexander Brenes twelve months after he nearly died on a football field to get the piece done ... and as you can see, it came out awesome.

In addition to the hands, the dark, black tattoo also features an image of an electrocardiogram -- a clear homage to the health scare he suffered while playing against the Bengals on Jan. 2, 2023.

The 25-year-old -- who often threw up the heart hands during his recovery process -- was obviously thrilled with the final product ... he posed for a pic with the tattoo artist and even left a comment on Brenes' Instagram page as well.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are really feeling the love now -- this video of them kissing to ring in the New Year also shows him saying "I love you" to her ... in the view of Swifties, that is.

Fans are certainly convinced he dropped the L-word just as they smooched at midnight. Watch and decide for yourself -- the speculation is it happens in the first few seconds of the clip.

However, we've checked with a few professional lip readers -- some who've testified in high-profile court cases -- and they tell TMZ ... the video is far too blurry to confirm the public declaration of love.

So, we'll never know precisely what sweet nothings the NFL star whispered to the singer while packing on the PDA -- unless they reveal it -- but, it wouldn't be all that weird if they did exchange 'I love yous" ... they've been dating at least 6 months now.

It's also not clear where they rang in the New Year -- but a fellow partygoer shared the clip ... and it looks like others at the bash respectfully left the two to get on with their smoochin'.

The couple was partying somewhere in the Kansas City area Sunday night ... after Travis and the Chiefs played the Bengals.

As we reported, TS arrived at Arrowhead Stadium solo Sunday afternoon to cheer on her beau ... which she's been doing since they went public a few months ago.

Diehard football fans have become increasingly vexed over the attention Taylor commands at games -- but it looks like she's not going anywhere in 2024.

Travis Kelce y Taylor Swift realmente están sintiendo las mariposas en este momento. Este video de ellos besándose para darle la bienvenida al Año Nuevo también demuestra que Travis le dijo "Te amo" a ella, al menos a los ojos de los Swifties.

Los fans están convencidos de que le dijo la palabra que empieza con A justo cuando se estaban besando a medianoche. Mira el video y decide por ti mismo, la especulación en disputa transcurre en los primeros segundos del clip.

Sin embargo, hemos comprobado con algunos lectores de labios profesionales -algunos de ellos han testificado en casos judiciales de alto perfil- y le dicen a TMZ que el video es demasiado borroso como para confirmar la declaración pública de amor.

Por lo tanto, nunca sabremos con exactitud lo que la estrella de la NFL le susurró a la cantante mientras se estaban abrazando, a menos que ellos lo revelen, pero no sería tan extraño que se hayan dicho "Te amo", ya que han estado saliendo por lo menos 6 meses.

Tampoco está claro donde pasaron el Año Nuevo, pero un compañero de fiesta compartió el clip y como otros en la fiesta parece que dejaron que se siguieran besando tranquilos.

La pareja estuvo de fiesta en algún lugar de la zona de Kansas City el domingo por la noche, después de que Travis y los Chiefs se enfrentaran a los Bengals.

Como informamos, Taylor Swift llegó sola al estadio Arrowhead el domingo en la tarde para animar a su novio, algo que ha estado haciendo desde que hicieron pública su relación hace unos meses.

Los fanáticos acérrimos del fútbol americano están cada vez más molestos por la atención que recibe Taylor en los partidos, pero parece que no se irá a ninguna parte en 2024.

"Let's gooooooooooo!!!!!"

Tom Brady started off the new year with a bang ... the former Michigan quarterback absolutely lost his mind as his alma mater beat Alabama in the Rose Bowl!

The 46-year-old retired signal-caller shared video on social media on Monday ... showing a topless Tom, rocking a gold chain, watching the final play of the overtime thriller from an unknown location.

UM stuffed Bama and punched their ticket to the National Championship game ... and it'd be an understatement to say Tom was elated!

“Let’s go, woo!” Tom yelled.

Brady captioned the video ... "OMFG" and "Go BLue @umichfootball"

Although Brady couldn't be in the building in Pasadena to watch the game in person, Tom's been supportive of the team all season.

In fact, before Monday's Rose Bowl, he tweeted a photo of himself wearing a Michigan vs Everybody wristband ... along with an incredibly expensive and rare Richard Mille watch.

Brady wasn't the only famous alum to express support for UM with the rubber accessory ... Michael Phelps also posted a photo wearing the yellow bracelet. The 23x Olympic gold medalist tagged Brady.

The win vs. Nick Saban's bama squad was huge, but the work isn't done yet ... Michigan will play Washington Monday night with a National Championship title on the line!

Tom Brady was apparently ready to get back on the gridiron not long after announcing his retirement (again) this year ... now revealing he damn near put on his shoulder pads again.

The retired QB and the G.O.A.T. of football made the shocking confession in an end-of-year IG post that featured a collection of photos of him, his kids and other loved ones in various settings throughout 2023 ... all of which looks to be quality time well-spent with family.

He writes, "Looking back on 2023 grateful for every moment. Cherishing the highs, learning from the lows, and looking forward to what’s coming next. I’m blessed to have family and friends filled with so much love, joy, and compassion surrounding me."

TB12 goes on to say that he recommends everyone connect with the people they love as much as possible, as they're all that matters at the end of the day.

He then ends with this ... "PS: The only downside to 2023 was when I was about to unretire in May and my friends threw a surprise retirement party. Kind of forced my hand."

Sounds like he's serious ... which, if true, then it's absolutely nuts -- especially when you consider he already faked retired the year prior, only to undo it and go for another season.

This also seems to prove that he was somewhat BS'ing when he claimed a report saying this exact thing could possibly happen was "fake news." As it turns out, there was in fact some truth to it ... but in the end, Tom obviously decided to stay retired for good.

Of course, he's got that big FOX Sports broadcasting job for him on the horizon -- which, by all accounts, he's been vigorously prepping for next season. Still, the dude can't seem to stay away from football -- as a matter of fact, he's been critical of the state of the game lately.

Former NFL star Muhammad Wilkerson was arrested again last week ... after cops say he drove drunk with a loaded gun tucked beneath his car seat.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, Wilkerson was initially pulled over by police in Morris County, New Jersey back on Dec. 22 at 6:41 AM.

During the stop, cops suspected he was under the influence ... saying a strong odor of alcohol was emanating from the former New York Jets pass rusher's ride.

In the docs, cops say at one point during questioning, Wilkerson told them he was coming from a New York City club ... and a short time later, they say he failed field sobriety tests.

Wilkerson was placed under arrest -- and afterward, cops said during a search of his vehicle they not only found an open bottle of Don Julio tequila ... but also an FN 509 Tactical Handgun with 11 hollow point bullets inside of it.

Police said Wilkerson told them the firearm was purchased in Florida -- but he did not provide them proper documentation.

Court records show Wilkerson has since been tagged with a bevy of charges in the case -- including operating a vehicle while under the influence and unlawful possession of a handgun.

He's due in court for hearings on the matter next month.

This, of course, is not the first time Wilkerson has been accused of drinking and driving ... he was arrested for DWI in 2020 and 2019 as well.

Taylor Swift is ending the year watching her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, play football -- capping off what's been a whirlwind romance full of memories ... not to mention NFL appearances.

The pop star was once again in the building at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday to catch the K.C. Chiefs play one last home game against the Cincinnati Bengals ... and just like she usually does, she rolled up in a golf cart down below and made her way to her luxury box suite.

Looks like she was cruising solo this time around, whereas last week ... she had some company in her mom and brother, who joined her for the big Christmas game there in town.

T-Swift was looking pretty stylish here for the NYE matchup ... dressed in all black, aside from a sweet white Chiefs letterman jacket she was rocking as she made her way up to the stands. If it wasn't obvious by now, she'll be spending New Year's there in Kansas City.

Like we said, Taylor attending games has become a bit of a pastime this year -- ever since she and TK went public with their relationship toward the start of the season ... she's gone in person to watch him several different times, and sometimes in totally different cities too.

At each stop, Taylor has been seen rooting and screaming her heart out for her man ... oftentimes memorably, whether it's cursing at a bad call or celebrating with handshakes.

While she and Travis were apart for a bit during Thanksgiving -- when she jetted on down to Brazil for a few shows as part of her 'Eras' tour -- they've spent the majority of the holidays together ... and their bond is going strong. From the looks of it, this could be the real deal.

From the NFL side ... you best believe the league has loved them as a couple, especially when Taylor shows up in person. The ratings have ballooned at most of her games ... as she seems to have drawn in a whole new audience who might've otherwise not watched.

Some diehard football fans have become annoyed with the attention Taylor commands -- but hey, it's entertainment at the end of the day ... and this is where worlds collide for big $$$.

Anyway, it's pretty safe to say she's probably had the biggest year out of anyone in showbiz.

Tom Brady's massive new home is seemingly nearing the end of construction, as new photos show the extent of the build taken on by contractors for the NFL legend.

The home is huge, no doubt, but it's the extent of accessories and add-ons that the finished project is set to contain that is really the shock factor.

According to Daily Mail -- the home is estimated to cost close to $11.5 million when all is said and done -- complete with a waterfront, a massive pool with spa, multiple gyms and room for plenty of cars in his garage.

Of course, Tom purchased the property back in 2020 when he was still married to Gisele Bundchen for a reported $17 million.

Tom's taken the last year off after retiring last season from the NFL, considered the best QB to ever do it. Don't worry though, the lack of work doesn't have him strapped for cash -- Tom's worth an estimated $500 million.

Not to mention, whenever he's ready for it, he's signed on with FOX as an NFL commentator for $375 million ... so ya, if he wanted, he could build the same house a bunch of times over.

Legendary Kansas City running back Christian Okoye is urging the Taylor Swift critics to shake off their hate -- telling TMZ Sports the pop star is absolutely not the reason for Travis Kelce's struggles this season.

"She has nothing to do with how the team's doing right now," Okoye said emphatically this week.

Of course, there are many who are disagreeing with the Nigerian Nightmare these days ... as Kelce's play has dropped off dramatically from where it had been earlier this season.

He's only scored one touchdown since Week 8 -- and the Chiefs have subsequently lost five of their last eight games.

But Okoye says none of that is Swift's fault -- telling us defenses have simply come up with schemes to neutralize Kelce.

"Taylor Swift is not on the field," Okoye said. "Travis is playing like he always plays. Teams are just doubling up on him now knowing that our receivers are dropping the balls."

Okoye says the game film tells the real story -- explaining, "All of the sudden teams figured out if they can double him up and hold [Patrick] Mahomes in the pocket, everything will be all right for them. And that's what they're doing."

Okoye added he's loved what Swift has brought to the team this year.

"When you're doing bad, people have to find excuses," Okoye said. "And they have to point fingers. Especially those who don't like the situation about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce."

"Those people are pointing fingers and making it up right now. So I have to tell you they are wrong."

Okoye was hopeful the team could get back on track when Swift undoubtedly attends K.C.'s game later Sunday against the Bengals.

El legendario corredor de Kansas City, Christian Okoye, está instando a los críticos de Taylor Swift a sacudirse de su odio, diciéndole a TMZ Sports que la estrella del pop no es en absoluto la razón de las luchas de Travis Kelce esta temporada.

"Ella no tiene nada que ver con la forma en que el equipo lo está haciendo ahora", dijo Okoye enfáticamente esta semana.

Por supuesto, hay muchos que están en desacuerdo con la pesadilla de Nigeria. El juego de Kelce ha caído dramáticamente desde donde empezó a principios de esta temporada.

Solo ha anotado un touchdown desde la Semana 8 y los Chiefs han perdido posteriormente cinco de sus últimos ocho partidos.

Pero Okoye dice que nada de eso es culpa de Swift y nos dice que las defensas simplemente han ideado esquemas para neutralizar a Kelce.

"Taylor Swift no está en el campo", dijo Okoye. "Travis está jugando como siempre. Los equipos simplemente lo están doblando ahora al ver que nuestros receptores están dejando caer los balones".

Okoye dice que la película del juego cuenta la historia real y explica: "De repente, los equipos se dieron cuenta de que si pueden doblarlo y mantener a [Patrick] Mahomes en el bolsillo, todo estará bien para ellos. Y eso es lo que están haciendo".

Okoye agregó que le ha encantado lo que Swift ha aportado al equipo este año.

"Cuando te va mal, la gente tiene que buscar excusas", dijo Okoye. "Y tienen que señalar con el dedo. Especialmente a los que no les gusta la situación de Taylor Swift y Travis Kelce".

"Esa gente está señalando con el dedo e inventando ahora mismo. Así que tengo que decirles que están equivocados".

Okoye se mostró esperanzado de que el equipo pueda volver a la normalidad cuando Swift sin duda asista al partido del domingo contra los Bengals.

If Michael Lombardi was running the Bears, this season would be Justin Fields' last in Chicago -- 'cause he tells TMZ Sports dumping the QB and drafting a different one is what's best for the franchise going forward.

The former Cleveland Browns general manager said he simply hasn't seen enough from the Bears' current starter to pass on guys like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Michael Penix Jr. in next April's NFL draft.

"I think you need a better player at the position," Lombardi said. "Someone who can throw the football with more regularity that doesn't have to wait for the second play."

Don't get it twisted, Lombardi says Fields will definitely have value on the trade market due to his unique ability to run with the football ... he just believes Chicago needs a more pure passer to make a serious runs at the playoffs.

"I think at the end of the day, it's still a passing league," he said, "and you have to throw the football effectively."

The Bears, of course, have not come to a decision with their current signal-caller ... although one will definitely need to be made in the next few months -- as they're poised to own the top pick in the draft due to a trade with Carolina in the offseason.

Lombardi also had some advice for the Patriots -- another team that will have to make a tough choice this offseason -- explaining to us that he would not move on from Bill Belichick if he were running that org.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard has overstayed her welcome in Missouri post-prison, 'cause she's gotten the ol' GTFOH from cops ... dashing any hope of a Swiftie meetup, for now.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the recently-released ex-con -- who was cut loose into the wild Thursday from a state prison there in the area -- was recently notified by her parole officer that she and her loved ones needed to get outta Missouri.

The reasoning behind this is a bit unclear, but what we do know is that Gypsy was told local law enforcement officials spoke to the state corrections unit and notified them they wanted her gone ASAP. We're told this might be because of security risks her continued presence might present to the KC area ... where she's been hanging out for the past 24 hours or so.

It's true ... GRB has become a local celebrity during her brief time in town, taking photos with fans, and stopping/chatting with paps that have been hounding her. During the time she's been out behind bars, Gypsy has most certainly drawn a helluva lot of attention.

In any case, our sources tell us Gyspy's heard 'em loud and clear ... and is currently on her way to her husband's home in Louisiana -- which, of course, means she won't be at Sunday's Chiefs game.

We're told Gypsy is bummed about this development, as she and her hubby had plans to attend for a while now -- with tickets in hand dating back months and even some Chiefs merch ready to go that she got for Christmas. With that said, our sources say she gets it and is grateful to be freed.

As we reported ... Gypsy was hoping to meet Taylor Swift while at Arrowhead, with a Hail Mary shout-out that she hoped TS would see. Of course, it was a long shot to begin with.

Now, in terms of why Gypsy was allowed to roam around Kansas City to begin with -- we're told it had to do with the timing of her release (very, very early) which led MDOC to allow her to stay overnight in town at an Airbnb ... where her family partied.

Like we said, she's been living it up since getting back on the outside -- now, she'll just have to do it another state ... 'cause Missouri's told her to beat it, and she absolutely did.

Pretty crazy 48 hours for Gypsy, but it's nothing compared to her life story in general -- which, BTW, is going to be spotlighted in a new Lifetime special that's airing on Jan. 5.

The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard is a 3-night event that'll touch on the whole saga ... dating back to when she helped plan the murder of her abusive mother -- and it features a first-person perspective from GRB herself on her own newsworthy story.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard ha sobrepasado su estancia en Missouri luego de salir de prisión, porque los policías le han dicho que se vaya inmediatamente, frustrando cualquier esperanza de tener un encuentro con Taylor Swift, por ahora.

Fuentes con conocimiento directo le dicen a TMZ que la ex-convicta, que fue liberada el jueves de una prisión estatal en la zona, fue notificada recientemente por su oficial de libertad condicional de que ella y sus seres queridos necesitan salir de Missouri.

La razón detrás de esto es un poco confusa, pero lo que sí sabemos es que los funcionarios encargados de hacer cumplir la ley local hablaron con la unidad correccional del estado, quienes les informaron que querían que Gypsy se fuera lo antes posible. Nos dicen que esto podría ser debido a los riesgos de seguridad que su presencia podría suponer para la zona de Kansas City, donde ha estado pasando el rato durante las últimas 24 horas más o menos.

Es cierto, Gypsy se ha convertido en una celebridad local durante su breve estancia en la ciudad, sacándose fotos con los fans y parando a conversar con los paparazzi que la han estado acosando. Durante el tiempo que ha estado fuera ha llamado mucho la atención.

En cualquier caso, nuestras fuentes nos dicen que Gyspy ha entendido el mensaje alto y claro y actualmente se encuentra camino a casa con su marido en Louisiana. Por supuesto, eso significa que no estará en el partido del domingo con los Chiefs.

Nos dicen que Gypsy está deprimida por como se dieron las cosas, ya que ella y su marido tenían planes de asistir desde hace un tiempo. Tenían entradas compradas de hace algunos meses e incluso algo de merchandasing de los Chiefs que ella había conseguido para la Navidad. Dicho esto, nuestras fuentes dicen que ella lo entiende y está agradecida de ser liberada.

Como hemos informado, Gypsy tenía la esperanza de conocer a Taylor Swift, mientras estuviera en el estadio Arrowhead y hacer un saludo que esperaba que Taylor Swift viera. Por supuesto, era una posibilidad remota para empezar.

Ahora, en términos de por qué se le permitió a Gypsy vagar por Kansas City, para empezar nos dicen que tenía que ver con el momento de su liberación (muy, muy temprano) que llevó al departamento de Correccionales a permitirle pasar la noche en la ciudad en un AirBnb, donde su familia hizo una fiesta.

Como hemos dicho, ella lo ha estado pasando bien desde su regreso al mundo exterior. Ahora, solo tendrá que hacerlo desde otro estado, ya que Missouri le dijo que se fuera y ella obedeció de inmediato.

Estas 48 intensas horas no son nada comparado con la historia de su vida, que, por cierto, va a ser el centro de un nuevo especial de Lifetime que se emite el 5 de enero.

'Las confesiones de la prisión de Gypsy Rose Blanchard' es un evento de 3 noches que tocará toda la saga y que se remonta a cuando ella ayudó a planear el asesinato de su abusiva madre y cuenta con una perspectiva en primera persona de Gypsy en esta historia.

Ray Rice will be honored by the Baltimore Ravens this weekend in front of fans -- this almost 10 years after he infamously knocked out his significant other in an elevator.

The ex-star running back has been tapped to be the focus of Sunday's "Legend of the Game" ceremony at M&T Bank Stadium ... where they'll formally recognize his achievements both on and off the field during and after his time with the team, which ended in 2014.

His professional accolades are unquestioned -- 3-time Pro Bowler and a SB champ, among other impressive stats -- but the obvious question ... is he worthy of a spotlight after his horrific domestic violence incident? The Ravens seem to think he's earned a 2nd chance.

The team's own article on this major news is quoted as saying ... "Rice is being recognized for the player he was, and for the redemption he has worked towards. Out of the public eye, Rice has been working on himself, his relationship, and within the community."

On that front, it's true ... Rice has become an incredibly philanthropic person in and around Baltimore since 2014 -- having contributed to a number of charitable orgs, speaking on behalf of important causes (preventing DV) and contributing mightily to local youths' lives.

Rice has also acknowledged how wrong he was for punching his then-girlfriend/now-wife, Janay Palmer, which left her completely unconscious. He now says, "I truly understand why I was let go and why so many hearts changed. But hopefully people can see where I'm at now. They say people can change, right? I am not the same person I was 10-12 years ago. That's just not who I am." He says he's trying to be the best version of himself in 2023.

Ravens Prez Sashi Brown adds ... "He was also consistently in the community, giving back. Importantly, after Ray's incident he owned it. On his own accord, Ray undertook critical work within himself and to bring awareness to and educate others on domestic violence. Nothing will change his past or make it right, but Ray's work has allowed him to atone for his actions and rebuild relationships personally and professionally, including with the Ravens."

Ray has returned to Baltimore before for a 'LOTF' ceremony -- notably in 2018, when he attended on behalf of others being honored and received a warm welcome from fans.