NFL

Taylor Swift performed all weekend in Louisiana without her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, watching from the crowd ... but he was seemingly top of mind during her concert last night.

The pop star hit the stage for her sold-out Sunday show at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans -- and, while belting out her song, "Midnight Rain," she showed off a variation of Travis' signature pose whenever he makes a first down for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Check out the video ... Taylor uses her index fingers to simultaneously point to one side and then she blows a kiss to the crowd before twirling around and walking away.

Jamal Lewis would love it if Derrick Henry joined his 2,000-yard club again this season ... telling TMZ Sports he's actually rooting for it to go down.

In fact, the former Baltimore tailback -- who's one of just eight NFLers to ever accomplish the feat -- says he'd dub Henry "the head of our class" if the Ravens' newest star reached the coveted number for the second time in his career.

"It'd be great," Lewis said.

The actor who went viral for his spot-on Rob Gronkowski portrayal on the new Aaron Hernandez drama is hoping to strike gold again with his upcoming role as Travis Kelce ... telling TMZ Sports he wants to win over the Swifties!!

Laith Wallschleger became an overnight sensation after his scenes as the legendary New England Patriots tight end premiered on "American Sports Story" ... with fans pointing to his perfect impression of Gronk's signature laugh.

As it turns out, Laith has had a while to study the subject ... 'cause he's actually been pretty tight with Gronk over the years -- even partying with the four-time Super Bowl champ on countless occasions.

Tragic news for the Cleveland Browns -- beloved play-by-play announcer Jim Donovan has passed away at 68 years old after a battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The team announced the loss on Saturday ... with owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam saying it is an "incredibly difficult day" for the organization.

Donovan became the "Voice of the Cleveland Browns" upon the team's return to the NFL in 1999 ... and held the role for 25 seasons. Despite the team's overall lack of success during his tenure, the Boston native famously maintained an optimistic approach to each game day.

Baby Mahomes number three is on the way ... but momma's still gotta get her workouts in!

Brittany Mahomes -- who this summer announced she was expecting her third child with Patrick Mahomes -- posted several shots on social media ... rockin' a cute bright orange two-piece exercise fit.

Britt, glowing, with an ever growing belly, looks great!

Move over, Jimmy Kimmel ... Jason Kelce might be about to take up residence in the late-night space -- he's reportedly in talks with ESPN about hosting his own show.

John Ourand of Puck reported Thursday that ESPN honcho Jimmy Pitaro is looking to widen the network's reach -- and part of the plan to accomplish that feat could include an after-hours program starring Kelce.

Unclear if it'd be in the traditional style -- one where a host (like Kimmel) brings in various celebs and athletes to talk about life and upcoming projects in a fun Q-and-A fashion -- although Ourand stated at the very least it "wouldn't be a highlight or recap show."

It ain't the Vikings, Packers or Bears ... no, according to Kerby Joseph, the real kings of the NFC North are the Lions!

The defensive back made it clear to TMZ Sports following Detroit's huge Week 7 win over Minnesota that he truly believes his squad is the top dog in the NFL's best division.

In fact, he told us he thinks the Lions should be considered the favorite from here.

Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds was wounded during a shooting last week in Denver, the team announced on Thursday.

In a statement, the NFL franchise said Reynolds suffered "minor injuries" ... although it did not reveal any further details about the incident.

"Out of respect for the legal process," Broncos officials said, "we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities."

2:15 PM PT -- Bill Belichick's making it clear he's siding with his girlfriend in the feud ... rockin' a Bridgewater State University cheerleading tee while hanging with Jordon Hudson on Thursday.

Bill Belichick's cheerleader girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, is so flippin' mad over some recent jabs a radio host threw her alma mater's way ... she's now issuing a challenge to the woman in an attempt to completely embarrass her.

The beef all began on Monday ... when Winnie Akoury -- who appears on Kiss 108's "Billy & Lisa in the Morning" -- trashed Bridgewater State University's cheerleading program.

Marsha Kearney -- the mother of Kansas City Chiefs star Rashee Rice -- was slapped with a misdemeanor charge this month over allegations she stole her neighbor's package ... TMZ Sports has learned.

North Richland Hills Police in Texas tell us ... after Kearney's neighbor accused her of snatching some Chappell Roan records right off their porch in plain view of their Ring camera on Sept. 29, an arrest warrant for the 43-year-old was issued on Oct. 8.

Cops say Kearney ended up turning herself into the Tarrant County Sherriff's Office a week later -- on Oct. 15 -- and she was eventually charged with one count of mail theft.

10/23 12:15 PM PT -- Andy Dalton will not start this weekend against the Denver Broncos, the team announced ... meaning Bryce Young will be the starter for the first time since Week 2.

7:10 AM PT -- Andy's wife, Jordan, just said in a message on her Instagram page that while she and the family are "a little banged up," they're going to be just fine.

"Thank you to everyone who responded so quickly to the accident," she wrote. "First responders.. friends and strangers... our hearts could not be more greatful for how you showed up for our family.. specifically our kids."

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton and his family were involved in a car accident on Tuesday ... but thankfully, no one needed emergency medical treatment.

Jason Kelce is putting an end to sleep-gate ... emphatically saying he was NOT snoozin' during Taylor Swift's recent "Eras" tour show in Miami, despite what the internet thinks!

JK was choppin' it up with bro Travis Kelce on the latest edition of their "New Heights" podcast ... when the conversation turned to the recent viral photo which seemingly showed the retired NFL star catching some Zs during TS' latest show.

And, in the pic -- taken by Jason's former Eagles teammate Beau Allen -- it surely seems like Kelce was sleeping ... but he swears he was wide awake!

Patrick Mahomes Sr. is back behind bars, but he has not been accused of further wrongdoing -- TMZ Sports has learned he's simply begun serving his sentence for his most recent DWI conviction.

A Smith County jail official tells us ... the father of NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes was booked on Tuesday afternoon at around 4:53 PM and took a new mug shot. He's now not expected to be released until Halloween.

Of course, the 10-day stint in the slammer was all planned ... as it was a condition of the plea agreement Mahomes Sr. reached with prosecutors stemming from his Feb. 3 arrest for drunk driving in Tyler, Texas.

Former Super Bowl champion Derrick Ward will not spend time in prison over allegations he robbed L.A.-area businesses ... TMZ Sports has learned he's been placed on mental health diversion instead.

Court records show a judge ordered Ward to enroll in the program at a hearing back on Oct. 10.

Ward, according to court documents, will now have to comply with any mental health treatment recommendations from "Find Your Balance Center" and "Brain Health USA Center" for a period of two years.

Baker Mayfield was spotted poppin' a ZYN during "Monday Night Football" ... but if you thought the company behind the nicotine pouches would be thrilled with the free promotion -- think again!!

Swedish Match -- which manufactures ZYN -- got wind of Mayfield catching a buzz before the second half of the Buccaneers vs. Ravens game at Raymond James Stadium ... and let's just say it had a mixed reaction to the moment.

"Swedish Match appreciates its loyal consumers and encourages them not to show the product in any situation where someone under 21 years old could see it," a ZYN spokesperson told TMZ Sports.

Jon Gruden's split with the Raiders was UGLY ... but that doesn't mean the Super Bowl champion-winning former head coach is down on his old employer in Las Vegas!

In fact, Gruden says he not only watches the team, but he still actively pulls for his old squad!

"You know my son [Deuce Gruden] is on that staff. He's one of the strength coaches, so I watch every single play. I still root for 'em like I was still on the staff," the Gruden told Pacman Jones and Evan Rosenblum on BetOnline's "The Pacman Jones Show."