NFL

The NFL has officially canceled this season's Pro Bowl game due to COVID -- but the league is "reimagining" ways to celebrate the players.

The game was originally set to take place on Jan. 31 at the brand new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (home of the Raiders) ... but NFL officials ultimately decided it wasn't worth the risk.

The league will still allow fans, players and coaches to vote on Pro Bowl rosters -- but they just won't compete in a formal game.

Let's face it, the games aren't really that great anyway.

Instead of a game, the league says it will work with the NFLPA and other partners to "create a variety of engaging activities" for the players.

"This virtual recognition of the season's finest players will provide fans the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of their favorite stars."

As for concerns over the Super Bowl, the league says the big game is still on.

"The NFL and NFLPA's intention is to play a full regular and postseason schedule, culminating at the Super Bowl."

Unclear how the league will address fans, media and the traditional Super Bowl fan experience -- but they've got some time to figure that out.

As for Vegas, the NFL says they won't abandon the city -- announcing the 2022 Pro Bowl will take place at Allegiant Stadium.

Denver Broncos star Melvin Gordon was busted for driving under the influence and speeding ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Records show the case was filed at 1:55 AM on Wednesday morning. The exact time of the bust is still unclear. We're working on it.

According to court records, the running back is facing 3 violations -- speeding at least 25 MPH over the limit, and 2 DUI charges.

Records show Gordon is listed as 6'1", 213 lbs. He is set to be arraigned on November 13.

27-year-old Gordon is fresh off the best game of his Broncos career -- rushing for 107 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown run against the New York Jets.

The Broncos released a statement on the incident ... saying, "We are aware of the situation involving Melvin Gordon."

"Our organization has been in communication with him and is in the process of gathering more details."

Gordon was a 1st round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and played with the Chargers until the end of the 2019 season.

The former Wisconsin star -- a Heisman finalist in 2014 -- made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2018.

In March 2020, he signed a 2-year, $16 million contract with the Broncos.

The New Jersey Devils just made a dream come true for one of their biggest fans ... by selecting a 13-year-old with an honorary draft pick!!

Reilly Hoagland was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis -- a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system -- at age 4 ... but has remained active on his local hockey team.

The team got wind of Reilly's love for the Devils ... and partnered with Make-A-Wish New Jersey to hook him up with an all-out party for his honorary introduction to the team.

Reilly got his own custom jersey ... and former players Bruce Driver and Grant Marshall and even the mascot all dropped by to visit!!

"On behalf of the New Jersey Devils organization, I would like to welcome you and your family to our family," Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said in a video message.

"I've heard a lot of amazing things about you, from your speed, your shot, your passion, your commitment — all the characteristics we value as a New Jersey Devil."

"I look forward to seeing you at the rink soon."

Current Devils star Travis Zajac added, "It’s great to have the addition of another New Jersey guy on the team."

"Congrats on your big day and see you at the Rock real soon.”

That's not all -- the team says it will host Reilly at a home game next season!!

Go, Reilly!!

Drew Brees has channeled his inner George Jefferson ... TMZ Sports has learned the QB's moved on up to a deluxe condo in a sky-high New Orleans building -- and it's awesome!

Sources close to the Saints star tell us the quarterback has purchased a baller unit inside the new Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel & Private Residences in Louisiana.

And, we're told Drew's new pad is coming with ALL the bells and whistles!!

Sources say Brees' spot at the Four Seasons (which is reportedly the priciest development in N.O. history) will come with everything from private access to a bar/lounge to a golf simulator room.

We're also told Drew will be able to swim at the place's 75-foot outdoor pool ... and he'll have insane views of the Mississippi River and the French Quarter from his unit too!

"When I heard The Four Seasons was coming to New Orleans, I jumped at the opportunity to purchase a condominium," Brees said of the place in a statement.

"The Four Seasons is transformative for this city and I’m excited to be part of it. My family and I will always love New Orleans and be proud to call the Four Seasons home."

As for the price ... we're told Brees paid several million dollars for it -- which we know the guy can afford, seeing as he just inked a 2-year $50 MILLION contract in March!

Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan tells TMZ Sports his breakout game was no one-hit wonder ... and he's warning fantasy owners to keep him in their lineups -- OR ELSE!!!

The 26-year-old exploded during the Pack's "Monday Night Football" win over the Atlanta Falcons last week ... catching 6 passes for 98 yards and THREE touchdowns.

Afterward, fantasy football nerds were wonderin' if the guy could keep up the unexpected production for the rest of this season ... and he told us hell yes he can!

"That's going to continue to grow and get better so I'm excited about that," Tonyan said. "If you're a believer, keep believing, if not, see ya!"

Tonyan also raved about his quarterback ... telling us Aaron Rodgers wasn't wrong for saying his bad years are some guys' career ones.

"I mean, the numbers don't lie," Tonyan said, "and, on top of it, he's been doing it for a long time."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says his team's not gonna turn into the Kardashians over their rematch with Myles Garrett and the Browns ... saying, they're not about "that reality TV storyline."

Sunday's matchup between Pittsburgh and Cleveland is HUGE for several reasons -- one being both teams are fighting for a spot at the top of the AFC North.

The other reason?? It's the first time Garrett will line up against the Steelers since his infamous helmet-swinging attack on backup QB Mason Rudolph in November 2019.

Tomlin was asked if he spoke to his players about avoiding any sort of distractions while meeting with reporters on Tuesday ... and he makes it clear they have bigger things to worry about.

"There really is no message," Tomlin says ... "There's a lot on the table in reference to this game in terms of stakes. They're a 4-1 team."

"We're trying to remain undefeated. We’re not looking for that low hanging fruit or that reality TV storyline and so forth. This is a big game in 2020."

As we previously reported ... Garrett has spoken out about moving on past the incident ... calling it a "small bump in the road."

So ... everyone's gonna get along on Sunday, right??

Dak Prescott is now recovering at home after he was discharged from the hospital Monday following a successful ankle surgery, the Cowboys say.

27-year-old Prescott was rushed into surgery Sunday night after suffering a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle while playing the NY Giants.

The Cowboys tapped doctor Gene Curry to perform the surgery -- which involved cleaning out the wound and repairing the break.

Sources have told various media outlets the surgery was a success -- and Prescott was discharged less than 24 hours after being admitted.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told the media his QB is "in very good spirits."

"I know he's excited to get home and start the journey back, as you would expect from Dak, but he's doing OK."

There are reports Dak's recovery could take somewhere around 4 to 6 months -- but McCarthy noted, "As I've found out in my short time here, he's going to challenge any timeline."

Get well soon.

Patrick Mahomes believes he can throw a football 83 YARDS IN THE AIR -- and he's willing to put his money where his mouth is.

The Kansas City Chiefs QB has long talked about a possible throw-off competition with Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen ... since they both are known for having CANONS for arms.

But when Mahomes appeared on "KCSP 610 Sports Radio" this week, he threw out a number ... saying he strongly believes he can hit 83 yards in the air!!!

"I've never seen Josh throw a football but I know how far I can throw it … but I know it's pretty far."

"I think I can get it anywhere from 80 to 83 yards," Mahomes added.

For the record, 83 yards is an INSANE NUMBER -- further than any QB threw a football during the 17 years the NFL had a distance competition in the NFL QB Challenge.

Remember the NFL QB Challenge? The top QBs in the league competed in throwing challenges from distance to accuracy. Fun stuff.

The longest recorded throw was Vinny Testaverde -- who reportedly launched a ball 80 yards in 1988!

Randall Cunningham once recorded a 76 yarder and Brett Favre threw a 75-yard bomb at the '97 competition.

So, for Mahomes to hit 83 yards ... that would be impressive!!

Outside of the friendly rivalry, Mahomes says he's got a healthy respect for Allen -- saying the guy is playing MVP caliber football this season.

The Chiefs (4-1) and Bills (4-0) are set to do battle on Oct. 15 -- and Mahomes says he's looking forward to it.

"His agent needs to be fired."

Ex-Dallas Cowboys player Jason Hatcher just went off on the Dak Prescott injury situation -- saying the QB's advisors should be ASHAMED for allowing him to play without a longterm contract.

"First of all, I wanna just send my prayers out to Dak," Hatcher said ... "[but] that young man and the team around him should have never allowed him to ever touch the field if he didn't have a longterm deal."

Prescott tried renegotiating a longterm deal with the Cowboys during the offseason, but ultimately agreed to play on a 1-year franchise tag deal that paid him $31.4 million guaranteed.

But, with Dak suffering that horrific ankle injury Sunday night, his future is in doubt ... and Hatcher is pointing the finger at Dak's agent, Todd France.

"There's no way in the world that his team should have allowed him to bet on himself during this situation," said Hatcher, a defensive lineman for the Cowboys from 2006 to 2013.

"He should've been in a comfortable situation with a longterm deal."

"Now, he's gotta start all back over again, rewind 4 years back when he came in as a rookie and prove himself all over again and he can play again and he can work through an injury or whatever."

Hatcher says if the Cowboys decide to cut Dak, fans shouldn't be upset with Jerry Jones because "there's no loyalty in business. It is business."

Class move from the biggest Philadelphia Eagles fan there is ...

12-year-old Giovanni Hamilton was so sad about the injury to Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, he shot a get-well message that'll hit you right in the feels.

Hamilton's story is pretty well known ... the way he's battled through 12 surgeries related to Schwartz-Jampel syndrome has inspired Eagles players like Carson Wentz and others.

Gio's condition has been described by his mom as a combo of muscular dystrophy and dwarfism. He's undergone surgical procedures on his hips, eyes, jaw and more.

So, when Gio -- who's an Eagles fan to the core -- found out about Dak's ankle, he fired up his camera Sunday to make a video for the injured QB.

"I just heard that Dak Prescott got hurt and you know, it sucks," Gio said.

"I’m the biggest eagles fan there is and you never wanna see that happen."

Gio added, "Even if it’s your most hated team, you never want to see that happen to anyone -- and you know Dak, I hope you see this, Brother, I hope you’re doing okay. I’ve been through a lot of pain but I can't even imagine. That looked like it really hurt."

Here's Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll going crazy in the locker room after his team's wild comeback victory ... AND IT'S THE PERFECT WAY TO START A MONDAY!

There's yelling, there's screaming, there's fist-pumping and light-flickering ... Pete was feelin' it!!!

And, for good reason, his Hawks had just completed one of the best 4th-quarter comebacks of the year ... led by QB Russell Wilson and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.

They were down 26 to 21 to the Minnesota Vikings with less than 2 minutes left in the game -- but Wilson drove 95 yards, ultimately hitting Metcalf in the end zone with just 20 seconds left!!

Seahawks got the W in a ridiculous 27 to 26 victory. What a game!

Afterward, 69-year-old Carroll led the team in an energized back and forth ... and it'll get your adrenaline flowing!!

"Can you win the game in the 1st quarter?! NO!!"

Can you win the game in the 2nd quarter?! NO!!"

"Can you win the game in the 3rd quarter?! NO!!"

"Can you win the game in the 4th quarter?! YEAAAAAHHH!!!!!""

It's awesome.

The Seahawks are now 5-0 on the season and look like real contenders.

Dak Prescott suffered a horrific season-ending injuring Sunday --snapping his ankle in the worst possible way, requiring emergency surgery.

The Dallas Cowboys QB was diagnosed with a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. He was scheduled to undergo emergency surgery Sunday night.

It all went down during the 3rd quarter of the Dallas Cowboys vs. NY Giants game. Dak was tacked by Giants defensive back Logan Ryan and it was obvious he was badly hurt right away.

The Cowboys medical staff rushed over to evaluate him ... and once the camera got a close-up shot, it was clear he'd suffered a break, likely his ankle.

27-year-old Dak was squirming in pain. Medical personnel eventually got him on a cart and wheeled him off the field. The guy was in tears.

Andy Dalton replaced Dak at QB and led the Cowboys to a 37 to 34 victory. Afterward, Dak's close pal, Ezekiel Elliott, summed up the situation this way -- "It sucks."

He continued, "I know we won, it just sucks to lose Dak, our leader. And I was talking to the guys and it's going to take all of us. It's going to take all of us to fill that void that we're going to be missing from #4. Just gotta go out there and play for him."

Dak's brother posted an update from the hospital saying, "God is good, and he’ll be back STRONGER than ever."

"I F***ING guarante3 IT.  Let’s go @dak continue to walk by #FAITH & I’ll make sure you continue to #FIGHT."

Get well soon, man.

Logan Ryan also commented about the injury. It's obvious he feels awful about the situation, but injuries are part of the game.

"First and foremost, the worst thing that happened today was the Dak injury, it's bigger than football," Ryan said.

"I feel terrible, it was a routine football play ... You've got a guy, and I am in a similar position, he is scratching and clawing at one year on his deal to try and get rewarded, try to do the right thing, try to show up to work, try to lead his team, try to get a lucrative contract."

Philly Eagles cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc says he's started a rap career to help his brother's dream come true ... telling TMZ Sports he wants to give him a platform after he gets out of prison.

26-year-old LeBlanc -- AKA "Strap" -- says what started as a hobby has now turned into something greater ... as he hopes to help his brother who is currently incarcerated.

"I know his passion that he has behind music and I just try to keep it going for him," LeBlanc says. "Because it's hard when you're a felon and you come home and it's hard to get a job, it's hard to do anything."

FYI -- LeBlanc's brother, Craig Jr., is serving a life sentence in a Florida prison after being convicted of attempted murder ... but Cre'Von hopes to reunite with him someday.

Cre'Von explains ... "So, I definitely want to build up the music side up for him. I know that his dream, aspiration and goals and just have something set in stone so when he comes home, he has something to come home to."

LeBlanc says the reaction he's gotten from friends, family and even strangers has been overly positive ... with everyone encouraging him to release more tracks.

Ryan Leaf's domestic battery arrest was NOT substance abuse-related ... so says the ex-NFL QB's attorney, who tells TMZ Sports the former San Diego Charger is still "100% sober."

There had been some concern after 44-year-old Leaf -- who has battled drug and alcohol problems in the past -- had suffered a relapse that led to his arrest on May 22.

But, when we spoke to David Greenberg of the Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg ... he told us that just wasn't the case at all.

"He is 100% totally sober," Greenberg said of Leaf, "and spends a good part of every day over the last five years helping other people remain that way."

In fact, Greenberg says the whole alleged incident was nothing more than a "minor dispute."

"Nobody was injured," Greenberg said. "There was no allegation of any kind of weapon or anything like that."

"This was a couple that had a small minor dispute and it's unfortunate that it ended up in the criminal justice system."

We broke the story ... Leaf was booked on a domestic battery charge at around 2 p.m. on May 22 -- and was formally hit with two misdemeanor charges by prosecutors this week.

But, Leaf cut a plea deal in court Friday ... and ultimately avoided further jail time in the case.

Greenberg said Leaf and his family are happy to have all this now behind them ... adding Ryan is still committed to helping people with substance abuse problems daily.

Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf has been charged with 2 misdemeanors stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident back in May, TMZ Sports has learned.

We broke the story ... the QB was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery in Palm Springs, CA on May 22.

Details about the specific allegations are still unclear -- but what is clear, prosecutors believe Leaf committed a crime that day.

According to court records, prosecutors are moving forward with 2 charges against Leaf -- 1 count of misdemeanor battery and 1 count of violating the personal liberty of the accuser ... aka false imprisonment (also a misdemeanor).

Both charges carry a maximum 1-year jail sentence.

44-year-old Leaf was listed on his booking sheet as 6'6", 250 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Of course, Leaf was the #2 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft -- but his career flamed out fast and his life fell apart soon after.

Leaf has been arrested multiple times for things like drug possession and burglary ... but he had sobered up and became a program ambassador for an organization that runs sober houses in multiple cities including L.A. and N.Y.

Before the arrest, Leaf had been covering college football for ESPN.