NFL

There will be nothing but cheers for Tom Brady in his return to New England, so says Deion Branch, who tells TMZ Sports he expects NO boos from the Patriots faithful on Sunday.

Brady is making his first trip to Gillette Stadium as a Pats opponent after dominating for the home team for years ... and many are wondering, what will the reception be like when he hits the field in Buccaneers jerseys this weekend?

Branch, a Pats legend, says it'll be nothing but love -- at least initially -- explaining to us, "I think these guys are going to be received well."

"They've earned that," Branch added.

Now, as the game goes on, Branch says he can see things going a little bit differently.

"There's no way that the Boston fans will just sit back and be ok with Gronk catching a 40-yard, 50-yard pass," Branch said. "No, there will be some boos."

"But, in the beginning, I do believe deep down inside these guys will be received well."

Boos or not, Branch is expecting the Patriots to pull off the upset -- despite being a heavy underdog in the game.

As for all the hooplah and festivities surrounding the evening, Branch tells us he's envisioning plenty of tears flowing -- but believes all of the players will be ready to go by kickoff.

Don't be in front of a mirror when you read this ...

Indianapolis Colts star Nyheim Hines just copped some dope custom cleats of one of the most terrifying slasher movie icons of all time -- the Candyman!

TMZ Sports has learned Hines wanted to get some unique spikes made for Halloween ... and was debating between two characters, the Candyman and Michael Myers.

So, Hines hit up artist Rodney Jackson in Virginia ... and with Myers being done so many times, the two decided to go with the Candyman theme -- and they came out AWESOME.

One of the spikes has the Candyman with bees coming out of his mouth -- a reference to a spooky scene in the 1992 film (no spoilers here!).

On the other cleat, there's another depiction of the Candyman -- along with the quote, "Be my victim."

The Adidas cleats also feature fur on the back, which resemble the fictitious killer's coat.

Hines also got some non-scary cleats made ... we're told the 24-year-old had Jackson deliver him blue feet heat that features some of his favorite cartoon characters, Spongebob and Patrick.

LeBron James ... 4-time NBA champ AND Pro Football Hall of Famer?!

Drew Pearson says he can make that a reality for the King ... telling TMZ Sports if Bron switched to football and joined the Cowboys, he could turn the Lakers star into a HOF receiver!!

"If I had a chance to work with him at wide receiver or tight end, he'd become a Hall of Famer, that's for sure," Pearson said.

"He'd become a Hall of Famer because he's got that talent, and with my coaching, I can coach him up to become a Hall of Famer and get one of these rings."

Pearson added that Jerry Jones and the Cowboys would be more than willing to give the basketball player a shot ... saying, "We got a contract for you."

"If you want a contract," the Cowboys legend said, "you come to Dallas, we'll make sure it works. I know Jerry Jones will make that work."

Of course, Jones has already sent LeBron a contract once before ... with James saying this week the 'Boys -- along with the Seahawks -- offered him deals back in 2011.

The Washington Football Team is celebrating head coach Ron Rivera's one-year anniversary of being cancer free ... by making a big donation to St. Jude's in his honor!!

The team recognized the coach's one-year biopsy coming back negative with an incredibly emotional tribute this week ... featuring a video, donation and a helmet decal that players will wear on the field this weekend.

The best part?? Star players Terry McLaurin, Chase Young, and Jonathan Allen were shown in the clip applauding their coach’s perseverance since his initial diagnosis.

Remember, Rivera revealed he had squamous cell cancer in one of his lymph nodes in August 2020 ... but despite his health battle, coach still managed to be present for his team.

In fact, he led the WFT to a 7-9 record, the NFC East crown, and a playoff game against the eventual champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Riverboat Ron" completed his radiation and chemotherapy treatment last October ... causing an emotional, yet heartfelt moment at the hospital.

The Football Team will honor the 59-year-old by wearing a "Rivera Strong" decal on their helmets ... and making a $25,500 donation to the proton therapy treatments he used to treat his cancer.

Rivera was clearly moved by the honor ... tearing up and sharing a touching message with his team.

Nearly losing his father's ashes has not deterred Aaron Jones from still playing with them ... 'cause the Packers star revealed he now has a custom jersey that'll help keep them safe during games.

Jones initially lost the pendant containing his dad's ashes during a "Monday Night Football" game last month ... and after it was found following a frantic search sesh, many believed Aaron might go into games without the charm going forward.

But, Jones revealed Friday the Green Bay equipment staff has sewn a pocket into his uniform ... so he now has a safe place for the jewelry while he runs the ball for the Pack.

"I can just drop it in there and I don't have to worry about it falling out," Jones said. "So, I can play with it."

Jones said he's still searching for a new chain for the charm, so he's only wearing the piece on gamedays for now -- but he added he has plans to run with the jewelry for perhaps the rest of his career.

"It's something I'll continue to do," Jones said. "Just keep my dad with me everywhere I go."

As we previously reported, Jones and his father, Alvin Jones Sr., were very, very close ... before Alvin tragically died from COVID-19 back in April.

Jameis Winston and Cam Jordan are stepping up once again to help New Orleans recover ... with the stars pledging a donation for every team touchdown and sack to the Hurricane Ida relief fund.

The New Orleans Saints QB and defensive end announced the dope gesture on Friday -- Winston will shell out $1,000 per team touchdown and Jordan will hand over $1,000 per team sack to help build back the local communities.

As of Week 3, the Saints have 9 TDs and 6 sacks ... and plan to add more when they finally  return to the Superdome on Oct. 3 against the NY Giants.

"Hurricane Ida has had a devastating effect on New Orleans and the broader Southern Louisiana region," Winston said in a statement.

“We are blessed to be able to return to the city this week, but we know our return does not signify the full restoration of New Orleans and the surrounding area."

Winston says the money will go toward non-profit organizations to contribute to both short-term and long-term needs in hopes of bringing the community back and better than ever.

Winston and Jordan are also asking fans and businesses to help out as well ... by asking them to pitch in any amount to #FORNOLA.

"Nola is a city built from family and community, it has become a home for my family and teammates," Jordan says.

"We pledged as one to continue helping our city rebuild and being what it needs as we work through this time to restore.

The duo already donated a combined $90k this month after the Category 4 storm destroyed their city in late August ... and the Saints owner Gayle Benson also donated $1 million.

Carl Nassib says he was worried opening up about his sexuality could cost him his NFL job ... explaining this week he didn't come out as gay sooner because he feared it might "ruin my career."

The Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher -- who famously revealed he was gay in a June social media post -- broke it all down on Darren Waller's "Comeback Stories" podcast.

Nassib said he had mulled the idea of coming out sooner ... but was scared of the reaction the announcement might draw from fellow players -- and, more importantly, NFL owners.

"I thought about it every once in a while," Nassib said of sharing his sexual preferences with the public. "Thought about how I wanted to do it. When I could do it."

"I didn't know how people would react. I wanted to make sure I was financially stable before I did it. I didn't know if it would ruin my career. I didn't know if guys would be supportive or not."

Nassib -- who says he didn't know he was gay until about four years ago -- said he finally felt comfortable making the announcement this year after he had solidified his NFL career as well as gained a good understanding of his Raiders teammates.

The 28-year-old, though, revealed it has been somewhat of a struggle since revealing the news ... telling Waller he felt a huge burden in the practices and workouts following the video's release.

"Being the only out gay guy in the NFL is a little stressful," Nassib said, adding things have gotten easier since.

Nassib also revealed he is dating somebody, saying, "I met an awesome guy. He's the best."

Tom Brady's first game at Gillette Stadium in an away uniform is BY FAR the most coveted ticket of the NFL season ... with sales skyrocketing leading up to Sunday's big matchup.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the average ticket price for the Buccaneers vs. Patriots showdown is a whopping $1,222 on StubHub ... with the cheapest seats coming in at $275.

We're told Brady's homecoming is crushing every other game of the NFL season in ticket sales ... outselling the second most popular game by 20%!!

As for who's going to the game -- the majority of fans are from Massachusetts (duh) ... with 8% of spectators coming from California and another 7% coming from Brady's new state of Florida.

The game has been hyped up since the schedule was released back in May ... and many have called it one of the biggest regular season ones in NFL history.

Brady has downplayed the whole thing ... claiming he's not expecting a "homecoming" as it's just another Sunday night game to him.

It may not go as TB12 plans -- after all, the guy is responsible for those 6 Super Bowl banners in the stadium.

Dak Prescott is better right now than Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson AND Kyler Murray ... so says Drew Pearson -- who tells TMZ Sports the Cowboys star is a top-3 QB in the NFL.

The Dallas legend made the claim just one day after Dak carved up the Eagles on "Monday Night Football" ... saying he believes only 2 other QBs in the league are as good as Prescott is at the moment.

"Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Dak Prescott," Pearson says. "Top three quarterbacks in the league, I would say, right now."

Dak has been tremendous through the Cowboys' first 3 games of the season ... completing 77.5 percent of his passes for 878 yards, 6 TDs and just 2 INTs.

And, Drew's been wildly impressed with it all, praising the guy for his leadership as well as his ability to bounce back from a devastating ankle injury in 2020.

In fact, Pearson tells us Dak has been so good ... he already believes the Cowboys are a true Super Bowl contender.

"You didn't hear it first but you heard it from the original 88, OK?!" Pearson says. "I think they're on a roll."

Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit got straight-up torched this week -- but it wasn't on the football field, it was against a lucky kid who challenged him at a school supplies giveaway!!

Here's the deal -- the ex-LSU star hosted a shopping spree at a local Meijer in Cleveland ... giving kids all the school supplies, toys and clothes they could get their hands on.

But, one confident boy decided to use the event as an opportunity to go face-to-face against 23-year-old Delpit ... claiming he could "Moss" the 2nd-round pick, according to reporter Camryn Justice.

Of course, getting "Mossed" means completely embarrassing a defender with an insane catch or separation on a route ... something made famous by Hall of Famer Randy Moss.

Delpit heard the challenge loud and clear ... and let the kid take his best shot right in the middle of the store with teammate AJ Green playing QB.

The kid lined up for his route ... AND HE'S GOT SKILLS!!!!

Now, we know Delpit wasn't going 100%, but that shouldn't take away from the foot skills and speed the kid put on display as he breezes by the 2019 Jim Thorpe award winner to make the catch.

But, the kid wanted more -- and the second time around, he had a diving catch that would make Mr. Moss himself proud.

Delpit cheered the kid on ... raising his hands and celebrating as the young athlete secures the catch.

Don't be surprised if you hear from this kid again!!

Tom Brady has helped bring yet another superstar to Tampa Bay ... Richard Sherman just announced he's signed with the Buccaneers after the G.O.A.T. recruited him to the squad.

The 3-time All-Pro cornerback revealed the news on his podcast early Wednesday morning ... saying he had interest from the 49ers, Panthers and Seahawks, but ultimately signed with Tampa Bay after an initial recruiting pitch from Brady.

"He reached out and said they may express interest and obviously he wanted to play with me," Sherman said of the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

"Then their front office reached out and the conversation started a few weeks ago when they lost their starter, Sean Murphy-Bunting -- and then it kind of steamrolled."

Details of the deal have yet to be announced ... but it's a fairly surprising move from the Bucs -- considering Sherman is still facing criminal charges as well as potential discipline from the NFL stemming from his wild July arrest.

As we previously reported, law enforcement has accused Sherman of drinking and driving, crashing his car and then completely melting down at his in-laws' home in Washington.

The 33-year-old NFL player is facing five charges over the incident -- and while he's pled not guilty to all of the counts, he's since apologized for his actions several times.

But, it seems clear the Bucs are comfortable with his legal situation regardless ... 'cause Sherman said on his podcast he's ready to get going in Florida ASAP.

"It's an opportunity I couldn't pass up," Sherman said. "It's a proven team. I just need to go in there and show that these legs still got some juice."

The greatest tight end in the NFL believes LeBron James would have thrived as a pro football player ... 'cause Travis Kelce tells TMZ Sports the King would've been a serious "problem" in the league if he didn't become a basketball icon.

LBJ recently revealed he received offers to play for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NBA lockout ... and said he would have likely tried out at tight end if he decided to play football.

Considering Kelce is a 5-time All-Pro tight end, a Super Bowl champ and a 6-time Pro Bowler, we had to ask about LBJ's chances in the league ... and he truly believes James would have balled out!!!

"I think LeBron is one of the greatest athletes in the world, right," Kelce told Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs nightly on FS1).

"His athleticism, how knowledgeable he is about the game of basketball that you can tell how he plays, he gets down to the scheme of things."

Kelce continued ... "And, that's a lot about being a football player is understanding schemes, going out there, playing free and letting your athleticism show."

Of course, there may be a bit of bias in Kelce's answer ... he grew up in Cleveland Heights, just about 45 minutes from LeBron's hometown of Akron. But, make no mistake, he's serious about LeBron's abilities on the gridiron.

"I think Bron would have definitely been a problem on the football field, no doubt about it," he added. "Especially with tight end room. That's us Northeast Ohio guys, man. We're all-around athletes. You can throw us in any sport, we'll have success."

As for whether LBJ would have been able to make that transition in 2011, Kelce says he wishes he could have seen that experiment unfold.

We also spoke with Kelce about his partnership with LG, where he's opening the doors to his life off the field for the "Travis Kelce, Only On OLED" series ... which also stars 2 of his childhood friends.

Tom Brady is treating his big return to Foxboro like a regular football game ... claiming he's not expecting any fanfare against the Patriots this Sunday.

Right, like that's gonna happen.

Week 4 will mark TB12's first trip back to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Pats in 2020 ... and in his one year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, all he's done is win the Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs. No biggie.

But, with Sunday's reunion approaching, Brady says he's not going to waste any time thinking about his first 20 years with the Pats.

"I'm not going to necessarily reminisce," Brady told ESPN this week. "I don't think this is the moment for that. I'll have plenty of opportunities to reminisce about my football career."

"None of which I really care to do right now because I'm so much in the moment. I'm not going to be thinking about 20 years of history."

"I'm going to be thinking about one night of football, a Sunday night game coming off a really tough loss."

Brady's former partner in crime -- Bill Belichick -- hasn't fared as well without the G.O.A.T. under center. BB finished his 2020 coaching campaign with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Both teams come into this game having suffered defeat in Week 3 ... so the stakes will be high when the teams kickoff on Sunday Night Football.

As for what Tom expects???

"I mean, I think they're there to root for their team, and their team is the Patriots," Brady said. "I think they're gonna cheer for their team as I would expect them to, and I think if they know anything about me, they're gonna know that I'm going out there to try to win the football game, so I think they'll respect that about me."

As it turns out, Brady is just a few yards from passing Drew Brees on the all-time passing yards list on Sunday ... which is quite the full-circle moment for TB12.

Whoever plans on buying Emmitt Smith's Dallas mansion -- which has a hefty price tag of $2.2 MILLION -- will get a once in a lifetime bonus with the crib ... dinner with the NFL legend!

The Hall of Famer announced the sweet deal with his listing agent, Arthur Greenstein, this week -- saying he's down to personally wine and dine whoever buys the home.

The dinner is a cool touch, but probably not super necessary ... considering, ya know, the place -- which was built in 1995 -- is amazing.

It's 10,806-square-feet ... and has five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, four half bathrooms and a huge kitchen with a dining room that sits up to 22 people.

There's also a game room, a media room, plus an amazing pool in the backyard.

Unclear why Emmitt's parting with the crib -- but he seems pretty bummed about moving out ... saying he absolutely loved entertaining at the home.

The Manning broadcast turned PG-13 on "Monday Night Football" ... with Eli Manning giving a double middle finger salute LIVE ON AIR!!!

The hilarious moment went down on ESPN2 as the Giants legend was sharing his experiences going up against the Philadelphia Eagles ... describing their fans as absolutely ruthless.

"You go to Philly, you're getting the double bird right away from a 9-year-old kid," Eli told Peyton and 4th quarter guest Chris Long.

"I would give the bird, I don't know, can we do that?? I'm sure you can blur that out, right??"

As it turns out, E, -- no, you can't do that and no, they couldn't blur it out ... but that didn't stop him from holding up the gesture for a few solid moments.

Despite the hiccup, Eli continued his story like nothing happened ... claiming fans would say things about his mom that he wouldn't say over the air (apparently he limits himself to one FCC violation per game).

"They're saying things about my mom and Peyton, I can't even tell you what they said about my mom," Eli added.

The Manning-cast has been a huge hit through 3 weeks ... with guests like LeBron James, Russell Wilson, Gronk, and Charles Barkley joining the bros to talk football.

Travis Kelce also flirted with more mature content when he was on during Week 1 ... dropping an s-bomb.

No word on if the FCC will hand down any fines, but Eli ended up apologizing for the whole thing.

"Sorry, earlier I gave the double bird. I guess that’s frowned upon, so I apologize if I offended anybody. That’s just what a 9-year-old did to me and I thought I could do it back," Eli said.

Justin Tucker's 66-yard game-winning kick Sunday wasn't just painful for Lions fans ... it also REALLY hurt a Ravens assistant coach, who blew out his hamstring celebrating!!!

Baltimore headman, John Harbaugh, explained the situation to reporters Monday ... saying linebackers coach, Drew Wilkins, popped his hammy while jumping for joy after Tucker's epic boot.

Harbaugh took a little bit of joy in announcing the injury ... joking with media members that the wound was all due to Wilkins' poor gym habits.

"Drew is philosophically opposed to exercise," Harbaugh said with a big smile. "He's made that clear over the years, kind of emphatically. He's a staunch believer in not exercising. You can see where that gets you."

Video of the celebration is pretty funny -- even though it's got to be pretty painful as well -- 'cause you can see in the clip Wilkins tumbled hard after rushing the field to celebrate Tucker's kick.

Unclear how long Wilkins' recovery process will be -- Harbaugh joked the MRI results are not in yet -- but we're pretty sure a come from behind, improbable 19-17 win will make the pain a little easier to swallow.