Super Bowl

Think the Patriots are just gonna turn on Tom Brady 'cause he led another team to the Super Bowl?!

HELL NO -- so says New England captain Lawrence Guy, who tells TMZ Sports ... Tom's former team is still rooting like hell for the QB against the Chiefs this weekend!!!

"Of course I'm rooting for Tom," said Guy, who played with the future Hall of Fame quarterback from 2017 through 2019 ... "Everybody I've talked to, that's pretty much it."

Tom didn't exactly have the most beautiful breakup with New England ... and much has been written about how this Bucs season has proved Bill Belichick and the Pats should have done more to keep him.

But, Guy tells us NONE of Tom's teammates hold any hard feelings over the departure ... saying, "Nobody's upset that he had the opportunity."

"When he left, everybody wished him luck," Guy tells us. "It wasn't like, 'Oh, man! You left us!' No, it was like, 'Hey, man. Wish you best of luck.' 'Cause that's the NFL."

For his part, Tom told reporters this week he too has no ill will toward his ex-squad ... explaining, "I have a lot of love for Boston and all of New England. Incredible support over the years. It was an amazing two decades of my life."

By the way, Guy praised the hell out of Brady for his longevity -- and even said the dude's avocado ice cream ain't half bad!!!

Watching Patrick Mahomes vs. Tom Brady WITHOUT a party could help save lives ... so says Dr. Anthony Fauci, who's urging people to "lay low and cool it" for this year's Super Bowl.

The infectious disease expert appeared on "Good Morning America" on Wednesday and pled with the nation to cancel SB LV parties ... fearing big gatherings for the big game could lead to the spread of coronavirus.

"The one thing you don't want to do, you don't want to be somebody that's putting a damper on anything," Fauci said, "but you don't want parties with people that you haven't had much contact with."

"You just don't know if they're infected."

Instead, Fauci suggested watching the game at home by yourself or with your housemates.

"Enjoy it," Fauci said. "Have a party in your house with your family with the people who were there."

Fauci's plea comes just days after the CDC also recommended the cancelation of large Super Bowl parties.

In their guidelines for safe Super Bowl watching, CDC officials said, "Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year."

"If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game."

John Travolta has been reborn to hand jive ... he's bringing back his famous dance from "Grease" in a fun new Super Bowl ad with his daughter ... and ya gotta see their moves!!!

The "Grease" star and his 20-year-old daughter, Ella, re-imagined an iconic scene from the '70s classic in an ad for ScottsMiracle-Gro ... and while John struggles with a selfie stick, the 66-year-old can still dance his face off.

John brings back the famous "Sha Na Na - Born to Hand Jive" choreography from "Grease" ... only this time he's swapping out OG dance partner Olivia Newton-John for Ella, and they totally nail the routine!

Yeah, lots has changed since John played a T-Bird, but his dance skills are a constant.

The bit is chock full of celebs ... Martha Stewart gives John props for his hand jive, while Carl Weathers, "The Office" star Leslie David Baker and NASCAR stud Kyle Busch also make some hilarious appearances.

It's a pretty expensive homage to "Grease" too ... 30-second ads running during Superbowl LV on CBS are going for at least $5.5 million.

Tampa SERIOUSLY loves its new QB ... check out the street leading up to Tom Brady's mansion -- it's been flooded with signs supporting the Bucs star ahead of Super Bowl LV!!

TMZ Sports has obtained footage from the blocks surrounding Brady's rented crib in Florida ... and you can see there are signs EVERYWHERE backing the 43-year-old.

We're told nearly every house around Brady's has a sign in its front yard -- and some are super creative!!

"My Neighbor is The G.O.A.T.," one read with a picture of a goat in a hat on it. "LFG Bucs," another one read.

Some other cool ones? "Honk for Gronk" and "Brady Gronkowski 2020."

Of course, Tom only moved into Derek Jeter's spot on the waterfront less than a year ago -- but it's clear as day, a bunch of wins and a Super Bowl appearance has his neighbors fired up to have him around!

We are told, though, there is at least ONE Kansas City Chiefs flag on the block in someone's yard.

Since the Patriots won't be using the team jet during Super Bowl weekend (for once), Robert Kraft is packing it with health care heroes and flying them to the big game!!

The 79-year-old billionaire just surprised 76 frontline health care workers from the New England-area and invited them to be his special VIP guests for Super Bowl 55.

... and guess what, THEY ALL SAID YES!!!

"As guests of the Kraft family, these healthcare 'superheroes' will be granted an all-expenses paid trip to Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Fla., including roundtrip travel on the Patriots team plane," the team announced.

All 76 of the heroes have already been vaccinated, according to the Patriots. The team hopes to inspire others to get their vaccinations as soon as possible.

It's not the first time Kraft has used the Patriots team jet to fight COVID -- he famously sent it to China back in April to bring back more than 1 MILLION n95 masks.

"Last April, when our plane returned with masks from China, we never could have imagined the devastation this pandemic would cause, nor could we have dreamed of the heroic stories and achievements that have come to be as a result, especially the dedication of healthcare workers on the front lines and the creation of safe and effective vaccines," Kraft said.

"10 months later, it's an honor for us to celebrate these healthcare workers by giving them a well-deserved break for a day and an opportunity to enjoy the Super Bowl, a reality that is only made possible because of the vaccines."

"Once again, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of the healthcare heroes who have risked their well-being to ensure ours. They are truly superheroes to us."

Big news for the Kansas City Chiefs ... two players have been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list over a "close contact" with someone who tested positive.

The players are wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and center Daniel Kilgore, according to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

Moments ago, Reid told the media he's confident the players will "work through it" -- but obviously could not guarantee they will play in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Kilgore started 4 games in 2020 and has played in 7 total. Robinson started 9 games in 2020 and played in all 16 regular-season games.

Both guys played in the AFC Championship game on January 24 against the Buffalo Bills -- with Robinson getting the starting nod at WR.

The way the NFL's COVID protocol works ... both players will be forced to quarantine for 5 days, which means no more practice for the rest of the week.

If they continue to test negative, there's a chance they can play in the Super Bowl -- but ESPN's Adam Schefter says at the moment their status is "in question."

Neither player has returned a positive COVID test at this point, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Obviously, the bigger concern is ... were any other players exposed?

We spoke with Chiefs superstar Tyreek Hill just a short while ago who told us the team had been clamping down on COVID protocols to prevent this exact situation.

The Kansas City Chiefs ain't messing around with COVID -- tightening up the safety protocol to make sure there are NO possible exposures before the Super Bowl.

... so says star wide receiver Tyreek Hill -- who tells TMZ Sports the team is even bringing in its own COVID-tested barbers to make sure no one catches the virus while getting cleaned up for Sunday.

And, if you're a Chiefs fan, you're loving every bit of this story.

"Yesterday my son had a basketball game and I usually go to his basketball game but since it's Super Bowl week, I didn't even go. We can't even do nothing!"

Hill added, "The Chiefs are bringing in barbers to the facility and getting 'em tested so like they are REALLY following protocol."

Yeah, it might suck to be on lockdown -- but it would suck WAY MORE if someone like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce or Tyreek had to sit out the big game because of COVID. So, props to the Chiefs.

Hill also says that without the usual media insanity of Super Bowl week, the team has been focused on football ... and practices have been intense!

"I just feel like our practice intensity is definitely harder because I don't remember practicing this hard during this time last year!"

"But, this whole process has been fun for me and just being on this team with the brothers and just the coaches, the owner, the GM. It's been amazing! I wouldn't trade it for anything."

In addition to being one of the best WRs in the NFL, Hill is also a fashion designer  -- who just dropped a new high-end backpack with Prime Society.

"Trust me, it's a very luxurious bag," Hill says ... noting he'll be rockin' one on his way to the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The Weeknd's gearing up for his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, but for now he's shining the spotlight on other stars -- frontline healthcare workers.

The singer's kicking off Super Bowl week and Black History Month by teaming up with Postmates in a campaign that highlights Black-owned restaurants ... and delivers meals to healthcare heroes.

The Weeknd's first stop is the AdventHealth Carrollwood medical facility in Tampa -- not far from Raymond James Stadium, where SB 55 will be played. He donated 150 meals from Mama's Southern Soul Food.

The local, independent, Black-owned restaurant is a staple in Tampa ... and it will be one of many featured at the top of the Postmates app in February.

Could Tom Brady REALLY play into the second half of his 40s?!

HELL YEAH -- so says the 43-year-old NFL superstar himself ... who just revealed he's "definitely" open to playing for several years to come, as long as he stays healthy.

Of course, TB12 has publicly shared his intentions of playing until age 45 ... which would make him the 3rd oldest QB in NFL history.

Now that he's playing in his 10th Super Bowl and hoping to win his 7th ring, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller was asked if he'd consider pushing back his retirement ... and his answer is wild.

"Yeah, definitely," Brady told reporters Monday. "I would definitely consider that."

However, there are a few factors -- Brady says considering the nature of the sport, he'll have to re-evaluate how his body feels at the time ... and there "has to be 100% commitment from myself to keep doing it."

But, Brady says this is exactly what he's been working on with his personal trainer, Alex Guerrero, in order to stay competitive in his 40s. Ya know, pliability and stuff like that.

"(I've) been very fortunate over the years. Alex and I work really hard at making sure physically I can perform at my best, because you take different hits ... over the course of the year deal with different bumps and bruises, different injuries and so forth."

Brady is backing up Guerrero's talk from November 2019 ... when he claimed the QB was eying playing until 46 or 47.

"It's just gonna be me continuing to make that commitment to making it part of my year-round process to play football and continue my career so definitely."

BTW -- the Pro Football Hall of Fame says George Blanda was the oldest QB in NFL history at age 48.

Seems Danny Amendola still ain't too fond of his former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick ... 'cause the WR just threw more shade at BB while praising Tom Brady.

Amendola -- who won 2 Super Bowls during his run with the Pats from 2013 through 2017 -- appeared on FS1's "First Things First" on Monday and explained why TB12 should get all of the credit for the famous "Patriot Way" mentality, instead of Belichick.

"When you see the ‘Patriot Way’ in the dictionary, it’s gonna have Tom Brady’s name next to it," Amendola said.

"None of those coaches threw any passes, none of those coaches caught any passes, none of those coaches made any tackles … they got guys in the right position 'cause they watch a lot of film and they spend all their time at the facility."

Amendola concluded, "But Tom Brady is the Patriot Way. And that’s the reason Tom Brady's in the Super Bowl right now and the Patriots aren’t."

It's not the first time Amendola has taken a shot at Belichick -- he compared the coach to an unlikeable high school principal during a Barstool Sports podcast in 2018.

Rob Gronkowski channeled his inner-Oprah to surprise 4 healthcare heroes -- YOU'RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL, YOU'RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL ... EVERYBODY'S GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!

The Tampa Bay Bucs superstar dropped in on 4 local healthcare heroes (via video chat) to deliver the good news ... that they've been hand selected by the team to attend the big game at Raymond James Stadium in person on Sunday.

The heroes include Mandy Mueske, Belinda Spahn, Woody Nixon, nurses who have been caring for COVID patients.

Heather Stegmeier is an infection control manager at AdventHealth -- who "educates and assists team members in obtaining and properly using personal protective equipment (PPE)."

And yeah, they're all STOKED about going to the game!!

"The first time the home team is the actual home team and I'm going to be there. I can't believe that," Woody Nixon said.

Mandy is pumped too -- especially since she's never been to a Bucs game before!

"I'm so excited! I watch games every Sunday. Go Bucs!"

The NFL says all 4 heroes will have completed their COVID vaccinations before being allowed into the stadium to watch Tom Brady and the Bucs take on Patrick Mahomes and the KC Chiefs.

Move over, Joe Exotic ... Roger Goodell is now Carole Baskin's biggest enemy -- 'cause the "Tiger King" star is absolutely appalled the NFL commish is allowing fans at Super Bowl LV.

"We are right now dealing with life or death on this planet," Baskin told USA Today, "and I think every one of us should be doing our part to stay home."

The NFL has given the green light for Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay to host 22,500 fans this Sunday when the Chiefs take on the Buccaneers.

And, the league says it's doing a very cool thing by honoring frontline healthcare workers with 7,500 of those tickets.

But, clearly, Baskin -- whose famous Big Cat Rescue facility is located just 12 miles from the NFL stadium -- thinks it's all VERY unnecessary regardless, given the pandemic is still forging on.

"I just think it’s irresponsible for people to be gathering in large groups, even though I understand they’re saying this is a much smaller group than they’ve ever had," Baskin said.

"But it doesn’t matter that it’s a smaller group. It’s way more people than should be exposed to each other for the purpose of watching a game."

Baskin added she's concerned having that many people in the Tampa area all at once for the Big Game will lead to a huge spike in positive COVID-19 cases.

"There’s no way if you bring 22,000 people to Tampa, from all over the place, that you’re not going to see that same kind of huge uptick in cases here," Baskin said.

"There’s nothing that would justify that sort of risk-taking."

Shaquille O'Neal thinks the Patriots did Tom Brady dirty at the end of his run in New England -- and he LOVES that TB12 stuck it to his old squad by taking his new team to the Super Bowl!

Shaq, who's hosting "The Shaq Bowl" next weekend, was raving about the 43-year-old QB's incredible career when he brought up Tom's exit from NE ... and he didn't exactly mince his words.

"The way he came in ... this is his 10th Super Bowl and [to] play with a franchise and then the franchise kinda [says], 'Oh, you're old, bye!' and he said 'Okay, you don't wanna take care of me, after all, I did for this city? Watch this!'

"[Then he] goes to another a city, promises them a Super Bowl and delivers??? Wooo!!!"

Tom's not the only Bucs star who left his team in messy fashion -- Shaq says he personally counseled Leonard Fournette after the Jacksonville Jaguars waived the running back in August.

"They did him kinda dirty in Jacksonville," Shaq says ... "I had a conversation with him. I told him to keep his head up. So, when he was going to Tampa I said, 'Hey, man, this is your chance to let everybody know they were wrong about you.'"

"He's been playing fabulous."

The Bucs have their work cut out for them -- with young superstar Patrick Mahomes leading the K.C. Chiefs ... and Shaq can't wait for the matchup!

"This is what I like to see in championship games -- the old versus the new. Is it gonna be the old guy to continue to dominate? Or will the young guy finally come in to say, 'Hey, I know you're Tom Brady but this is my time to shine?!'"

"I used to watch these type of karate movies growing up because at some point, the student must kill the master to become the master."

In the meantime, Shaq's keeping busy -- running his own Super Bowl pre-game show called, "The Shaq Bowl" ... featuring stars like Tim Tebow, Ezekiel Elliott, Diplo, The Miz, Anthony Anderson, Nelly, Offset and more competing in various crazy events at a custom-built Shaq Bowl stadium in Tampa on Feb. 7.

Tom Brady is getting a pat on the back from one of the Buccaneers' greatest ever ... with Derrick Brooks praising the hell out of the QB for helping Tampa Bay on its Super Bowl run!

TMZ Sports spoke with the legendary Bucs linebacker this week ... and the guy told us straight-up he's been in awe of what Brady's been able to do for TB this season.

"You're talking about a man that's going to his 10th Super Bowl but still treating it as his first in terms of the words he's used, the preparation that he's using going into it and leading this team," Brooks said.

"It's something that I, honestly, you learn to appreciate as a fan of the game and even as someone who's played the game at a high level, I still say that I can appreciate that."

Derrick says Tom's ability to stay calm and poised when the Bucs struggled at times this year really helped elevate the squad ... telling us, "Tom's presence and his experience has definitely meant a difference."

Don't get it twisted, though ... Derrick says for as good as Tom's been this season -- he's still jacked that EVERYONE on the team played their role well enough to advance this far in the postseason.

By the way, Derrick has been a key piece in preparing Tampa Bay for its role as Super Bowl host city this year ... and he tells us it's been a hell of an experience trying to plan the event in the middle of a pandemic.

If you needed a reminder of how excited the people of Tampa are to be back in the Super Bowl after almost 20 years, take a look at how they rang in the week before kickoff.

A pirate ship in downtown was lit up Friday night with fireworks and a light show on the City's riverfront in Julian B. Lane Park -- where folks gathered for the "Super Bowl Experience" ... a makeshift amusement park with games and attractions fans can enjoy ahead of SB LV.

The ship's decked out with all the NFL team flags, but Tampa Bay and Kansas City -- who are facing off on the gridiron -- were the ones that stuck out most. The vessel will stay illuminated nightly, so people can come back and watch if they missed it the first time around.

Oh, and did we mention the Lombardi Trophy sits aboard too -- yeah that's there ... so pretty neat for football aficionados in general.

Unfortunately, tickets for this thing sold out on NFL's OnePass app -- but apparently, there's another park nearby where you can still get a taste of the fun ... they say there's gonna be DJs, food vendors and other not-as-cool-but-still-kinda-cool things at Curtis Hixon Park.

As we reported ... the Bucs haven't been in the Super Bowl since 2002. Now, almost a full two decades later, they're back -- all thanks to Tom Brady, who came over from the Pats.