Super Bowl

WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre says Shaquille O'Neal would've been a LEGENDARY wrestler if he chose WWE over the NBA, telling TMZ Sports he would've been like Andre The Giant with great mic skills!!

We talked to the current WWE Champion about the 7'1", 325+ lb. Hall of Famer ... and asked how Diesel would've fared in the squared circle.

"He's a big big man! Very charismatic guy. If he didn't get into basketball at such a high level, he definitely would have succeeded in the world of WWE."

Now, not sayin' Shaq made the wrong decision. After all, he made $286 million in NBA contract money alone ... and was one of the most dominant forces in league history.

But, pretty cool to hear a legit WWE Superstar say hoopin' ain't the only sport where Shaq could've been a legend.

"Just based on the size alone, he would have been a heck of a WWE superstar, and such a spectacle like an Andre the Giant," McIntyre says, adding ... "but add on that personality on top of it -- box office!"

Drew says he was actually in the building when Big Show -- another gigantic, legendary wrestler -- and Shaq nearly went at it at WrestleMania 32 in 2016.

"I was there when [Shaq] and the Big Show had the face-off and Shaq is considerably taller, which I don't think Show was so happy about."

You're probably asking ... why are we talking to Drew McIntyre about Shaq??

Well, the WWE Superstar -- along with Tim Tebow, Ezekiel Elliott, Quavo, Olivia Culpo and a bunch of other big stars -- are players in the Shaq Bowl ... O'Neal's Super Bowl pregame extravaganza.

The stars will compete in everything from tug-of-war (Drew Mac says Zeke's his biggest competition) to a hot wing eating contest ... and all the craziness will be streamed live on Facebook!

Kansas City will have some super famous AND super powerful fans hoping for a W on Sunday ... with big names in Hollywood showing off their Chiefs Kingdom spirit ahead of Super Bowl LV!!

Of course, Superman and Ant-Man are both pulling for Patrick Mahomes and Co. to repeat as champs ... with longtime backers Henry Cavill and Paul Rudd supporting the Chiefs for years.

There may not be a more passionate fan than "Modern Family" star Eric Stonestreet, who has been a die-hard fan since birth ... and even got Chiefs player Mitchell Schwartz's game-worn gloves after last year's Super Bowl win!

Oh, yeah, and have you ever heard of a guy named Brad Pitt?? He's a big fan, too .. even rocking a Chiefs hat on the red carpet of the 2020 SAG Awards.

There's more -- from rapper Tech N9ne to actors Rob Riggle and David Koechner, SNL's Heidi Gardner and singer Melissa Etheridge, there's a ton of notable fans hoping Tom Brady doesn't get ring #7.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski may have just revealed why they're going to another Super Bowl together -- revealed in a cheeky cellphone ad that's all about connectivity.

TB12 and his right-hand tight end star in a new Super Bowl ad courtesy of T-Mobile, which will air Sunday. It depicts a fictional scenario in which Tom and Gronk are FaceTiming on a "spotty network" and discussing what Tom should do next ... retire, or keep playing.

Because of the bad connection that T-Mobile's mocking, all Tom can hear on his end is Gronk telling him that if he retires, he's weak ... when, in fact, he said the opposite ... telling him to give up the gridiron and join him in Florida.

But, because Tom heard the former, he announces his decision to go to Tampa Bay and try getting another ring ... while also announcing Gronk's coming with him -- to RG's surprise.

Did you know ... ex-football star Doug Flutie has his very own BATMOBILE!?!

It's true -- and the guy was cruisin' it out in Tampa Bay this morning, where he DEFINITELY got noticed by a bunch of people in town for the Super Bowl.

The whip is incredible ... a replica of the classic Batmobile from the 1960s TV show -- designed by legendary car guy George Barris.

Back in the day, Barris created the car from a modified 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura -- and when Adam West got behind the driver's seat, it instantly became one of the most famous rides in the world.

Seems 58-year-old Flutie is a big fan of the Caped Crusader -- he's had the car since 2019 ... and keeps it in a special "Batcave" at his Florida home where he also has a Batman arcade game and Batman pinball machine!!

The car also features a special red Batphone next to the driver's seat -- along with special racing seatbelts in the driver and passenger seats!

By the way, we're told Flutie was super nice when spotted at a gas station on Saturday morning -- taking pics with fans and chatting about the big game.

Notice he's wearing a Tampa Bay Bucs hat .... no surprise he's supporting his old pal Tom Brady considering they played together on the Patriots back in 2005.

Super Bowl champ this weekend ... gold medalist in the summer?!

Tyreek Hill says that's the goal ... telling TMZ Sports he's still got his eye on qualifying for the Olympics after the Chiefs' Super Bowl run!!

"It is still an option 'cause it's always been my dream to do multiple sports at the highest level," the Kansas City star wide receiver said.

"It would be amazing. I just want to prove a point and also, like, I love competing."

26-year-old Hill had initially set the goal back in 2020 ... when he had desires to try to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after the Chiefs beat the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

But, with the pandemic postponing the Games to this summer ... Hill says he still wants to make it all happen.

"Like I'm young so why not use everything that I got while I still have it," Hill said. "Because one day I'm going to be old and I'm not going to be as fast so just use everything I got."

Of course, qualifying for the Olympics without YEARS of training is going to be tough ... but Hill might just have enough speed to at least make it interesting.

Hill -- a world-class sprinter in high school -- has broken the 10-second mark in the 100-meter dash before (although it was reportedly wind-aided) ... and he's got a 20.14-second 200-meter sprint on his resume as well.

Tyreek says he'd have to drop some weight and muscle mass to get it all done ... but he added, "I love competing and I also love having fun, and why not?"

As for if the Olympic dreams don't pan out ... Hill -- who, by the way, has his own clothing brand that's actually called Soul Runner -- tells us there's still a chance people could see him on a racetrack soon.

Lawrence Taylor is settling the greatest quarterback of all-time debate once and for all ... and in LT's eyes -- the G.O.A.T. is Tom Brady.

TMZ Sports talked to Taylor -- widely considered the greatest defensive player in the history of the NFL -- and we asked him who he believed was truly the best ... Brady or Joe Montana.

"Well, if you're asking me who is the greatest quarterback I've ever played against, I'm gonna say Joe Montana. But history, if ya look at it, there's been what, 54 Super Bowls and this is like [Brady's] 10th. He's played in 20% of all Super Bowls," Taylor says.

LT continued ... "There's nothing I can say. He is the G.O.A.T. He is one of the greatest players this game has ever seen and I'm quite sure, unless Mahomes tries to break his record, there's nobody that's gonna beat that record."

Of course, Brady is 6-3 in the Super Bowl ... and is looking to win his record 7th ring on Sunday against the K.C. Chiefs.

Montana never lost a Super Bowl ... but only won 4 rings.

Taylor -- a 2x SB champ and the 1986 NFL MVP -- says it's definitely an advantage that Brady didn't have to face the ruthless LB ... but at the end of the day, it's undeniable that TB's the best.

"You look at what he has done, every year, no matter what he is given, he plays and he makes 'em a winner, he makes 'em relevant. He's the Michael Jordan of football."

Debate over.

We also talked to Lawrence -- along with his business partner Phil Zamloot -- about their company, Tridelix ... where the duo says they're revolutionizing the printing biz.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV on Sunday ... And it looks like both teams have already won in life!

With wives and girlfriends like this cheering you on, it's clear they've got some real good luck on their side this weekend!

From the Buccaneers we have Ndamukong Suh’s wife Katya Suh and Rob Gronkowski’s fianceé Camille Kostek... and from the Chiefs, we have Travis Kelce’s girlfriend Kayla Nicole.

Take a look through our gallery of Super Bowl LV WAGs to see all the other babes that will be rooting for their men this weekend!

Dr. Jill Biden's teamed up with a couple furry celebs for a very fitting Super Bowl Sunday commercial ... to air during Puppy Bowl XVII.

The First Lady and the First Dogs -- Champ and Major -- are making a special appearance to promote the continued use of face masks during the pandemic.

The German shepherds won't be live at Puppy Bowl ... Jill and co. recorded their bit at the White House. They looked super cozy in front of a fire as Jill talked about pets being a constant source of joy and comfort ... and Zoom crashers.

Part of the Puppy Bowl's mission is to also spread awareness about rescue animals, and as you may know ... Major is a rescue dog, believed to be the first to live at The White House.

Dr. Anthony Fauci's urging to "lay low" for Super Bowl weekend didn't get to Tory Lanez or a few hundred others partying hard in Tampa ... with zero distancing or masks.

The rapper held a pre-Super Bowl soiree Thursday night at WTR Pool in Tampa where fans packed in and swarmed around the stage where Tory was performing -- loudly singing along to his hits.

What pandemic, right?

Now, Tory's event isn't the only game in town when it comes to crowded parties -- and everyone knows Florida's been wide open for months. Even though it was held outdoors ... health officials have insisted for some time now that even while outdoors, social distancing and face coverings are essential.

It's interesting though ... promotions for the bash noted, "Social distancing and mask guidelines will be strictly enforced as per city guidelines."

As we reported, Dr. Fauci urged Americans earlier this week to cancel Super Bowl LV parties ... fearing nationwide super-spreading events.

The Weeknd's guaranteeing he'll be the MVP of his halftime show at the Super Bowl ... because he's not bringing any special guests to join him.

The singer went on NFL Network Thursday and explained that in order for his vision to play out properly and for him to include all the songs he wants, it doesn't make sense for other entertainers to be involved in the performance.

We're told the chatter about The Weeknd venturing into the stands at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium is true, but it's part of a pre-built set ... not like he'll be mingling with random fans in the seats.

Our sources say this plan was put into place with COVID precautions in mind, and to cut down on the number of people involved in the stage construction and removal.

Another fun fact, The Weeknd is the first Canadian performer to solo headline the halftime show, a major feat considering heavyweight Canadian talent like Justin Bieber, Drake and Rush.

As we reported ... The Weeknd also promised at Thursday's media event to try his best to keep his show PG-rated, saying he wants to be respectful to families watching all around the world.

COVID is now affecting the Super Bowl gambling world -- with sportsbooks taking real action on which teams and coaches will break coronavirus protocol first.

... seriously.

With Tampa Bay Bucs coach Bruce Arians and Chiefs honcho Andy Reid both experiencing some mask issues during the NFL season ... the folks at BetOnline.ag believe it's a certainty one of the coaches will drop their face covers on Sunday.

But, whose nose will get exposed first?

The odds favor Arians ... ya gotta bet $250 to win $100. Reid is the underdog, which is probably a good thing for him. A $100 bet on Andy pays $170 if he shows his nose first.

If wagering on COVID ain't your thing ... there's plenty more action.

-- Will Gisele appear on the Super Bowl game broadcast more than 1.5 times?

-- Will the announcers mention President Trump during the broadcast?

-- Which will be mentioned first during the broadcast -- Patrick Mahomes is getting married or Patrick Mahomes is becoming a father?

-- There are also odds on what color jacket The Weeknd will be wearing when he is first seen on the broadcast. Red is a heavy betting favorite ... followed by Black and then White. Blue and Purple are 7-to-1 long shots.

-- What's more: Tackles + Assists for Jason Pierre Paul or fingers on the right hand of Jason Pierre Paul (he's the guy who lost some of his fingers in a fireworks accident a few years back).

-- What's more: Total points scored in the Super Bowl or Senate votes to convict Donald Trump?

You can also bet on the color of Gatorade dumped on the winning coach -- orange is the favorite followed by red, lime green, blue, clear ... and again, purple is the long shot.

No hard feelings between Roger Goodell and Tom Brady after that whole Deflategate thing ... seems the two are on solid terms these days, according to the Commish.

In fact, Goodell praised his old nemesis as "probably the greatest player to ever play this game" ... and noted he's an even better guy off the field.

"He's an exceptional talent and more importantly one of the great guys," Goodell said Thursday at a Super Bowl 55 media event.

Remember, Goodell hit Brady with a 4 game suspension for his role in deflating footballs before the 2014 AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.

Brady had adamantly denied wrongdoing -- and basically declared war on Goodell and the NFL, appealing the suspension and fighting the punishment all the way to U.S. federal court.

Ultimately, Brady waved the white flag in 2016 after a U.S. Court of Appeals sided with the NFL -- which led to the QB announcing that he would accept the suspension and sit out the first 4 games of the 2016 season.

The Patriots -- led by a pissed off Tom Brady -- won the Super Bowl that year ... and Goodell had to give Brady the MVP trophy.

So, how are things between the two now? Roger insists it's all water under the bridge.

"Tom Brady has shown that he's probably the greatest player to ever play this game. His leadership, his ability to rise to the big occasion and make everybody rise around him. That's what's absolutely incredible to me, everyone just plays better when they're with him."

Goodell continued, "I've known him for probably 15 years and he's an extraordinary guy. He's real, he cares about this game deeply, he cares about people involved with the game."

"So, for me I wish him well. I think he's gonna continue to be a great performer. I'm glad to hear he's going to play a few more years."

Don't worry, moms and dads -- The Weeknd says his Super Bowl halftime show will be a family-friendly event ... vowing to keep Sunday's performance "rated PG."

At least, he's gonna try.

Of course, the super-popular singer is known for his mature content -- drugs, sex, violence ... all the stuff that makes parents freak out.

When Abel was asked about his graphic content during Thursday's media event, the guy promised to try his best to keep things appropriate for all ages.

"For sure, I definitely want to be respectful to the viewers at home," the 3-time Grammy winner said.

Remember, people were PISSED following Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's halftime show last year ... with 1,300 complaints filed to the FCC over their provocative dance moves.

While we may not have to worry about sexy dancing this time around, The Weeknd says the show will follow the storyline of his "After Hours" album ... but "definitely will keep it PG for the families."

"I'll try my best."

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."