Super Bowl

If you're Shaquille O'Neal, A-Rod, Cardi B or Aaron Judge ... there's only one place to take in Super Bowl LV -- in the lap of luxury set up by their pals, Robert Kraft and Michael Rubin.

The 76ers partner and Patriots owner hosted the most celeb-filled suite at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and besides the aforementioned sports and music superstars ... Jennifer Lopez, Meek Mill, 21 Savage, Winnie Harlow and all of the Migos -- Offset, Quavo and Takeoff -- watched the game together.

As for their allegiances -- well, we know Kraft said he was pulling for his ex-QB, Tom Brady, to win his 7th Super Bowl ring ... and since Brady's a big Yankees fan, you'd think J Lo and A-Rod would return the favor.

However, you can see Yankees slugger Judge, was pulling for KC -- he was rocking a Patrick Mahomes jersey. Tough day for both, especially PM.

The sports moguls also made super plenty of non-celeb heroes enjoyed the game. Kraft flew 76 healthcare workers from New England to Tampa aboard the Patriots team jet ... and Rubin also hosted family members negatively impacted by the justice system.

NEVER BET AGAINST TOM BRADY. IN A SUPER BOWL. EVER.

The 43-year-old QB just led his Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a dominant victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday -- final score, 31 to 9.

And, he was also named Super Bowl MVP -- the 5th time he's won it!!!

Brady was unreal -- actually, that's not true. He was exactly as real as he's been in just about EVERY one of the 10 Super Bowl he's appeared in ... poised, smart and deadly.

Not only did TB12 pick apart KC's insane talented secondary ... he TALKED TRASH in the process -- getting in Tyrann Mathieu's face after a 2nd quarter touchdown.

Things were chippy between the two all night ... but Brady clearly got the better of the match up, tossing a total of 3 TDs and he was never really in danger.

Tom's BFF, Rob Gronkowski, also balled out of his mind Sunday -- the 31-year-old caught TWO touchdowns from his old New England Patriots teammate.

And, when he wasn't putting up points, Gronk was a FORCE as a blocker.

Of course, Tampa's defense was also on fire all night long -- stuffing KC's run game, constantly putting pressure on Mahomes and preventing big plays from superstar WR Tyreek Hill.

The victory means Tom will now add a 7TH Super Bowl ring to his collection ... more than any other player in NFL history.

Gronk will get his 4th ring -- which ties him for 3rd on the all-time list of Super Bowl victories ... joining legends like Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Terry Bradshaw.

And, what's great for Bucs fans ... both Tom and Gronk have said they plan on coming back to play in Tampa Bay again next season.

Hell, Tom says he wants to stay in the league past the age of 45!!

And, if he keeps playing at this level ... he might never retire!

Amanda Gorman dedicated her latest poem for Super Bowl LV to three frontline workers whom the NFL dubbed honorary captains ahead of the coin toss ... and she did their services all the justice in the world.

The poet laureate -- who's been the talk of the town since her rousing reading at Joe Biden's inauguration -- was once again given a chance to show off her prose on the biggest stage in the world ... and she didn't disappoint, beaming in virtually with new original work.

The three captains were James Martin (a Marine vet), Suzie Dorner (a nurse manager) and Trimaine Davis (an educator). Amanda went through each person's contributions during the pandemic, big and small, and highlighted how they've helped out their community.

James provides his home to at-risk kids and streams football games for folks who aren't able to do it themselves; Trimaine donates laptops, internet hotspots and other resources for people who cant afford it, and Suzie serves as an ICU managing nurse out of Tampa.

The three frontline workers were present on the field while a pre-taped video with Gorman's remarks played. Before it aired, she said the move to get a poetry reading involved in the Super Bowl was a game-changer ... in the right direction.

She writes, "Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed. I’ll honor 3 heroes who exemplify the best of this effort. Here’s to them, to poetry, &  to a #SuperBowl like no other."

A pair of awesome performances opened Super Bowl LV, with their own unique spins on some of America's most treasured anthems ... including one from H.E.R. that truly stood out.

The R&B crooner was tapped Sunday to sing 'America the Beautiful,' which she handled seamlessly from an elevated platform near the stands. She had an electric guitar on her too, and put it to good use during the performance ... while giving the song new life.

H.E.R. completely slowed down the tempo of what is normally a pretty high energy song, and sang it in a completely different style than how it's normally delivered. You could call it soulful, but it also had some major rock vibes too -- 'cause H.E.R. shreddddded on that instrument.

Next up was Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church, who teamed up for a duet version of the National Anthem ... which was also sung in a slightly different fashion than usual -- namely, slowed-down and sorta sultry.

Church also strummed the guitar for this performance, while weaving in his vocals with Sullivan's ... who kinda took the lead with her powerful voice. They killed it -- and the crowd loved every minute of it ... with most players standing, wearing masks with a hand over their heart.

It's pretty amazing ... the actual Super Bowl will be COVID safe with rigid rules, while the City itself has gone in the total opposite direction, and all the proof you need is right on video.

Thousands of partiers crammed into the Ybor City and SoHo Districts in Tampa Saturday night and it couldn't be more unsafe ... almost no one is wearing a mask, and sardines have more room to stretch than these folks.

The crowd is a mix of college students from the area and lots of others who flew down to Tampa for some fun.

The City and the NFL have encouraged people to wear masks and socially distance, but it wasn't happening. You see police cars in the area but we didn't see any cop or other official trying to make things safe.  Probably wouldn't have done any good regardless.

The WTR Tampa Pool inside the Godfrey Waterfront Hotel was poppin' all weekend, with Steve Aoki performing Friday night and Diplo and 50 Cent taking the stage Saturday ... again, with COVID precautions non-existent.

The Weeknd's super-natural looks are just as amazing as his voice!

Here is a 22-year-old version of the singer showing off his stylish good looks at an award show in New York City back in 2013 (left). This was the same year he released his first studio album titled "Kiss Land."

And, 8 years later ... the Super Bowl LV halftime performer shared a stunning selfie showing off his perfectly chiseled jawline and sculpted cheekbones on Instagram just last month after keeping his face covered with bandages during his recent performance for a storyline around his new album "After Hours" (right).

We're sure there will be plenty more to be seen on stage later today during his solo halftime show because his good looks are blinding ... light.

The question is ...

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.