Matthew Stafford Daughter Battles Illness During Wild Card Game

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Matthew Stafford’s toughness clearly got passed down to his daughters ... 'cause his kids braved through illness to watch the Rams' huge Wild Card victory in person on Monday.

The Super Bowl champ's wife, Kelly, documented the whole journey leading up to the playoff contest ... revealing two of her little ones were hospitalized during the Arizona trip.

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POWERING THROUGH

One of the kids even had an oxygen mask as they made their way to State Farm Stadium for Monday's kickoff ... holding a teddy bear and yelling "Go Rams" as they rode the bus to the venue.

Olivia Ponton Rocks Tiny Black Bikini On Vacay ... Life's A Beach!!!

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Olivia Ponton -- Joe Burrow's most famous "employee" -- has apparently accrued some big PTO -- because she's currently soaking up the sun on vacay in a tiny bikini in Turks and Caicos.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model -- who told cops last month just after a burglary at Burrow's Cincinnati-area mansion that she worked for the Bengals superstar -- ditched the Midwest for some sand and blue waters ... and check out a few images she posted from the trip, she's obviously appreciating the R&R.

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FUN IN THE SUN

In a small black two-piece, Ponton enjoyed several dips in the Atlantic ... plus some pages of a romance novel. She did it all with a huge smile on her face, too.

Philadelphia Eagles Chirping Fan ID'ed ... Team Kickstarting Punishment Process

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The Eagles have identified the fan who berated a female Packers supporter at Philadelphia's playoff game over the weekend ... and TMZ Sports has learned they've now kickstarted the punishment process for the guy.

Our sources say that just two days after the man in a green Eagles jacket was seen on video unloading on a Packer backer during Philly's 22-10 Wild Card round win ... the team has found out who he is and is currently determining how they want to handle the situation.

It seems a ban is on the table ... however, we're told, for now, the Eagles are still evaluating the situation.

Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson Split After 10 Years of Marriage

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Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have split after a decade of marriage ... TMZ has confirmed.

Jessica tells us ... "Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage. Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The couple first got together way back in 2010, and got engaged that same year as well. It took a little while, but JS and EJ finally got hitched in 2014 ... and since then, they've had three children together ... 12-year-old Maxwell, 11-year-old Ace and 5-year-old Birdie.

Logan Paul To Bad Bunny Wanna Risk Your Life In WWE Ring??? ... Let Me Help!!!

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If Bad Bunny REALLY wants to scare his mom in the WWE squared circle again, there's already one Superstar lining up to make it happen -- none other than Logan Paul.

The music sensation -- who had a memorable appearance at WWE Backlash back in 2023 -- recently revealed to Rolling Stone he'd love another crack at wrestling ... but this time, he wanted a much bigger "risk."

"I want to put my life at risk in the ring," BB said. "I felt like I didn't risk it enough in the ring. I want to scare my mother."

Brett Favre I Thought Parkinson's Diagnosis Was 'End Of The World'

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THOUGHT IT WAS THE END OF THE WORLD
TMZSports.com

Brett Favre is admitting he was initially terrified to learn of his Parkinson's diagnosis ... telling TMZ Sports he at first thought "it was the end of the world."

Favre got candid with us about his much-publicized health battle last week ... revealing that when docs told him he had the disease in January 2024 after having some troubles with his right hand, his initial thoughts were pessimistic ones.

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THE RECENT DIAGNOSIS

He said he believed "the world was caving in on me" ... and he wondered out loud how this all happened.

London Fletcher Wowed By Jayden Daniels ... 'We're Witnessing Something Special!!!'

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AMAZING TO SEE
TMZ.com

Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to their first postseason win in 6,495 days on Sunday, but he might just be getting started ... so says former team captain and current radio broadcaster London Fletcher, who tells TMZ Sports he truly thinks the QB can go into Detroit and get it done this weekend!!

We spoke with Fletcher following the Commanders' 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ... and naturally, he sang the No. 2 overall pick's praises for his ability to get the team in the right direction in just his rookie year.

"There's times where they mentioned him with Hall of Famers," Fletcher said. "The Peyton Mannings, the Tom Bradys, the Drew Brees with some of the things that he's accomplished ... and it wasn't them accomplishing these things as rookies, these guys accomplished these things later in their careers."

Frontier Airlines Khabib Ignored Our Flight Attendant ... MMA Legend Denies!

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Frontier Airlines is adamant they were NOT in the wrong when they booted UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov off a flight this weekend ... claiming the 29-0 fighter ignored a flight attendant's instructions before takeoff.

But, TMZ Sports just spoke to someone close to Khabib, who says that's simply false.

First, Frontier's side of things. The airline says Khabib -- who was seated in an exit row -- failed to indicate he was willing and able to assist in the event of an emergency.

Mike McCarthy No Longer Cowboys' Coach

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UPDATE

1:00 PM PT -- Jerry Jones just confirmed he and Mike McCarthy are going their separate ways ... revealing in a statement Monday afternoon the two sides never even got to the contract negotiation phase in their postseason talks.

"It became mutually clear that it would be better for each of us to head in a different direction," Jones said. "I thank Mike and wish him, his wife Jessica and their family the best."

Jones added a search for the Cowboys' next head coach will begin "immediately."

Patrick & Brittany Mahomes Baby No. 3 Is Here!!!

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Big congrats to Brittany Mahomes -- she’s just welcomed her third little bundle of joy with hubby Patrick Mahomes!

Brittany shared the exciting news on IG minutes ago ... revealing the couple's new little girl will be called Golden Raye Mahomes. Brittany added that the newborn came sometime on Sunday.

The pair first revealed Baby No. 3 was on the way back in July, with Brittany later confessing this pregnancy was the toughest one yet -- she's been dealing with exhaustion, sickness and skin issues.

L.A. Wildfires 'L.A. Strong' Shirt Sales Skyrocket ... Over 30,000 Sold

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The Los Angeles pro sports teams' joint effort to support the wildfire victims with "L.A. Strong" shirts is a massive success -- TMZ Sports has learned more than 30,000 items have sold so far -- with all proceeds going to help the cause.

The 17 local organizations teamed up with Fanatics to make merch with the "L.A. Strong" phrase on Friday ... as a tribute to those impacted by the devastating wildfires.

We're told the orders for the merch -- priced at $35 each -- are among the most popular on the site ... with a whole bunch selling over the past three days.

A.J. Brown Hell Yeah, I Read During Games ... It Gives Me Peace!!!

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UPDATE

11:38 AM PT -- TMZ Sports caught up with author Jim Murphy on A.J. Brown's viral moment ... and he said he's grateful the receiver is bringing attention to the contents of his book.

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selfless is fearless
TMZSports.com

Murphy said he was aware Brown got his hands on his work ... but had no idea he was holding onto it so much that he had it on him during games.

As for whether he'd like to meet up with Brown, Murphy said he doesn't want to be a distraction amid the team's playoff run ... but provided some knowledge on what they can focus on to succeed even more.

Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown went viral for cracking open a book right on the bench during his team's Wild Card matchup with the Packers on Sunday ... but he says it's actually nothing new -- 'cause reading gives him a sense of peace mid-game.

Clips of Brown's impromptu book club session quickly made rounds on social media ... with some folks assuming having his nose deep in "Inner Excellence" by Jim Murphy was a sign of rebellion amid his quiet day on the field.

Brown cleared the air with reporters in the locker room after the 22-10 victory ... and he said he always has the literature by his side on gameday -- it's just the first time it's been caught on video.

LiAngelo Ball I Got A New Contract ... With Def Jam!!!

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LiAngelo Ball's officially a signed artist -- he inked a deal with Def Jam following the massive success of his viral song, "Tweaker."

Gelo's contract is with Def Jam and Universal Music Group ... and while initial reports say it's worth $8 million, our sources say that is not true. According to insider Shams Charania, Gelo will own all his music (a huge win in the industry) as well as his own label.

Gelo has found a new lane after pro hoops -- and if the reception from his first track is any indication of how his rap venture will go, he's no one-hit-wonder.

Carrie Underwood Trump's Inauguration Idol

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UPDATE

11:44 AM PT -- Carrie Underwood spoke out after being chosen to perform at the inauguration ... "I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

Donald Trump isn't struggling to find A-list talent for his second inauguration ... Carrie Underwood has been tapped to perform at the swearing-in ceremony, TMZ has learned.

A presidential inauguration committee spokesperson confirms to TMZ ... the "American Idol" winner will be singing a patriotic tune before President-elect Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

Underwood's name was listed in what looked like a leaked program detailing the show order for Trump's big day ... TMZ has also obtained a copy of the program, and we've confirmed it's the real deal.

Travis Kelce I'm Feeling '22!!!' ... Just Like Tay

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FEELING 22
Pat McAfee Show/ESPN

Travis Kelce's got Taylor Swift on the mind even when he's talking ball ... 'cause the Kansas City Chiefs superstar dropped a clear reference to his girlfriend during an interview -- and even did a dance to bring it home!!

Kelce got the Swifties' ears perking when he hit up the "Pat McAfee Show" on Monday ... when the former Colts punter lobbed it up and asked how he was feeling coming off the first-round bye in the playoffs.

Naturally, the three-time Super Bowl champ slammed it home by reciting a line from Swift's big hit, "22."

Wolf Blitzer Saved From Old-Ass TV Disaster ... TCL Offers Hook-Up

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Wolf Blitzer is enjoying the Buffalo Bills' current playoff run like it's 1994 thanks to a TV that probably broadcast the inauguration of Bill Clinton ... but one company is looking to change that with a complete entertainment makeover!!

The CNN anchor showed off his setup on social media following the team's 31-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round ... and while he was all smiles, people had more questions about the way he was enjoying the game.

His entertainment center features a small Sharp TV -- complete with a DVD player and VCR!! With that being said, it's a bit out of date.