TMZ Sports - Page 50

Robert Griffin III's first TD pass since 2016 on Sunday almost never happened ... the former Heisman Trophy winner just revealed he nearly quit football to switch to track.

RGIII was cut from the Browns after the 2016 season ... and that's when he says he thought about giving up the game, writing on social media on Monday that he "contemplated" the move.

Of course, the 29-year-old was a superstar on the track back in the day ... he set state records in high school as a hurdler -- and even killed it when he ran for one season at Baylor.

His wife, Grete, is also a former college track athlete who competed at Florida State. We've posted video of the two training together over the years.

The track dreams appeared to have died after RG3 won the Heisman Trophy in 2011 and becoming an immediate superstar for the Washington Redskins.

But, Griffin says when his whole career bottomed out after his time in Cleveland, he thought about going back, writing on a list of things he's gone through since his Browns release, "The contemplating of a transition back to track."

Griffin ended up sticking with football ... and playing in just his fourth game since '16, he threw a touchdown pass to Mark Andrews in the Ravens' blowout of the Dolphins.

"You see.....there is always more to the story than meets the eye," Griffin says ... "Everyone sees the result but doesn’t know what you had to go through to get there."

"Never count yourself out and always be ready. Thank You @ravens Coach Harbaugh and my great teammates for helping me every step of the way. Let’s keep it rolling."

By the way, RG3's wife gave birth to their 2nd child on Saturday -- 24 hours before Griffin's game. RG3 posted a pic of their brand new baby daughter calling her "amazing!"

DeSean Jackson paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle before he LIT UP the Washington Redskins on Sunday ... and now his special cleats could be yours if the price is right.

As we previously reported, the Philadelphia Eagles star WR went to custom cleat designers and asked for NH-themed kicks for EVERY game in the 2019 season.

Jackson sported the first pair during pre-game warmups in Week 1 -- cleats that featured Nipsey's face and birthday with the words, "Rest In Paradise."

Jackson went on to TORCH the Redskins -- hauling in 8 catches for 154 yards and 2 TDs in the Eagles 32-27 comeback victory.

After the game, DeSean posted about the kicks ...

"Every game this year Im auctioning my @nipseyhussle cleats I wear in Pre game. Proceeds will go to his kids Kross & Emani !! Link will be up this week. Rest in paradise bro !!"

Next week, Jackson will rock another Hussle-themed pair during his "Sunday Night Football" match-up against the Atlanta Falcons to pay tribute to the rapper who was shot and killed in front of his L.A. apparel shop back in March.

The Cleveland Browns sucked ass on Sunday ... but at least Odell Beckham looked stylish during the blowout!

The superstar WR sported a Richard Mille RM 011 Orange Storm Men's Watch on his wrist while his Browns took on the Tennessee Titans.

Guessing Beckham thought the swag would help him ball out ... but the only thing it did was draw criticism as the Browns got smashed by Marcus Mariota's squad at FirstEnergy Stadium in a 43-13 loss in Cleveland.

Beckham played okay -- 7 catches for 71 yards and 0 TDs -- but it'll be interesting to see if he rocks the watch again next week coming off of such a disappointing 1st week.

Oh, and yeah ... he's almost certainly gonna get fined by the NFL for wearing the watch.

Ex-Buffalo Bills stud Roscoe Parrish was shocked to learn he had warrants out for his arrest during a traffic stop last month ... telling cops, "I live a clean life. I played in the NFL!"

The 37-year-old former receiver was busted for a routine traffic violation on Aug. 12 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida ... when cops realized he had two serious warrants out for his arrest.

One was for stalking, while the other was for writing a threat to kill ... but you can see on the arrest video, obtained by TMZ Sports, Parrish is floored when cops tell him the news.

"I'm retired," Parrish says. "I live a clean life ... I played in the NFL!"

"No sh*t?!" one officer responds. "Who'd you play for?"

"Buffalo Bills and I went to the University of Miami!"

Cops continue to question him about the warrants throughout the stop ... but Parrish says he has no idea what they stem from, saying, "I'm, like, literally confused!"

Turns out, according to court docs, Parrish's ex-girlfriend alleges the 5-foot-9, 175-pound ex-NFL player wrote several threatening messages to her ... including a note that said, "You b*tches don't listen oh and make sure you tell your ugly a** daughter to watch out im commig for her haha, from your ex."

Parrish's ex-GF also alleges another note read, "Ima kill your stupid a** daughter."

Cops say they tried to serve Parrish with a restraining order, but when they received no answer at his door ... they requested the arrest warrants.

In the traffic stop -- Parrish, who couldn't have been more cooperative with officers -- was asked if he had any sort of dispute with a girl or girlfriend ... and he replied, "No! No!"

Genie Bouchard might've left the U.S. Open in defeat -- but she's definitely winning back home at the beach with none other than Hannah Davis' hunky big brother.

The Canadian tennis star -- who got knocked out of the U.S. Open in the first round a couple weeks ago -- was seen cuddling up with Connor Davis Jr. Sunday in Miami. He's directly related to the model who's now married to Derek Jeter. Worlds are colliding!!!

Not only did Genie and Conn get close on shore, but they were also pretty affectionate as they made their way into the water ... not before showing their hot bods though, of course.

Seems like Conn's a good match for Genie, who's in professional athlete shape. He definitely held his own here on the beach ... dude's pretty ripped as far as we can tell.

Once they were in the ocean, Conn and Genie didn't hide the fact that they're together -- Genie was wrapped around him in at least a couple different positions that can really only scream one thing ... we're dating.

Rashad Jennings says Eli Manning doesn't have to look over his shoulder on who'll replace him eventually, which is he thinks the veteran QB's gonna have a breakout year.

The former-Giants running back was in New Jersey Sunday, where we asked him how he thought his old team would do this season, just hours ahead of their first game against the Cowboys ... in which Eli would be starting over Daniel Jones.

Rashad says he thinks the Giants have what it takes to squeak into the playoffs, but notes that it won't be easy ... even with who he calls the best running back in the game today, Saquon Barkley.

That said, IF the Giants can clinch a playoff spot ... RJ believes they got the fortitude and experience to go deep and possibly surprise a ton of people come January.

As far as how Eli himself will perform, Rashad explains why he thinks the guy is gonna be laser-focused on the field, despite the chatter that Jones might end up replacing him mid-season if he stinks. According to Rashad, Eli sees what's ahead ... and can focus on the game now.

Eli Manning WILL fend off Daniel Jones this season ... so says NFL legend Brett Favre, who tells TMZ Sports the Giants QB is going to have a BIG year!!!

"I think he may surprise some people," No. 4 says.

A lot of football pundits disagree ... saying it's only a matter of games before Jones -- the Giants' first-round pick this offseason -- gets the keys to the car.

But, Favre is confident Eli will play well enough to keep his job ... and is saying the QB has the perfect mentality to have a huge 2019 season in New York.

"I think he'll have a better year than most are giving him a chance to have."

Favre tells us it's the Giants' system that gives him confidence in Eli, saying, "He's got some really great, young, talented players around him, and he knows he doesn't have to do too much."

The Giants kick off the season Sunday afternoon against the Dallas Cowboys ... can he prove Favre right??

Could Brandon Marshall's epic run in the NFL be over??

Maybe ... the 6-time Pro Bowl wide receiver tells TMZ Sports, "We'll see what happens, man ... We'll see what happens."

35-year-old Marshall just had a workout with the Indianapolis Colts a few weeks ago (he said it went well) -- but it doesn't seem he's getting a whole lot of interest from teams beyond that as the season kicks off this week.

So, we had to ask ... is retirement coming???

Marshall wouldn't say ... only telling us he's happy with his roles on "Inside The NFL" and in the fitness industry.

"I'm doing what I love to do right now," Marshall says. "I've been doing that for some time now. And, there's always a lot to work through."

If it is indeed the end of Marshall's career ... it sure was a good one -- the guy played 13 years and logged 12,351 receiving yards, 83 TDs and 970 catches.

Is the Return of the Cannon a possibility at age 47??

HELL YEAH!!! So says Shannon Briggs himself, who tells TMZ Sports he'd be down to take a fight in 2020 ... all he needs is a few months to get back into shape.

We spoke with the 2-time world heavyweight champ about the upcoming rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz ... when Briggs started showing us he's still got it!!

Of course, Briggs hasn't fought since 2016 ... but posted a 60-6-1 record during his career. Dude was/is a STUD.

So, we had to ask Briggs if he could take on AJ or Ruiz ... and he says ABSOLUTELY, as long as he has time to get ready.

"I think that if they give me a shot in 2020, they're gonna see who the real champ is."

He turns 48 in December, but he clearly doesn't give a DAMN about age.

"I think right now, I'm out of shape. But, I think that you give me 6 months and a couple fights, I'll be able to beat any man in the world."

OBJ and Olivier Vernon ain't the only shiny new pieces on the Browns this season ... 'cause safety Jermaine Whitehead just copped a new diamond pedant -- worth $75k!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the ex-Auburn star is adding to his growing jewelry collection ... copping a Roman Numeral "II" pendant from Luxe Jewelers in ATL in honor of his favorite number ('cause he's the 2nd son in his family).

We're told the piece is made of 7 carat VVS diamonds and 18k gold and features the years he played ball in high school, college and the NFL on the back.

Of course, Whitehead also had a massive jewelry haul earlier this year ... which added up to $79k, so the dude is clearly a fan of shiny things.

Hidden within this cheeky pic is an athlete ready to get the season started! This football fanatic has spent the last 5 years playing in the NFL positioned as a wide receiver.

This famous face was originally drafted to played for the New York Giants, but this award-winning athlete is switching gears this season as he will be reppin' the Cleveland Browns.

Drew Brees sure did score with these good looks!

Here's a 22-year-old version of the San Diego Chargers quarterback rockin' a tux at the ESPY Awards -- Brees was nominated for the 'Best College Football Player' award -- in Las Vegas back in 2001 (left).

And 18 years later ... The now 40-year-old QB was most recently spotted getting back to business at the NFL preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, just last week, in New Orleans, Louisiana (right).

Brees has since been the receiver of several awards. Last year Brees took home the ESPY award for 'Best Record-Breaking Performance' for the second time.

The question is ...

Ava DuVernay oughta meet the woman she accused of belittling a young black man by cutting off his dreadlocks before going nuclear on her ... so says the kid himself.

We talked to Kobe Richardson Saturday at the Crushers Club in Chicago -- the same place that received a $200k from Meek Mill but quickly came under fire this week after an old photo of its founder, Sally Hazelgrove, cutting Kobe's locks resurfaced.

He doubles down in support of Sally -- and even tries to play peacemaker between she and Ava -- whom Kobe thinks aren't very different, despite the tense flare-up on Friday. Kobe also clarifies once again ... the decision to cut off the locks was his, not Sally's.

ICYMI ... a photo of Sally cutting Kobe's locks off went viral upon news that Meek was donating to her non-profit. A lot of people cried foul, suggesting the place wasn't worthy of Meek's cash ... as many felt Sally, and her org by association, were racially insensitive.

What really ticked people off was Sally's caption with the photo, which read ... "And another Crusher let me cut his  dreads off! It's symbolic of change and their desire for a better life!"

That rubbed a ton of folks -- including the renowned filmmaker and TV producer, Ava -- the wrong way ... and Sally quickly issued a mea culpa for sharing the photo all those years ago. But even Sally's apology came under attack, and Ava took up the #LocLife campaign as a result ... urging black people to share their love of their locks, and disavowing Sally.

Well, Kobe says Ava and co. have the wrong idea about the woman ... and he even credits his life to her, saying he'd probably be in jail or dead if it wasn't for Sally and Crushers Club's help. He says he's been shot 14 times, and credits Crushers Club for helping him recover.

As far as Ava, he thinks she and Sally actually have a lot more in common than Ava might think ... and he says she should meet Sally to see the good work she's doing for herself.

Antonio Brown has gone ballistic again ... this time demanding to be released from his $50 million contract with the Oakland Raiders.

Antonio spelled it out in an Instagram post on Saturday morning, saying "Release me @Raiders #NOMore."

He also posted a pic of a quote ... "You are gonna piss a lot of people off when you start doing what's best for you."

Here's what triggered the craziness. Late Friday night, the Raiders decided to fine Brown $215k for conduct detrimental to the team over an altercation with GM Mike Mayock on Sept. 4. The way the story goes ... Brown exploded on Mayock, allegedly threatening to sock him in the face while calling him a "cracker." Brown's outrage stemmed from a previous $15k fine for missing team workouts.

Brown reached out to reporter Jeff Darlington and complained the $215k fine voids nearly $30 million in guaranteed money from his Raiders' contract. This pissed him off enough to go on social media and ask to be released.

He's certainly drawing a line in the sand, telling Darlington, "No way I play after they took that and made my contract week to week."

The last 24 hours have been wild to say the least -- Brown posted a video Friday night containing pieces of a phone conversation with head coach Jon Gruden. In the video, Gruden essentially tells Brown to cut the crap and get back on the field. Unclear if Gruden knew he was being recorded during the call. Now it seems Brown's career in Oakland is hangin' by a thread -- and the Raiders will likely make a decision in the next few hours.

Stay tuned ...

Serena Williams was in championship mode ahead of the U.S. Open Final -- and that means she didn't have time to chat ... especially for silly questions about Meghan Markle.

The tennis icon left her hotel Saturday with a look of determination on her face as she boarded a waiting SUV, which was ready to drive her to the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens, NYC ... where Serena is facing off against Canadian Bianca Andreescu in the Women's Singles championship later. Paps were standing by, but SW made no time for them.

One photog asked if the Duchess -- a close friend of Serena's, who flew into town this week to watch her pal battle for the trophy -- was going to be a good luck charm for her. She didn't answer ... and the reason is probably this, Serena doesn't need luck.

While we're sure she appreciates Meghan coming out, her presence alone in the stands isn't likely to make a huge difference on how Serena performs. Nice try though.

The camera man made a pretty obvious note to Serena as she closed the door ... saying that the world would be watching this afternoon.

Yes, thanks for pointing that out. She's aware of that too.

Andy Ruiz says he's not bothered ONE BIT by Tyson Fury calling him a "fat guy" ... telling TMZ Sports the Gypsy King is just bashing him to stay relevant!!!

Remember ... Fury made fun of AJ to our camera guy out in NYC last month ... clowning him for getting "knocked out by a fat guy!!!"

But, The Destroyer is taking the high road after the body shaming ... 'cause he says he's actually a fan of Fury ... and sees it as a sad attempt to capitalize on Andy's superstar moment.

"Tyson Fury, he wants to be relevant," Ruiz tells us. "He wants to be in the scene. I like the guy too. I'm a big fan of him. I like how he is. I like his energy."

The 29-year-old says he's not gonna let Fury distract him from his rematch with AJ in Saudi Arabia -- aka the "Clash on the Dunes" -- but once he's done with Joshua again, THEN they can settle it in the ring.

"I don't wanna look past Anthony Joshua. I want to win on December 7th, then maybe me and him can get in a fight too."