TMZ Sports - Page 50

Adrenaline can make you do some crazy things ... just ask Chris Johnson -- who tells TMZ Sports he didn't mean to shade Tom Brady AT ALL after the Titans' epic win Saturday!!

"Let me get that right," Johnson told the guys on "TMZ Sports" (airing weeknights on FS1). "I was very happy for Tennessee -- you know that's my team -- but I can't even take nothing away from Tom Brady."

"He's the G.O.A.T., he's the greatest ever."

Of course, after Tennessee booted New England out of the playoffs this weekend ... CJ2K was SO hyped -- he was singing a much different tune, straight-up saying Tom needed to retire!!

But, after about 48 hours of cooling down from the big win ... Johnson told us Monday he didn't mean that at all -- and, in fact, he said Tom should keep playing FOR SURE!!

The Buffalo Bills left Houston with an L, but the players didn't go empty-handed ... 'cause some of the team's biggest stars went on a huge jewelry shopping spree before the game!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... about 20 Bills players, including guys like Ed Oliver, Vincent Taylor, Cody Ford and Jordan Phillips, hit up celeb jeweler Iceman Nick for some awesome team bonding on Friday (the day before their game against the Texans).

We're told the players were so excited to go check out the store, they went over as soon as they checked into their team hotels.

Here's what they copped ...

Ford got an awesome 318 pendant on a 14kt half kilo Cuban chain, which is worth $75k.

Shaq Lawson got a buss down Audemars Piguet watch and Cuban chain and pendent, worth $65k.

Other goodies for the crew included a buss down Rolex for Oliver ($75k) and other players got a baguette diamond bracelet ($18k), and diamond solitaire earrings ($25k).

All in all, we're told the Bills players spent a whoppin' $500k combined.

"Tom Brady isn't coming to the Chargers!"

Chargers legend Shawne Merriman is GUARANTEEING the GOAT ain't leavin' New England for LA this offseason ... saying flat-out there's no way in hell that move happens.

Of course, buzz about Brady possibly making that transition has been rumored for weeks ... and after the Patriots got booted from the playoffs Saturday, that talk has really heated up.

It does make some sense ... the Chargers appear to be looking for a Philip Rivers replacement, Brady is a California native AND TB12's contract with the Pats ends this offseason.

But Merriman says don't buy into the chatter ... saying straight-up, "Everybody stop right now. All right? Tom Brady isn't coming to the Chargers."

Merriman's logic is simple ... first and foremost, he doesn't think LA should move on from Rivers in the first place.

But, more than that, Merriman says if they do cut bait with Rivers ... LA's coaching staff will be looking younger -- NOT for 42-year-old Brady.

"Everybody who's starting those wacky conversations that doesn't make any sense ... just stop."

This is the best, worst version of a Lady Gaga song you'll ever hear ... courtesy of retired (?) NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski!!

The 30-year-old had some time to kill backstage before his appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" ... so he tasked himself with the VERY tough 2011 Gaga hit, "You and I," to show off his pipes.

And, MAN!! Did we mention this guy is great at football??

Look ... it's not an easy one to pull off. It's like one of those songs only Mother Monster can pull off, so don't sweat it, Gronk.

The dude gets all the credit in the world for putting his heart into the performance ... and that's all we can ask for.

We're told Gronk is appearing on the show to surprise a young female fan who had been bullied for playing football ... and he makes her football dreams come true!!

Gronk -- who's evolved into quite the businessman in retirement -- also talked about his partnerships with Snow Teeth Whitening and Byte invisible aligners while on the show ... and we take it that went a lot better than the song.

Best post-victory dinner EVER?!

Alex Ovechkin hit up a fancy Japanese Steakhouse in D.C. after the Capitals beat the Sharks on Sunday ... and the dude was feelin' so great -- he hopped behind the grill and fed his teammates!!!

The amazing scene was captured on video ... and we're all thankful for it -- because seeing Ovi flip bits of food to squadmates Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov was priceless!!

It's unclear why Ovechkin popped onto the hibachi ... but he showed his skills with a spatula are CLEARLY worse than his talent with a hockey stick.

Ovi took a few tries to get the food into everyone's mouths ... but still, good times were had by all!!!

It was almost as much fun as that time Tyrese invited Aziz Ansari, Andy Samberg and others to his personal hibachi restaurant in his backyard after the 2016 Critic's Choice Awards!

Of course, everyone was in a good mood because it was a GREAT night for the Caps' superstar ... he celebrated his 10-year anniversary of becoming a captain AND he helped his team beat San Jose in overtime.

Also, Monday's an off-day for the Caps ... so you just KNOW the partying didn't stop there. 'Cause, c'mon, look at how Ovi has gotten down after big wins in the past!!

Ronald Ollie -- star of the hit Netflix show, "Last Chance U" -- is getting another chance at a pro football career ... he's signed with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, the team announced Monday.

The 23-year-old defensive lineman had a shot with the Oakland Raiders in 2019 -- but was cut in training camp after coaches said he looked lazy and unmotivated. His stint with the Raiders was also captured on a docu-series, "Hard Knocks."

Because of the way Ollie was portrayed on the show, most people thought his football career was over ... but he's got raw talent and the Argonauts think they can develop him.

As we previously reported ... the 6'2", 300-pounder had been courted by the XFL and was invited to enter the inaugural draft for the 2020 season, but it's unclear what ended up happening with that.

Ollie was a stud at East Mississippi Community College during the 2014 season and was named All-State 2nd team defense. He was also one of the most likable guys on "Last Chance U."

He went on to play at Nicholls State for 2 seasons, racking up 74 tackles, 7 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. He can ball.

As for Ollie, he's clearly stoked for the opportunity in Canada -- saying "Toronto What's Good!!"

Two big names stepped up in big ways to help 2 people who found themselves in separate emergency situations -- Shaquille O'Neal and Andrew Cuomo.

In a wild coincidence Monday in NYC, both the NBA Hall of Famer and the Governor of New York came upon a couple of scary incidents ... and jumped to action to help out.

Sources tell TMZ ... Shaq was driving through the East Village when he noticed a woman passed out on the ground. He hopped out of his car and, along with a few other caring citizens, helped stop traffic and waited with the woman until an ambulance arrived.

We're told the woman may have been diabetic and fainted in the crosswalk.

Meanwhile, on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway ... Gov. Cuomo was leaving an event for A Better New York when he came across a vehicle involved in an accident. He reportedly helped cut the passenger out of his seat belt and, as you can see in the video ... helped pull the guy out to safety.

Fortunately, it seems like both people are going to be okay ... thanks to the assists from Shaq and Cuomo.

The common thread in both incidents -- impatient people honking their horns to speed things along.

Carson Wentz arrived at the Eagles facility in Philadelphia on Monday to clear out his locker -- and while the situation was sad for the players, the good news is the QB appeared okay.

Of course, Wentz was knocked out of Sunday's wild-card round playoff game in the 1st quarter after suffering a concussion from a controversial hit from Seattle Seahawks star Jadeveon Clowney.

In the minutes after the game, Wentz reportedly went around the locker room apologizing to his teammates for letting them down -- though most of the players agreed there was nothing to apologize for!

Now that the season is over for Philly, the players returned to the team facility on Monday for the annual cleaning of the locker room.

In footage shot by 6ABC's Jamie Apody, you can see Wentz interacting with his teammates -- including Zach Ertz -- before leaving.

Ertz told Apody they feel for Wentz -- explaining that head injuries are scary and not something to mess around with.

It's official ... Alabama superstar Tua Tagovailoa is goin' pro.

The 21-year-old Crimson Tide QB gave an emotional news conference on Monday ... officially ending his college career.

“I’ve had a difficult time making this decision about my future," Tua said. "My love for the University of Alabama, our coaches, our fans and my teammates has made this especially hard for me."

"I have had the advice and consult of my parents, my family and coaches and gone through a thorough analysis of the alternatives. With lots of prayers, thoughts and guidance I have decided that I will be entering the 2020 NFL draft,”

Tua was an absolute stud on the field ... famously filling in for Jalen Hurts mid-game to lead the Tide to a national championship in 2018.

He went on to lead the Tide under center for 2 seasons ... and was a Heisman runner-up in 2018.

Tagovailoa was putting up a Heisman-esque season in 2019 before going down with a devastating hip injury against Mississippi State.

There was speculation Tua would return to school while rehabbing his injury ... but he's put an end to all the rumors with the announcement on Monday.

Tua finished his collegiate career with 87 passing touchdowns, 7,442 passing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.

Head coach Nick Saban had high praise for his former player, saying "Tua has had as much of an impact on our program as any player we've had. He has great character, he's a great leader, he has done a great job in the classroom."

Hey, look everybody!! Myles Garrett!!

The suspended Cleveland Browns superstar made a rare public appearance at the L.A. Lakers game at Staples Center on Sunday ... and he was pretty easy to spot -- wearing a bright orange jacket.

Of course, Garrett has been almost completely MIA since his infamous helmet-throwing attack on Mason Rudolph back in November ... and aside from a charity appearance for Thanksgiving, the dude's been keepin' it lowkey.

But, the hiding came to an end Sunday ... with the 24-year-old posting up with LeBron James' best friends and business partners, Rich Paul and Maverick Carter, as the Lake Show put up a dub against the Detroit Pistons.

Was it a business meeting?? Possibly ... with Myles being one of the biggest stars in Cleveland now that King James is in L.A., anything is on the table.

As for the game, the Lakers won again, 106-99, and Anthony Davis and LeBron combined for 45 points ... making their record 29-7 on the season.

Antonio Brown has officially made his debut as the rapper known as "AB" ... and his first music video is a 2-minute showcase of his wealth, his jewelry and butt models.

A WHOOOOLE LOTTA butt models.

The controversial NFL superstar has taken his talents to the recording booth as he awaits his football future ... and showed off his Future-esque crooning with the single "Whole Lotta Money."

Wanna guess what it's about?? Here are some lyrics to help you out.

"Bro, I'm not famous enough for TMZ!"

Here's an interesting clip that sort of sums up the problem pro hockey is facing in the United States ...

We shot Colorado Avalanche stud Nathan MacKinnon in New York ... and he COULDN'T BELIEVE we knew who he was!!

24-year-old MacKinnon is as big of a superstar as it gets in hockey -- he was the #1 overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft and he's currently leading the league in points per game.

He's gotta be the leading MVP candidate at the moment -- but when he walks down the street, most people have no idea!!!

For example, could you imagine if Lamar Jackson -- the NFL's likely MVP -- was walking around NYC? It would be a mob scene!

But, when our photog spotted him getting off the team bus, MacKinnon told us, "Nah, man, no one knows who I am."

So, let's help fix the problem ...

That was fast!!!

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with Mike McCarthy to be their next head coach ... just roughly 15 hours after they officially canned Jason Garrett from the role.

Of course, the hire -- reported by FOX Sports' Jay Glazer -- was immediately hit with backlash ... especially considering the 'Boys only looked at McCarthy, Marvin Lewis and Jeff Fisher for the role.

But, Mike does at least come to Dallas with a nice resume ... the former Green Bay Packers head man was 125-77-2 in his 13 years with the Pack -- including a win in Super Bowl XLV.

McCarthy, though, received plenty of criticism for his time in Green Bay ... with most down on the guy for only winning one ring with Aaron Rodgers under center.

In fact, Mike was canned by the Packers last season after he and A-Rodge reportedly rifted on and off throughout their final years together in Wisconsin.

McCarthy will become just the 8th head coach Jerry Jones has hired since he bought the team back in 1989 ... joining a list that includes Jimmie Johnson, Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips and Garrett.

THIS IS NOT A PHOTO FROM 2010!!!

This is Cristiano Ronaldo wearing an iPod Shuffle -- and it was shot TODAY!! In 2020!!!

The Juventus superstar arrived at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy to take on Cagliari Calcio on Monday sporting the Apple music device, which was discontinued back in 2017.

CR7's being clowned on social media for the device -- no one can figure out why such a rich, powerful and stylish guy wouldn't update his tech! We did some digging, you can find a Shuffle on eBay for like $20.

Some people think he's using it as a distraction to take the attention off of his new top knot hairstyle!

FYI, Apple stopped updating the Shuffle in 2010 -- letting it die a slow and painful death after realizing most people were using their phones for music storage instead of a separate device.

Talk about piling on ...

Dez Bryant BLASTED Jason Garrett after the Dallas Cowboys fired the coach Sunday ... with JG's ex-superstar saying, "I don’t have no sympathy for coach Garrett losing his job."

"The cowboys just became real contenders."

The dig seems to have come out of nowhere ... Garrett helped draft Dez in 2010 and made him into one of the league's best receivers shortly after.

But, it seems there's clearly some animosity there ... 'cause Dez doubled down on the Garrett criticism after some fans fired back at the receiver on Twitter.

"Man it’s so much I can say..." Dez wrote. "I’m being nice."

What's weird is Bryant seems to be on GREAT terms with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones -- remember, the two kicked it together in a private box for a Beyonce's concert in 2018, despite being cut by the team after the 2017 season.

Maybe Bryant thinks it was Garrett who drove him out ... not Jones. But again, everyone knows the buck ultimately stops with JJ.

He's baaaaaaack!

Conor McGregor has returned to the U.S. -- he's got a fight here in 2 weeks -- and he's already hitting the ground running ... literally.

"Out running on the streets of Las Vegas today," McGregor said over the weekend ... "We are two weeks from fight night!"

"So great to be back on U.S soil."

Of course, McGregor is taking on Cowboy Cerrone at UFC 246 on January 18 at the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas in his first fight since losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in Oct. 2018.

But, he's not coasting into the fight -- McGregor's been training since his arrival. In fact, Conor ran into UFC star Dominick Cruz during a session at the UFC Performance Institute.

Before this trip, we hadn't seen Conor in America since around the time he was being prosecuted for stomping on a cell phone outside of a Miami hotel back in March.

The Irishman pled not guilty and the charges were ultimately dropped after the victim stopped cooperating with police ... but it wasn't a good look for Conor.

Since then, CM's had other problems ... he punched a man in a bar in Ireland for no good reason during an incident in April and reportedly been investigated for 2 alleged sexual assaults in his home country. He adamantly DENIES the allegations in both cases.