Chicago Bears

If Michael Lombardi was running the Bears, this season would be Justin Fields' last in Chicago -- 'cause he tells TMZ Sports dumping the QB and drafting a different one is what's best for the franchise going forward.

The former Cleveland Browns general manager said he simply hasn't seen enough from the Bears' current starter to pass on guys like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Michael Penix Jr. in next April's NFL draft.

"I think you need a better player at the position," Lombardi said. "Someone who can throw the football with more regularity that doesn't have to wait for the second play."

Don't get it twisted, Lombardi says Fields will definitely have value on the trade market due to his unique ability to run with the football ... he just believes Chicago needs a more pure passer to make a serious runs at the playoffs.

"I think at the end of the day, it's still a passing league," he said, "and you have to throw the football effectively."

The Bears, of course, have not come to a decision with their current signal-caller ... although one will definitely need to be made in the next few months -- as they're poised to own the top pick in the draft due to a trade with Carolina in the offseason.

Lombardi also had some advice for the Patriots -- another team that will have to make a tough choice this offseason -- explaining to us that he would not move on from Bill Belichick if he were running that org.

Antonio Gates says he feels like he belongs in the Hall of Fame ... and he tells TMZ Sports if and when he gets in, Julius Peppers should be there right alongside him!!

The two NFL legends were officially named semifinalists for the highest honor in professional football earlier this week ... and when we saw Gates out in LA on Tuesday, we had to get his thoughts on it all.

The former Chargers tight end said he was stoked for the recognition, calling it a "dream come true" -- before adding that he was pretty sure when the final cutdown comes, he'll make it.

"I feel like, mentally," he said, "I belong in there."

As for the rest of the 24 semifinalists, Gates said he could make a case for just about every player on the list ... though he specifically said Peppers definitely deserves the nod.

Some other names who will be considered for the class of 2024 include legends like Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson and Devin Hester -- three guys Gates said should get long looks for the Hall's final cut next year too.

The list of 25 will be pared down to 15 finalists soon ... before the Class of 2024 is officially revealed at "NFL Honors" in February.

Antonio Gates dice que se siente como pertenece en el Salón de la Fama y le dice a TMZ Sports que cuando llegue el momento, Julius Peppers debería estar allí junto a él.

Las dos leyendas de la NFL fueron nombradas oficialmente semifinalistas para el más alto honor en el fútbol profesional a principios de esta semana, y cuando vimos a Gates en Los Ángeles el martes, pudimos escuchar sus impresiones al respecto.

El ex tight end de los Chargers dijo que estaba emocionado por el reconocimiento, llamándolo un "sueño hecho realidad" antes de añadir que estaba bastante seguro de que cuando llegue el corte final, lo hará.

"Siento que, mentalmente", dijo, "pertenezco ahí".

En cuanto al resto de los 24 semifinalistas, Gates dijo que podría hacer un caso para casi todos los jugadores en la lista, aunque dijo específicamente que Peppers definitivamente merece el guiño.

Algunos otros nombres que se considerarán para la clase de 2024 incluyen leyendas como Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson y Devin Hester. Tres chicos que Gates dijo que deberían acaparar las miradas para el corte final del Salón el próximo año también.

La lista de 25 se reducirá a 15 finalistas pronto antes de que la Clase de 2024 se revele oficialmente en "NFL Honors" en febrero.

La leyenda Dick Butkus murió luego de sufrir un derrame cerebral el mes pasado, según el certificado de defunción obtenido por TMZ Sports.

Publicamos la historia primero, el miembro del Salón de la Fama falleció el 5 de octubre en su casa de Malibú, y ahora sabemos lo que le pasó a la estrella del fútbol amado.

El certificado, emitido por el Departamento de Salud de Los Ángeles, muestra "accidente cerebrovascular" —conocido comúnmente como un derrame cerebral— como la causa inmediata de la muerte.

También hubo causas secundarias, como la fibrilación auricular (un latido irregular del corazón) semanas antes de su muerte, y problemas relacionados con el colesterol alto y la aterosclerosis (arterias gruesas / endurecidas) durante años.

El documento también señala que Butkus se sometió a una operación de bypass coronario en 2001.

La ocupación de Butkus figura como "linebacker", teniendo en cuenta que fue uno de los mejores que jamás haya jugado en esa posición. Su negocio, no es de extrañar, es la Liga Nacional de Fútbol, donde dominó durante nueve temporadas.

Como informamos anteriormente, los paramédicos respondieron a una llamada de un paciente en paro cardíaco en la residencia de Butkus en Malibú a las 12:51 PM. Fue declarado muerto en el lugar.

Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus died after suffering a stroke last month, according to the death certificate obtained by TMZ Sports.

We broke the story ... the Hall of Fame middle linebacker passed away on October 5 in his Malibu, CA home, and now we know what happened to the beloved football star.

The certificate, issued by Los Angeles Department of Health, shows "cerebrovascular accident" -- known more commonly as a stroke -- as the immediate cause of death.

There were secondary causes listed as well ... including atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) weeks prior to his death, and dealing with high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (thick/hardened arteries) for years.

The document also points out Butkus underwent coronary bypass surgery in 2001.

Fittingly, Butkus' occupation is listed as "linebacker" ... considering he was one of the best to ever play the position. His business, no surprise, is the National Football League, where he dominated for nine seasons.

As we previously reported ... paramedics responded to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest at Butkus' residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Un aficionado de los Bears fue golpeado tan fuerte durante una pelea en el partido de Chicago el fin de semana, que pareció perder momentáneamente el conocimiento.

La pelea ocurrió durante el partido de los Bears contra los Vikings en el Soldier Field el domingo, cuando un grupo de hombres se enfureció tanto que comenzaron a pelear.

En un momento durante la acción, un hombre con una camiseta de Walter Payton recibió un golpe certero de un fan de de Justin Fields. Se puede ver en el video que el puñetazo fue un KO momentaneo.

Sin embargo, se levantó, antes de ser empujado de nuevo al suelo unos segundos más tarde.

Mientras otros aficionados de los Bears se peleaban, un hombre propinó a otro una fuerte patada en la cabeza. La violencia parecía haber parado parada.

Nos hemos puesto en contacto con la policía para ver si se hizo alguna detención, pero hasta ahora, no hay noticias.

A Bears fan was hit so hard by a haymaker during a fight at Chicago's game over the weekend, he appeared to momentarily lose consciousness right in the middle of a stadium concourse.

The wild fracas happened at some point during the Bears' tilt with the Vikings at Soldier Field on Sunday ... when a group of men became so enraged with one another, they started brawling.

At one point during the action, a man in a Walter Payton jersey was absolutely leveled by a Justin Fields supporter ... and you can see in video from the scene, the punch seemed to briefly KO the man.

Somehow, however, he got up -- before he was pushed back to the ground just seconds later.

Meanwhile, as several other Bears fans were scuffling, a man kicked another man hard in the head. The violence then appeared to mercifully stop.

We've reached out to cops to see if any arrests were made, but so far, no word back yet.

Dick Butkus' loved ones are speaking out following his tragic death ... thanking his supporters for reaching out and sharing their fondest memories of the Chicago Bears legend over the past week.

"Dick lived an extraordinary life representing the heart and soul of Chicago, both on and off the field," Butkus' son, Matt, and his family members said in a statement.

"We want to thank you all for the outpouring of support. All the messages, notes and memories you shared during this difficult time. Each has meant the world to us."

One of the greatest to ever step foot on the gridiron, Dick was honored with a moment of silence prior to the Bears' Thursday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders last week ... and received tributes from notable figures throughout the country -- including President Barack Obama.

"In Chicago, Dick Butkus was football," Obama said following the Hall of Famer's death. "Thinking of his family today, and all the Bears fans who loved watching one of the best to ever play the game."

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also shared kind words ... saying Butkus was "the prototype middle linebacker."

"From his playing style, to the look, to his ads. He was a Chicago Bear if there ever was one."

People in and around the sports world are honoring the life and legacy of Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus following his death ... with Barack Obama, Bill Belichick and more sharing their memories of the Hall of Fame linebacker.

"In Chicago, Dick Butkus was football," Obama -- a diehard Windy City sports fan -- said on Friday. "Thinking of his family today, and all the Bears fans who loved watching one of the best to ever play the game."

Belichick also addressed the tragic loss ... taking a few minutes out of his press conference to praise Butkus' impact on football.

"The prototype middle linebacker," the Patriots coach said. "From his playing style, to the look, to his ads. He was a Chicago Bear if there ever was one."

BB added he got to spend time with Butkus in recent years ... saying it was great to meet and talk with him.

"A ton of respect for Dick, his play style, what he did for the game. At that time, the way he played, he was the ultimate middle linebacker."

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher also joined in paying his respects ... saying, "Dick Butkus was not only a Legend, he was my Idol. Loved his Frankness, Toughness, and the Inspiration he was for me! You set the Standard for the role of a MLB! Love you Dick."

Current Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore -- who finished with 8 receptions, 230 yards and 3 touchdowns during Chicago's win over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football -- also shared a touching message about 51 after the game.

"R.I.P Dick Butkus. Was looking over us Tonight," he tweeted.

Magic Johnson's newest purchase is leaving him quite unhappy -- at least, that was the case on Thursday night -- 'cause after the Commanders got dusted by the Bears, he laid into them on his X page.

The Lakers legend -- who helped Josh Harris purchase the Washington Football Team for $6 billion earlier this summer -- sounded off just minutes after his new squad lost 40-20 ... making it clear he's looking for more from his guys going forward.

"Tonight the Commanders played with no intensity or fire," he said bluntly.

The Commanders did look lifeless during the game's first 30 minutes ... allowing Chicago stars Justin Fields and D.J. Moore to run wild all over them in the first half.

And, while they did fight back a bit to make things somewhat interesting in the second half, they still lost by 20 -- something Magic's obviously fuming over.

"We didn't compete in the first half and got down 27-3 heading into halftime," said Magic, who watched the game from a FedExField luxury box Thursday night. "It was too big of a hole to climb out of and that is why we ended up losing 40-20."

The night at least wasn't all sadness for Magic ... he got to enjoy some pregame giggles with Amazon's "Thursday Night Football" crew, signing a bunch of gear for superfan Ryan Fitzpatrick on the pregame show.

5:44 PM PT -- A moment of silence was held in Butkus' honor prior to Thursday Night Football at FedEx Field ... where his former team is currently playing against the Washington Commanders.

4:14 PM PT -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Butkus' death.

"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.

"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his “I Play Clean” campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.

"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."

3:46 PM PT -- The Butkus family just released a statement ... saying Dick died in his sleep overnight.

"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."

The Bears added ... "Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."

The statement continued ... "He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates.

"Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health.

"His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."

NFL legend Dick Butkus -- one of the greatest linebackers of all time -- has died, TMZ Sports has learned. He was 80 years old.

We're told someone went to check on Butkus at his home on Thursday ... and he was found unresponsive.

Our sources tell us ... paramedics responded to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest at Butkus' residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Butkus is among the most intimidating players to ever step onto a football field -- coming in at 6'3", 245 pounds, he was a defensive standout at the University of Illinois before joining his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965 ... going No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft.

He played his entire professional career with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 ... racking up every individual award imaginable -- six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors and eight Pro Bowls.

Butkus earned many nicknames due to his style of play .. including The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal and The Robot of Destruction.

Butkus was named to the league's All-Decade teams in the '60s and '70s ... as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

Butkus -- whose career was shortened due to injuries -- had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

In 1985, the Butkus Award was established to honor the top linebackers at the high school, college and professional levels.

The Bears retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.

Off the field, Butkus was known for starring in commercials for Miller Lite, Prestone, Schick and Visa ... as well as dozens of films and TV shows, including "Any Given Sunday," "Hang Time," and "The Last Boy Scout." He was also an analyst for CBS.

Butkus continued to follow the NFL in retirement -- in fact, he posted his weekly picks on his Instagram just hours ago.

Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and three children.

RIP

Here's something that almost NEVER happens to Taylor Swift ... walking anywhere, much less into an NFL game, with zero fanfare -- but we've learned that's exactly what she pulled off on Sunday.

This shot shows Taylor -- rocking the Chiefs' windbreaker -- walking into Arrowhead Stadium to see Travis Kelce and his team play the Chicago Bears. The woman in the black leather jacket is part of Travis' PR team, and she escorted Taylor and Trav's friends to his luxury suite.

The amazing part is ... we're told there were no fans screaming for Tay Tay as she walked into the stadium, and made her way to the suite.

You gotta hand it to Taylor and Travis for pulling off the perfect sneak attack. No one knew she was going to the game -- we got wind of it just 20 minutes before kickoff -- and, as a result, the Swiftie army was NOT lined up to see her arrival.

Kinda shocking they weren't on the lookout, considering Travis made it known he had invited her to a game.

As we reported, Traylor (yeah, that's what we're calling 'em) were quietly escorted out of the stadium -- and only one reporter, WGN's Jarrett Payton, was able to get a quick shot of them inside.

They pulled away from Arrowhead in a pretty conspicuous way, though -- looking like Danny and Sandy from "Grease" in Travis' metallic purple convertible muscle car -- but they definitely pulled off a 'Mission: Impossible' getting her in on the DL.

Former NFL star Jarrett Payton has no doubts about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce bein' a couple ... and that's coming from the guy who got the viral video of them leaving the Chiefs game together.

Jarrett, the son of football legend Walter Payton, joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday to talk about his experience capturing Taylor and Travis leaving Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium together ... and he's telling us why there's real chemistry between them.

Jarrett's quick clip has quite the story behind it -- he says he was on the field filming coverage for Chicago's WGN and was heading to the car when he was stopped by security and told to wait there while they dealt with something ... or someone.

Luckily, he says he was told to stay put in the hallway ... and the 2 strolled past him not long after that.

He also thinks Travis gave him a bit of a look while walking out -- a total "come on, dude" kind of glance -- but Jarrett admits was like a kid in the candy store.

As you know, the internet's been going nuts over Taylor and Travis leaving together ... and the singer was also having a blast in a private box with Travis' mom, Donna, just hours before.

And for those of you who are convinced the 2 are an item, it sounds like Jarrett's right there with you on that one.

Do you think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the real deal, or just a PR stunt? Vote below.

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams is no longer with the team -- the coach resigned from his position on Wednesday.

Confirmed details surrounding Williams' status remain unclear at the time of this post.

Williams -- who did not travel with the Bears for their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the weekend -- released a statement regarding his resignation ... saying, "It is with great regret that I tender my resignation as the Defensive Coordinator of the Chicago Bears Football Club effective immediately."

"I am taking a step back to take care of my health and my family. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise with a rich history. The McCaskey family is first-class and second to none. I would also like to thank Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles for giving me the opportunity to come to Chicago. I would also like to thank President Kevin Warren, the coaches and players of which I value the relationships and camaraderie."

Williams continued ... "I value the NFL shield and all that it stands for and after taking some time to address my health, I plan to come back and coach again."

Isaiah Hodgins' two kids will be in his heart, on his mind AND plastered to his feet this season ... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned the Giants receiver just copped some custom spikes to honor his two babies.

Cleat artist Joe Castro is the man behind the sweet pieces ... and he tells us the receiver actually reached out to him recently with the idea.

Castro took a bit to get the kids' faces painted on the Nike cleats just right ... but in the end, they came out great.

Featured on one of the shoes is Hodgins' son, who was born in 2020. On the other is Hodgins' newborn daughter.

Unclear when Hodgins will rock the blue-and-white spikes ... but it might just be next week, when NY opens its season against the Dallas Cowboys.

The New York wideout isn't the only NFL player who will rep his kids on his cleats this season ... Jackson also made customs for Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter -- who got his son and the mother of his child on his Nike cleats recently as well.

Jay Cutler has gone from playing for the Bears ... to slaying them -- the ex-Chicago quarterback just revealed he shot and killed a wild one while out on a hunt in Montana.

The 40-year-old has been in Big Sky Country for the last few days enjoying the state's spring bear hunt ... and on Tuesday morning, he came away with a big trophy.

According to Outsider, Cutler shot a cinnamon black bear with a scoped bolt action rifle ... and it wasn't hard to see the former NFL star was thrilled with his catch.

Cutler posted a pic with the dead animal on his social media page ... writing, "MT bear hunt in the books" -- and saying he was off to go enjoy a beer now.

Cutler also had a memorable moment on the hunt over the weekend, he found a huge elk rack and skull that was nearly as big as him.

Cutler's become quite the outdoorsman in his retirement from football -- he posts about his hunts regularly. In fact, just last summer, he said he hunted down a deer that he had been stalking for some two years.