Cleveland Browns

Scary news out of Cleveland Browns' camp ... veteran cornerback Kevin Johnson lacerated his liver in practice Wednesday and is now in the hospital receiving treatment.

The Browns made the announcement Thursday ... saying Johnson initially complained of abdominal pain after a teammate landed on him during drills.

Turns out, Johnson was seriously injured ... with the team saying test results revealed the liver damage after he was sent to the hospital.

"Kevin is resting comfortably and is expected to remain in the hospital for at least another 24 hours for observation," the team said.

Johnson -- a Houston Texans first-round pick back in 2015 -- joined the Browns this offseason and was expected to be in the team's two-deep on opening day next month.

Baker Mayfield is holding firm to his promise to kneel for the national anthem ... saying he's proud to use his platform to speak out for human rights.

Remember, the Cleveland Browns QB clapped back at a fan who begged him to NOT take a knee this upcoming season ... saying, "pull your head out. I absolutely am."

During a virtual media session Friday, Bake was asked if he regretted going public with his kneeling plans because of social media backlash he received afterward.

"I don't have any regrets," Mayfield says. "I think being in my position, which is a blessing, to be out on a platform where I can speak on issues that ... they're just wrong."

"Right is right, wrong is wrong. This is a human rights issue that's been going on for a long time and I believe in that."

#6 continued ... "It's nothing against military, anybody who served. And anybody who knows my history knows that I completely support military and the people that serve our country for the right reasons and do it for justice."

Mayfield isn't all talk -- he's shown serious love for those who have protected the country over the years ... and even met with every single member of the military who attended Browns training camp in the past.

Baker's also helped the Browns send a bunch of care packages to the military in 2019 ... so yeah, the dude does a lot more for the troops than what some anti-kneelers will ever do.

Myles Garrett says he won't let his helmet-swinging attack on Mason Rudolph define his career ... and he's ready to put the "small bump in the road" behind him for good.

The Cleveland Browns superstar was suspended a total of 6 games in 2019 after he hit the Steelers QB during a game against Pittsburgh on November 15.

The 24-year-old -- who just inked a massive 5-year, $125 MILLION extension to stay in CLE -- spoke with local media for the first time since the incident on Thursday ... and said he's ready to prove it was a one-time thing.

"My life is much bigger than one moment," Garrett said. "Me, the Browns, and my teammates are going to look past that."

"That will be just a small bump in the road."

Garrett says he's not concerned about being labeled a "dirty player" ... and he won't be "walking on eggshells" on the field to make sure he isn't viewed that way.

"That's just life," Garrett added. "You have one mistake and people are going to come after you."

"Me, I'm just going to keep on playing my game, not worrying about what people say. It's just a bump in the road. I know my teammates will have my back to de-escalate and keep it to football."

Remember, Garrett previously told TMZ Sports he saw his suspension as a "blessing in disguise" ... and has used his time away from the game to stay in insane shape.

Garrett -- who accused Rudolph of using the n-word during the incident -- added he hasn't spoken to anyone with the Steelers organization in the months following ... but welcomes the opportunity to hash things over with the QB and coach Mike Tomlin.

Patrick Mahomes ain't the only dude gettin' paid this off-season -- Myles Garrett is wrapping up a contract negotiation that will pay him $125 MIL over 5 years!

The Cleveland Browns are in the "final stages" of negotiations with Garrett, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport ... but it's basically a lock at this point.

Rap says Garrett's deal is structured to pay $25 mil in new money per year.

"Still a few small hurdles. But it is expected to happen, as Cleveland is set to lock up a key piece," Rapoport adds.

24-year-old Garrett has been a monster in the league ever since the Browns selected him with the #1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

His career hasn't been without controversy -- there was that infamous helmet swing directed at Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph during the 2019 season. Garrett was suspended for the rest of the season (6 games) and fined $45k.

Garrett expressed remorse about the incident and later told TMZ Sports he viewed the whole thing as a "blessing in disguise" because he learned a lesson from it.

"I thought about not playing no more. Like, this is not really it for me."

Odell Beckham says he bottomed out so hard after breaking his ankle with the NY Giants in 2017 ... he damn-near retired, saying the game just wasn't fun for him anymore.

"I said this in college, I said, 'I fear the day that they make this game a business and not what I love,'" Beckham said in an enlightening round-table interview with Victor Cruz, Cam Newton and Todd Gurley this week.

"And when I seen that for the first time ... after breaking my ankle, like, I thought about not playing no more ... they've ruined the game of football for me a little bit."

Fortunately for NFL fans, Beckham didn't call it quits after he snapped his lower leg against the Chargers in Oct. 2017 ... and he says he backed out of retirement because of his supporters.

"When I be on the sideline, and that little kid is, 'Do the whip! Dance!'" Beckham said, "like, that sh*t is what fueled me. That's what fueled me."

Beckham told Newton, Cruz and Gurley even after that recovery ... he still struggled to keep everyone happy when it came to his boisterous personality and his on-field action.

Odell said his critics bothered him deeply ... and he even told Newton, Gurley and Cruz in the talk, "I ran into bigger problems with the f**king world than myself."

"And, then I struggled to deal with that. Depression, mental health issues, being in New York, not really liking it."

But, Beckham says he feels he's got it figured out heading into his second season with the Cleveland Browns this year ... and he's hopeful he gets the opportunity to show he's still one of the game's elite.

"I understand the game now," Beckham says. "That's why you see the [bleached-blonde haircut] is back. There's nothing you could tell me."

FINALLY -- a quarterback who can feed Odell Beckham the ball!!! (Kidding, Bake!)

The Cleveland Browns superstar linked up with Blueface while working out at UCLA on Wednesday ... and the duo decided to see what kinda arm the "Obama" rapper was dealing with.

And sheeeeesh ... the dude has a cannon!!!

OBJ offered to run about a 40-50-yard route downfield ... and Blueface hit him perfectly in stride for the completion. It was beautiful ... and something Browns fans rarely got to see last year.

"Who got the best arm in the rap game?!," Blueface asked OBJ.

"Yeah, you got it!!" Odell responded ... while gifting his new QB his gloves as a souvenir.

TMZ Sports spoke with Blueface himself about his skills ... and he says football was his first dream.

As a matter of fact, he says he could've made it to the NFL if he stuck with it!!

New England Patriots QB Cam Newton was also in on the fun at UCLA ... throwing darts to OBJ and even Blueface ... who creatively edited his one-handed catch to provide ZERO proof he was able to come down with the ball.

Regardless, Blueface is a freak athlete ... maybe the Browns should take a look??

In the latest edition of Myles Garrett's unreal gym feats ... here's the Cleveland Browns superstar deadlifting 655 pounds -- allegedly for a set of three reps!!!!

The former No. 1 overall pick crushed it in the weight room yet again Tuesday ... showing off a trap bar deadlift that even strongman Hafthor Bjornsson would be impressed by.

Check out the clip ... there are so many plates on the bar, they barely fit -- but Myles is able to get it up with ease.

It should be noted ... Garrett did have a little help from Prince's sweet voice in the background!!

Of course, this is nothing new for the NFL stud ... we've seen him bench over 400 pounds, box jump 60 inches, and just show off his ripped bod in general.

But a 655-pound deadlift is still impressive nonetheless ... especially when you consider he captioned the footage with "x3" -- implying he hit that weight multiple times!

Joe Thomas -- a former 325-pound NFL offensive lineman -- DOMINATED the "Titan Games" on Monday ... and now he looks like a LEGIT contender to win the whole show!!

The former Cleveland Browns left tackle has dropped 50 pounds since retiring from pro football in 2017 ... and was personally selected by The Rock to compete on the show, going up against other high level athletes.

Well, turns out ... LINEMAN ARE WAY MORE ATHLETIC THAN YOU'D THINK!!

The 35-year-old Thomas started off slow ... narrowly beating out Denver firefighter Matt Chan in the first half of the show.

But then, he TURNED IT ON ... easily vanquishing his second opponent -- Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy Steven Shelby -- on the famous "Mount Olympus" course.

Mount Olympus is no joke -- competitors have to scale walls, move heavy objects, move a giant heavy stone with a steel chain, smash a coffin with a sledgehammer and much more.

Dwayne Johnson was so impressed with Thomas, he could barely hold his emotions together -- raving about the "Ironman" like an obsessed fan!

Thomas now moves on to the next round where he'll have more high-level competition from guys like NFL star Victor Cruz, UFC star Tyron Woodley and more!

This. Is. INSANE!!!

As if we needed more proof Myles Garrett's athleticism is not from this planet ... here's the Cleveland Browns superstar box jumping 60 INCHES -- from a standstill position!!!

The vert is CRAZY high -- most normies have trouble getting over just 24 inches -- and you can see in the footage, it didn't even take all that much effort for Myles to complete.

"It's nothing but vert, baby!" Garrett said afterward.

Of course, we should've seen this coming ... Garrett's been a monster in the weight room for YEARS -- remember when he deadlifted over 400 pounds for reps just a few weeks ago?!?!

As for his vert ... that's always been impressive -- he jumped 41 inches at the NFL Combine in 2017 -- but, clearly, his hops have improved further.

The Cleveland Browns' newest star, Jedrick Wills, Jr., is ready to make the switch from right tackle to the other side of the line ... and he's got a future Hall of Famer helping him with the move -- Joe Thomas!!!

TMZ Sports spoke with the #10 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft fresh off the biggest day of his life ... and he says he can't wait to get to work.

"I wanna come in and establish my spot on the team," Wills tells us. "I didn't get drafted to just come in and watch from the back."

Of course, the big question surrounding the Browns' pick -- Wills played right tackle for Alabama ... and Cleveland just shelled out $42 million for fellow RT Jack Conklin this off-season.

But, Wills tells us there won't be a position competition with his new teammate -- he says he's already planning to protect Baker Mayfield's blindside on the left ... and has been in talks with Thomas to get adjusted.

"He probably already knew that I was gonna be a left, so he just told me that whenever the time comes, I'll be here to give you some pointers."

Wills says Thomas -- a 7-time First-Team All-Pro -- has offered advice and film sessions to get ready for the season ... and he's thrilled to have one of the best to ever play the position share his knowledge.

As for the draft experience ... Wills admits it sucked not being able to walk across the stage and shake Roger Goodell's hand ... but says the NFL did a great job trying to keep things as normal as possible for the prospects.

Wills says he's already been in contact with Baker about joining the team ... and he's fired up about joining the former Heisman winner.

That's a PUNTER?!?!?!

Meet Jamie Gillan -- aka "The Scottish Hammer" -- a former rugby player turned kicker for the Cleveland Browns!

AND HE'S MORE JACKED THAN HIS QUARTERBACK! (No shade, just facts).

The 22-year-old is a beast in the gym -- and clearly he's been packin' on the bulk after a pretty impressive rookie season.

Gillian was an undrafted free agent in 2019 -- but earned his spot on the Browns roster after blasting a 74-yard punt in a pre-season game. He went on to make the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team.

Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping him off the field, he's been locked in his home gym -- making some serious gains and flexing on the kicker community.

"Do pull-ups help me punt? Absolutely not," Gillan said ... "Do they help me look like a football player? Kinda #pintsandpunts."

The Scottish Hammer got his nickname because he grew up in -- you guessed it -- Scotland before coming over to the States in high school. After a life of rugby, Gillan took up American football and even played some college ball at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (The Golden Lions, not the Razorbacks).

Gillan's been keeping his followers entertained during the global pandemic ... showcasing his crazy talent in the process.

Jimmy and Dee Haslam -- the owners of the Cleveland Browns -- are joining the fight against the coronavirus pandemic ... by pledging $1.5 MILLION to help Ohioans in need.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire country ... and there have been 351 confirmed cases in Ohio -- with more people infected by the day.

The Haslams announced their contribution on Monday ... saying $1 million will go to the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund ... with the remaining $500k going to the Columbus Foundation's Emergency Response Fund.

"We are humbled by the tremendous work of people around the world in their efforts to help those impacted by COVID-19 and we wanted to try to positively impact those affected in our own communities of Cleveland and Columbus," the Haslams said in a statement.

"We are grateful for the individuals who are putting others before themselves and for the sacrifices they are making."

Well, this is one way to get kicked off the airwaves ...

ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Grossi has been suspended indefinitely for using profanity when talking about Baker Mayfield ... calling the QB a "f**king m****t" (derogatory slur for a little person) on a hot mic during a livestream.

The talent on TheLandOnDemand were discussing quarterbacks on other teams during a break ... when Grossi chimed in with "Who do we got? A f**king m****t."

YIKES.

Grossi was immediately suspended for the comment ... and has since released a statement apologizing to Bake, the Browns and the little person community.

"There’s no excuse for using that language in any context," Grossi said. "It was said without malice but also without thought."

Of course, it's no secret Grossi and Mayfield ain't gucci -- they've had their fair share of spats in the QB's short time in Cleveland. Remember the "Jesus, Tony!" incident??

Grossi acknowledged the beef in his apology, saying "It is well known that Baker and I have had our differences, and in the course of this experience, I’ve had to question my role in the erosion of the relationship."

Cleveland Browns lineman Greg Robinson -- the #2 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft -- is in custody after officials say he was found with A LOT of marijuana at a border patrol checkpoint.

We're told Robinson was stopped on Monday at the Sierra Blanca border checkpoint near the U.S., Mexico border. We're still working on the details surrounding the arrest.

Jail records show Robinson is still in custody and we're told he's facing a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute.

27-year-old Robinson was an absolute stud back in his college days -- making 1st Team All-SEC during his 2013 season at Auburn.

The NFL scouts drooled over Robinson -- he's 6'5", 332 pounds -- and when the Rams took him with the #2 pick in 2014, they signed him to a fully guaranteed 4-year $21 million contract.

The bad news for the Rams ... he didn't live up to the hype so they traded him to the Detroit Lions for a 6th round pick in 2017. The Browns signed Robinson in 2018 and re-signed him in 2019.

Sources tell us the Browns recently informed Robinson they would not be bringing him back for the 2020 season.

Robinson has reportedly made more than $29 million in contract money during his NFL career.

We reached out to Robinson's rep and the Cleveland Browns -- so far, no comment from either.

"He called me the n-word. He called me a stupid n-word."

That's Myles Garrett finally explaining the racial slur he claims he heard Mason Rudolph utter to him before the all-out Steelers-Browns brawl back in November.

"When he said it," Myles told ESPN in a sit-down interview this week, "it kinda sparked something."

As we previously reported ... Garrett was banned from the NFL indefinitely after he violently attacked Rudolph with the QB's own helmet on Nov. 14, 2019.

Garrett told NFL officials at the time he did it because Rudolph used a racial slur ... but he hadn't publicly revealed what he alleges Rudolph said until this week.

"I don't like it," Garrett said. "I don't say the n-word, whether it's 'a' or 'er.' To me, personally, I don't think it should be said."

Myles was reinstated by the NFL on Wednesday -- effectively making his suspension a 6-game ban -- and he told us out at LAX on Thursday he believed it was all a "blessing in disguise."

As for Rudolph ... he's consistently maintained he did NOT call Garrett a racial slur, saying back in November the allegation was "totally untrue."

For its part, the NFL says it investigated Garrett's accusations ... but claims it found no evidence that the racial slur was used.