Cleveland Browns

Terrible news for the Cleveland Browns -- the team will be without head coach Kevin Stefanski for its first playoff game in 18 years ... he just tested positive for coronavirus.

And he's not the only one ... 2 players and 2 assistant coaches have also tested positive for COVID-19 -- and the team has shut down its facility while contact tracing is underway.

The timing couldn't be worse for the Orange & Brown -- which is set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff game on Sunday.

Losing Stefanski is a major blow -- he's a candidate for NFL's Coach of the Year, leading the Browns to an impressive 11-5 record, the team's best season in forever.

The Browns announced special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach on Sunday ... and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will take over play-calling duties.

"The team will continue to consult with the league and medical experts to determine the appropriate next steps as the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and the entire community remains our highest priority," the team said in a statement.

No word on the health status of the team's top stars -- including Baker Mayfield, Myles Garrett, Jarvis Landry and others. Hopefully, they're okay and will be ready to play.

Remember, Cleveland was forced to play without its top 4 wide receivers and several other key players in Week 16 against the pathetic New York Jets ... with the Browns taking an "L" as a result of its decimated roster.

Hatchet buried?!

Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph shared a handshake and exchanged pleasantries in a post-game moment Sunday -- something no one expected to happen roughly 13 months after the infamous helmet attack incident!

Remember, it was in Nov. 2019 that Garrett swung a helmet at Rudolph's head during a nationally televised Browns vs. Steelers game -- with some calling for the Browns star to be criminally prosecuted.

The situation got super nasty between the NFL players -- Garrett claimed Rudolph had used the n-word on the field, something Rudolph had vehemently denied. Ultimately, Myles was hit with a 6-game suspension that ended his 2019 season.

The two teams clashed again on Sunday night -- with Rudolph filling in at QB for Ben Roethlisberger ... and the big question, is there still bad blood???

No helmet swinging this time around as the Browns beat the Steelers -- but after the game, cameras caught Myles and Mason dapping each other up.

"Myles came over and said, 'good game,' postgame and that's all it was," Rudolph said. "I told him 'good luck' and that I had a lot of respect for him."

Added Garrett, "I just told him good game -- he played a hell of a game -- and we’ll see you all in a week," Garrett said. "He played tough. He had 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns. He played very well, and he kept them in it to the very end."

"Had to show a little praise that he did well in this game and he was able to make some big plays for them."

So, friends? Not exactly ... but the situation is 1000000 times better than it was last year.

And, get this ... Myles and Mason will have a chance to continue their chat on Sunday when the Browns face the Steelers AGAIN in the AFC Wild Card game.

Ravens star Marcus Peters appeared to hock a massive loogie and spit it at Jarvis Landry during "Monday Night Football" this week ... and it's got everyone wondering, was it intentional???

At the end of the 1st quarter of Baltimore's tilt with the Browns on Monday in Cleveland ... cameras caught Peters seemingly spitting in the direction of Landry as the wide receiver walked back toward his huddle.

Unclear if the Browns star even noticed -- but we've reached out to the Ravens and the NFL to see if they're looking into it.

Peters seemed to be pissed at Landry throughout the night ... and even appeared to call both Jarvis AND Odell Beckham "homegirls" and "she" after the win.

As Ravens star Marlon Humphrey was filming for social media postgame on the team jet ... Peters appeared to say of Jarvis and the injured Odell, "So, we only had one homegirl this time."

"And, you know, she was upset 'cause she ... she was upset because the other homegirl couldn't really end up making it. Because my dawg hurt. Well, she hurt right now. And, we understand that and I respect that."

"But, the one homegirl who was out there," Peters continued, "just needs to shut the f*ck up until she gets back."

FYI -- the Ravens and Browns have played twice already this season, with Baltimore winning both contests. There is a chance the two could possibly meet up in the playoffs next month.

For their part, neither Landry nor Peters has commented so far this week on any potential beef between the two stars.

She made NFL history. Now she's being honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Check out the new display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio celebrating Callie Brownson ... the 1st woman to serve as a positions coach in a regular-season NFL game.

31-year-old Brownson made her historic debut on Nov. 29 against the Jacksonville Jaguars -- when she filled in for tight ends coach Drew Petzing who left the team to welcome his first child.

Brownson's usual role with the Browns is "chief of staff" -- but she's got prior experience as both a coach and a player!

She played for the D.C. Divas in the Women's Football Alliance from 2010-17 -- WHERE SHE STRAIGHT TRUCKED FOOLS!!!

After that, she served as a scouting intern with the New York Jets, the offensive quality control coach at Dartmouth and ultimately joined the Browns in 2020.

So, when the Browns needed someone to step up on game day, they realized Brownson was more than equipped to handle the situation.

In fact, Cleveland's tight end Austin Hooper caught a key TD in the Browns' 27 to 25 victory over Jacksonville ... giving the Orange and Brown their 8th win of the season.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame thought Brownson's accomplishment was so important and impressive, they've put her sideline jacket from the game on display ... next to an autographed game ball.

Johnny Manziel may not be done with pro football after all -- he's in "serious talks" to join a new league, TMZ Sports has learned.

We're told the 28-year-old is close to inking a deal with the new "Fan Controlled Football" league, which is set to debut in Feb. 2021.

FYI, the FCF is an arena football-style league consisting of 4 teams where almost everything -- including the play calls -- is picked by the fans.

So far, HUGE names like Quavo, Mike Tyson and Marshawn Lynch have all signed on to be team owners and the league has a deal for the games to stream live on Twitch.

Our sources tells us Manziel is currently in talks with comedian Bob Menery -- who co-owns the Zappers team with Mets pitcher Trevor May.

Obviously, it'd be a huge get for the league ... Manziel was one of the most electric college football players EVER -- and was a former Browns first-round pick in 2014. He also brought viewers to the TV in record numbers during his stint in the Canadian Football League.

But, Manziel hasn't played ball since 2019 -- and just a few months ago, he told TMZ Sports he was officially retired from football and moving on with his life.

Manziel apparently had a change of heart -- hey, he's allowed -- and this week, even posted about the opportunity on social media.

"Currently the starting QB of [Bob Menery's Zappers]. Time to tear old town down in my owners honor."

Getcha popcorn ready!

Baker Mayfield woke up feeling dangerous AND like Dwight Schrute on Sunday ... 'cause after he balled the hell out against the Titans -- he quoted "The Office" character in an epic post-win gloat!!!

The Cleveland Browns QB went off in the team's 41-35 win over Tennesee -- throwing for 334 yards and 4 TDS -- and afterward, he was asked why he's been playing so much better lately.

That's when the 25-year-old channeled Dwight ... and it was pretty freakin' hilarious!!

"Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘would an idiot do that?’" Baker said. "And, if they would, then I don’t do that."

If you haven't seen the show ... Baker hit the quote SPOT ON -- Dwight famously said it during a Season 3 episode after having a hilarious exchange with Steve Carell's character.

Not even the toughest dudes in the NFL can escape the wrath of COVID-19 ... with Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett admitting the virus "kicked my butt."

The 24-year-old defensive end spoke out about his experience with the coronavirus with reporters on Friday ... saying he was hoping to be asymptomatic -- but that wasn't the case.

Garrett -- who missed the last 2 games after testing positive -- says he dealt with a fever, aches and lost his sense of smell.

"I was in pain. It wasn't great," Garrett said. "It kicked my butt ... Now I’m back,"

The Defensive Player of the Year hopeful says he expects to be back to 100% in time for the team's crucial matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

"I'm not here to make a cameo appearance or a second-rate arrival. I'm here to do the job that I was doing before. I don't think there will be any drop-off."

Odell Beckham is back in the gym and busting his ass just over a month after his devastating ACL injury ... and he's showing off his battle scars.

The Cleveland Browns superstar has been sidelined for the rest of the season after going down in the 1st quarter of the Oct. 25 game against the Cincinnati Bengals ... calling the situation "really f'n tough."

But, OBJ has vowed to bounce back better than ever -- and he's putting his money where his mouth is ... posting footage Thursday from a recent workout.

28-year-old Odell can be seen going through squats and catching drills ... and it's pretty impressive considering the dude had surgery just 3 weeks ago.

"Lord I swear I think I'm healed," Odell said on Wednesday ... as he walked comfortably out of the training facility.

It's been a tough time for Beckham -- who has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career.

The star receiver spoke out about his struggles in an Instagram post this week ... saying, "Ima be honest.... I been thru hell these last couple years n I just keep it pushin... this shxt ain’t for errbody!"

Myles Garrett will NOT play for the Browns on Sunday ... the team's superstar has been placed on the COVID-19/reserve list after he was sent home earlier this week with an illness.

Garrett reported he did not feel well on Wednesday and was ordered to go home just in case he had coronavirus.

While the team did not specifically say Garrett had tested positive ... the dots appeared to connect when Cleveland officials made the roster move announcement Friday.

"This morning the Cleveland Browns were informed that a player has tested positive for COVID-19," the team said in a statement. "Contact tracing has been conducted and the individual has self-isolated."

"He has not been in the facility all week and zero high-risk contacts have been identified."

The Browns are still scheduled to practice Friday for their upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles ... and it does not appear the matchup is in jeopardy of being canceled or postponed at the moment.

Obviously, though, losing Garrett will be a big blow ... the 24-year-old has been arguably the best defender in football this year, logging 9.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.

Cleveland is no stranger to coronavirus this season ... star quarterback Baker Mayfield was placed on the reserve list during the team's bye week this month after he reportedly had contact with a COVID-positive Browns staffer.

The QB has since come off of the list, and played last week against the Texans. He's expected to start again Sunday against the Eagles.

Odell Beckham is officially on the road to recovery ... the star receiver and the Cleveland Browns just announced he underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL.

Beckham shredded the knee early in the Browns-Bengals game back on Oct. 25 ... and he was finally able to go under the knife Tuesday to repair the issue.

The Browns said in a statement the operation -- performed by world-renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews down in Florida -- was a complete success.

"Beckham is expected to be ready for the 2021 season," the team added.

Beckham appeared to be pleased with the results of the surgery as well ... he posted a pic of himself post-op and wrote, "Sit back relax n watch how God work.....Now let the journey begin."

Beckham was having his best year as a Brown before the injury ... logging 319 receiving yards and 4 total TDs in 7 starts.

The wideout has vowed to come back stronger than ever ... writing on his social media page earlier this week, "Adversity.... it’s nothin new to me!"

Get well soon!

Baker Mayfield is PISSED OFF at the notion the Cleveland Browns are better off without Odell Beckham ... calling critics "insensitive" for bringing it up right after his season-ending injury.

OBJ tore his ACL during CLE's first offensive possession against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday ... officially ending his promising 2020 campaign.

The talking heads speculated it may be a blessing in disguise for Baker and Co. ... allowing the offense to run more organically without forcing targets to their superstar receiver.

Baker was asked about the comments on Wednesday ... and he made it clear he won't entertain the idea -- especially 2 days after OBJ got word of his status.

"For one, I just think it's completely insensitive to a guy that just tore his ACL," the AFC's Offensive Player of the Week told reporters. "I'm not even going to comment on it."

It's not a bad theory, considering Baker went on to go 22-23 with 5 TDs with Odell sidelined ... but Mayfield says it just ain't right to bring it up so soon.

Cleveland Browns star Austin Hooper will NOT be suiting up against the Bengals this weekend ... after the team announced the tight end is undergoing an appendectomy.

The 25-year-old -- who signed a 4-year, $44 million deal with CLE this offseason -- was originally listed as questionable with a non-COVID-19 related illness ... which was later revealed as appendicitis on Friday.

Hooper's production has been improving in recent weeks ... and has 22 receptions for more than 200 yards through 6 games this season.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski broke the news to reporters minutes ago ... saying he does not expect Hooper to miss an extended amount of time.

The Browns have had their fair share of injuries this season -- from Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry's injured ribs to a depleted secondary on defense.

Odell Beckham has quite the unique perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic ... saying he's developed a "mutual respect" with the virus ... which essentially makes him feel immune.

Really.

Remember, the Cleveland Browns superstar came down with a bug days before Sunday's game against the Steelers ... and many feared it was the 'rona taking over another NFL organization.

Despite testing negative for the virus, OBJ was asked Wednesday if he was scared his illness was COVID-19 at the time ... and the dude made a gem of a statement.

"No, not in an arrogant way," OBJ told reporters. "I don't think COVID can get to me. I don't think it's going to enter this body."

He continued ... "I don't want no parts of it, it don't want no parts of me. I think it's a mutual respect."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says his team's not gonna turn into the Kardashians over their rematch with Myles Garrett and the Browns ... saying, they're not about "that reality TV storyline."

Sunday's matchup between Pittsburgh and Cleveland is HUGE for several reasons -- one being both teams are fighting for a spot at the top of the AFC North.

The other reason?? It's the first time Garrett will line up against the Steelers since his infamous helmet-swinging attack on backup QB Mason Rudolph in November 2019.

Tomlin was asked if he spoke to his players about avoiding any sort of distractions while meeting with reporters on Tuesday ... and he makes it clear they have bigger things to worry about.

"There really is no message," Tomlin says ... "There's a lot on the table in reference to this game in terms of stakes. They're a 4-1 team."

"We're trying to remain undefeated. We’re not looking for that low hanging fruit or that reality TV storyline and so forth. This is a big game in 2020."

As we previously reported ... Garrett has spoken out about moving on past the incident ... calling it a "small bump in the road."

So ... everyone's gonna get along on Sunday, right??

File Under: Perks Of Being Rich and Famous.

Cleveland Browns superstar Odell Beckham's already got his hands on the new Xbox Series X ... which is pretty unfair, considering the damn thing doesn't hit shelves until next month!!!

OBJ showed off his new toy on Thursday ... and while he didn't say how he got it, he got his point across with a few emojis -- "🤐🤫🤯"

The new Xbox will become available to the non-VIP public on November 10 ... but when you're Odell Beckham, you ain't gotta wait like the rest of us normies.

Beckham's not the only one getting special treatment ... Travis Scott made heads explode when he bragged about having a PlayStation 5, which launches on Nov. 12.

No word on Odell's review of the Xbox just yet ... we can only imagine how dope it's gonna be.

It's been a great week for OBJ, who's coming off a MONSTER game against the Dallas Cowboys ... with 2 touchdowns off of insane trick plays.

Myles Garrett wants to meet face-to-face with Mason Rudolph and squash their beef for good ... saying he's down to make peace with the Steelers QB after the infamous helmet-swinging incident.

"If it were to happen, I’d be fine with it,'' the Cleveland Browns superstar told Cleveland.com. "Not just fine, but I wouldn’t mind it and I’d be happy to make it happen, if there were a way."

Of course, Garrett was suspended a total of 6 games in 2019 after he hit Rudolph with the QB's own helmet during a game against Pittsburgh on November 15.

Garrett claims the attack was sparked by Rudolph using a racial slur ... which the QB adamantly denies.

The 24-year-old says he's unsure if Rudolph would accept the invite to meet ... but explains he'd like to chat about "how we move forward, and just being better men and football players and not letting something like that happen again."

And, get this -- Garrett reveals he contemplated leaving the game of football entirely following the incident ... and even thought about starting a baseball or basketball career instead.

"I just would’ve moved onto something else I enjoy and found another way to save my competitive nature, whether it would’ve been trying out for a basketball team or going to play baseball like [Michael] Jordan," Garrett told the outlet.

But, that didn't happen ... as the defensive end just inked a massive 5-year, $125 MILLION extension to stay in Cleveland ... and he's out to prove he's no the helmet-swinging monster people made him out to be.

"What happened, happened, and at the end of the day you have to move forward," Garrett says.

"I was given a second chance and you have to make the best of it. I know something like that won’t happen again, but life’s funny that way."