Detroit Lions

The fallout from the Oxford High School shooting was at the forefront of the Detroit Lions' collective minds Sunday -- which made for an emotional moment after their big win.

The Lions won their first game of the season on Sunday in a thriller of a match against the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to this, their record was 0-10-1, meaning they hadn't won a single game all season.

Turns out, their victory meant more than just what appeared on paper ... and the team's QB, Jared Goff, made that clear in the post-game interview  -- making sure to point out that the game was dedicated to those affected by the deadly tragedy ... which claimed 4 lives.

Check it out ... he gets pretty emotional talking about what happened this week, saying sometimes certain moments are bigger than just sports ... and this was one of them.

The Lions coach, Dan Campbell, echoed that with his own remarks ... bestowing the game ball to the township of Oxford, and reading off the names of the deceased, among others.

Mason Rudolph didn't get the victory for the Steelers on Sunday -- but don't worry, he's still clearly winning off the field ...

Here's the Pittsburgh QB's GF, Genie Bouchard, cheering on her man all the way from Mexico ... in a tiny bikini.

The tennis player posted the spicy pic in the middle of Pittsburgh's game against the Detroit Lions, writing, "When bae is playing but ur in Cancun."

She added a heart emoji while tagging Rudolph.

Of course, the support didn't equal a win for Mason on the field -- he struggled in the Steelers' 16-16 tie against the Lions -- but we're sure it was appreciated nonetheless.

We broke the story, Genie began dating Rudolph over a year ago ... and hasn't been shy about her affinity for the Steelers since.

She's been spotted at Rudolph's games -- and after going IG official with the signal-caller in February -- she's rocked Pittsburgh gear while traveling too.

Terrelle Pryor says Jared Goff is so bad ... he's convinced both he and Colin Kaepernick would be better options for the Lions right now.

The former wide receiver -- who began his career as a quarterback -- blasted the Detroit signal-caller in a now-deleted social media post, calling Goff straight-up "terrible."

"Myself and Kaepernick can go on field this second and do better," Pryor said.

The 32-year-old, who hasn't played in a regular-season game since 2018, unleashed the shade while Goff was struggling against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In the eventual 16-16 tie at Heinz Field, Goff threw for just 114 yards ... and completed just 14 passes while taking 4 sacks.

"Jared Goff is terrible," Pryor said, adding the joke "(Charles Barkley voice)."

It doesn't seem Detroit is in any rush to sign either Pryor or Kaepernick to replace Goff -- but Lions head coach Dan Campbell has hinted the past few weeks a change at quarterback is a possibility.

As for Goff, he really doesn't have much ammo to fire back at Pryor with -- he's now 0-15-1 in games he's played without Sean McVay.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell turned into a puddle of emotions following Detroit's latest loss ... breaking down in tears in front of media members.

The Lions dropped their fifth straight game Sunday, falling 19-17 to the Minnesota Vikings ... and Campbell wasn't pleased at all about it in his postgame meeting with reporters.

The first-year headman cried ... saying he was disappointed over yet another L and felt awful for his players.

"You want it for yourself as an organization and for all of us but you want for those players," Campbell said, wiping away tears. "I mean, they're out there busting their ass and you know, it's tough."

Campbell added, "When you see your players give all that they have and you lose that way, it’s tough. You don’t want that for them, but we’ll be better for it."

The loss was tough for Campbell considering the Vikings pulled off a miraculous win in the same manner that the Ravens had done to Detroit earlier this season.

Minnesota put together a crazy field goal drive to close out the game -- similar to the way Lamar Jackson and Baltimore did against the Lions back in Week 3.

"It's tough to be 0-5," Campbell said. "It's tough to lose like that again but I was proud of them, man."

Calvin Johnson still has big beef with the Detroit Lions ... saying things will remain icey with his former team until they give him back $1.6 MILLION.

The Hall of Famer broke down his feud with his ex-squad while speaking with Graham Bensinger recently ... explaining he's still furious with the Lions over the way they took back some of his signing bonus following his abrupt 2016 retirement.

"I put it like this," Johnson said on "In Depth With Graham Bensinger." "Imagine you had a friend -- well, maybe not even a friend, just somebody. They gave you something and then they take it back. And, then are y'all gonna still really hang out?"

"Are y'all still cool?" Calvin added. "And, imagine you did a whole bunch of work for it, too. It's the principle. It's the principle of it. Like, no, you cannot have me back unless you put that money back in my pocket."

The Lions reportedly recently made an attempt to give Johnson back the cash -- offering him, according to the Detroit Free Press, $500K a year for three years of work with the team, plus a $100K charity donation.

But, Johnson told Bensinger he declined that deal ... calling the offer a "joke."

"I'm not saying they got to repay me the $1.6 all up-front, but they need to figure out a way to do it, and not have me work for it," Johnson said. "Because I already did the work for it."

Detroit Lions star D'Andre Swift is NOT a suspect in a murder case ... so says his head coach Dan Campbell, who called this week's reports merely "Internet rumors."

Swift began trending on social media Thursday after he had been allegedly named in a report involving a Philadelphia homicide in July.

We reached out to the Philadelphia Police Dept. ... and they said they could not comment on the matter.

Campbell, though, told media members Friday that, to his knowledge, his running back has not been involved in any nefarious criminal activity whatsoever.

"I think that's just Internet rumors that I don't feel like I need to comment on right now if I'm being honest with you," Campbell said.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Friday he's heard similar things to Campbell ... explaining, "Sources have indicated D'Andre Swift is not under investigation."

"There is an open murder case," Garafolo added. "But again, no indication Swift is a suspect."

Calvin Johnson says he's THRILLED to see his ex-teammate Matthew Stafford get traded from the Lions to the Rams ... but the WR admits it "sucked" Detroit didn't let him move on to another squad before he retired.

35-year-old Johnson has distanced himself from the Lions following his abrupt retirement in 2016 ... a relationship that still hasn't been mended, despite his Hall of Fame announcement in 2021.

Megatron spoke about how things got so sour in an interview with Woodward Sports this week ... saying he begged the team to let him start fresh with a different franchise before retiring -- and they refused.

"We asked would they release me or let me go to another team ... they wouldn't," Johnson said ... adding he was willing to play literally "anywhere."

So, when the Lions granted Stafford's trade request after 12 seasons, Johnson hints he's a bit jealous he didn't get the same treatment.

"You know what, it sucked that they didn’t let me go, but they let Matthew go, but hey, you know, it is what it is," Johnson said.

"I’m not mad at Matthew. I love Matthew."

In fact, Johnson says he talked to Stafford this week ... and claims the QB is loving his new home on the west coast.

As for his relationship with the Lions, Johnson is open to making peace with the organization ... if they ever want to extend that olive branch.

"I’m not back in the family with the Lions or anything like that," Johnson added. "It would be nice to if they try to resolve things, but that’s neither here nor there."

Johnson is one of the best to ever suit up for the Lions -- he was a 3-time All-Pro and a 6-time Pro Bowler. He also set the record for most receiving yards in a season (1,964), had 8-straight 100-yard games, caught 83 career touchdowns and posted 11,619 total yards.

No matter what his relationship is with the team, Johnson says he'll always be there for the players.

Michael Brockers says revenge WILL be had over his former team this October ... the new Lions star tells TMZ Sports he's already giving Detroit a win over the Rams in their 2021 matchup!!

"Definitely," Brockers said when we asked the pass rusher out at LAX if he's already got a W circled on the calendar. "Come on, now!"

Michael took it a step further ... and said he's gunning for at least one sack on Matt Stafford when he heads back to L.A. on Oct. 24 for the big tilt!

"I got to get at least one," Brockers told us. "I'm trying to sack every quarterback, but I got to get that one."

Brockers was traded to Detroit from L.A. in March ... a shocking move considering just days prior, he had gassed up the Rams and Stafford HARD.

At the time, the 30-year-old told us Stafford was a better QB than Jared Goff ... and insisted the Rams were a legit Super Bowl contender.

Brockers, though, tells us it hasn't been weird at all being sent to Detroit with Goff despite the comments ... he reiterated to us there is absolutely no beef between them whatsoever.

New Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is pleading with team execs to allow him to walk around the facilities with a real-life lion ... saying he's dead serious about adopting a big cat!!

"I would love to literally just have a pet lion," Campbell said. "Just a legit pet lion. On a chain -- a big-ass chain."

The 45-year-old coach explained the thought process on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast this week ... saying he believes the animal could help motivate his squad to win games.

"He really is my pet," Campbell said of how he'd treat the beast. "We just walk around the building. We go out to practice. We're in 7-on-7. We're behind the kicker when he's kicking. We're just -- there we are."

Campbell added, "I mean, think about it. It'd be outstanding."

Campbell says he's approached team owner Sheila Ford about the plan ... but, sadly, he admitted there might be too many issues with it all to make it actually happen.

"The problem -- I don't know if PETA is going to allow that," Campbell said. "That's going to be hard."

SPOILER -- PETA WILL NEVER EVER APPROVE THAT IN A MILLION, BAZILLION YEARS BECAUSE LIONS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE PETS!!

That said ... if he somehow gets a lion, Campbell promised he'd take great care of the king of the jungle ... and even said he'd let it eat his arm if it meant a Super Bowl ring!!

"That would be better," Campbell said. "'Cause it would validate -- this is a freakin' -- this is a creature now. This is an animal. This thing is from the wild."

Jared Goff is officially dating a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model -- the Detroit Lions QB's longtime GF, Christen Harper has landed a photoshoot with the S.I. Swim Issue!

26-year-old Harper made the announcement minutes ago ... saying it's always been her lifelong dream to be an S.I. Swim model -- and now it's a reality!!

"SI is the reason I became a model and for years I tried to get a casting with them but never quite made it," Harper said Monday.

"Instead of just accepting that and moving on I decided to take things into my own hands and chase this dream myself! This is a sign to go after your dreams and never look back!!!"

Harper earned the spot by entering the outlet's highly competitive "Swim Search" ... where people from all over the world audition to be part of the upcoming issue.

The California native -- who's been linked to Goff since early 2019 -- joins a stacked list of WAGs in S.I.'s lineup ... including names like Olivia Culpo, Kate Bock and Camille Kostek, who have already announced their return for the July 2021 issue.

No word from Goff, yet ... but we take it he's THRILLED!!

The awkwardness in Detroit is dead ... Michael Brockers says he's smoothed things over with his teammate, Jared Goff, after shading the QB during a chat with TMZ Sports earlier this month.

So, here's the backstory ... back in January, the Rams made a deal to send Goff to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford.

Brockers -- who was still under contract with the Rams at the time -- told TMZ Sports in early March he LOVED the move because Stafford was a "level up" from Goff and the Rams would be better off.

"Is it a level up?" Brockers asked. “In my heart, deeply, just understanding what [Stafford] brings, it’s a level up [over Goff]. It’s a level up."

But, shortly after Brockers made the comments, the Rams traded HIM to Detroit ... so yeah, AWKWARD, RIGHT!?!

Well, Brockers was asked about the situation during a media session Monday -- and explained he's already spoken to Goff ... and they're good.

"I have so much respect for him and just understanding that, you know, that wasn't any shot against him," Brockers said.

"It was just trying to pump up the Rams fanbase as I was on the Rams team."

He continued, "I didn't know I was going to be dealing with free agency. I was really just trying to boost up the move that I felt like the team was doing."

"Just trying to boost up the fan base. I don't think it was anything against Jared. I even had to go text Jared away from the camera. Just as man-to-man -- I did not mean for it to go like that. I didn't mean what I said."

"As a man, I respect you as a player. You took me to the Super Bowl, it wasn't like that ... I respect every player and every player's ability in this league."

For his part, Goff said Monday he accepted Brockers' explanation ... saying on 97.1 The Ticket that he and MB are "all good" now.

"Brock's obviously one of my good friends and teammates. Obviously, I get it," Goff added.

Michael Brockers is putting the argument to bed ... the Rams star clearly believes L.A. won the QB trade with Detroit -- telling TMZ Sports Matt Stafford is just better than Jared Goff.

"Is it a level up?" Brockers said when asked if Stafford was an upgrade over Goff. "In my heart, deeply, just understanding what [Stafford] brings, it's a level up [over Goff]."

"It's a level up."

The Rams gave up Goff and a treasure chest of draft picks -- including two future 1st-rounders -- to get Stafford out of Detroit ... and many felt L.A. was fleeced in the deal.

But, when we got Brockers -- who's started 136 games for the Rams since 2012 -- at LAX this week ... he told us he thinks the Rams' front office did well in the swap.

"I don't want to say a lock for the Super Bowl, but with having a quarterback like that," Brockers said of Stafford, "and just seeing what we did last year and just seeing what he can bring to this team, there's no wonder why we can't [win the Super Bowl]."

There's more ... Brockers also said the Cardinals' signing of J.J. Watt does NOT give Arizona the best defensive line in the NFC West -- with the L.A. pass rusher saying that honor still belongs to the Rams!

Brockers even threw some playful shade Watt's way ... telling us, "We all know who the real 99 is!"

It's not an official "goodbye" ... yet ... but it's close.

Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly penned a "Thank You" note to the city of Detroit amid reports the Lions QB has mutually agreed with the franchise to continue his career elsewhere.

Matt has played every down of his pro career with Detroit since he was drafted out of Georgia with the 1st overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Now, ESPN says Detroit -- and Stafford -- have agreed to a conscious uncoupling ... so Detroit can draft new franchise QB and 32-year-old Matt can try his luck in another city.

Enter Kelly ... who is bracing for the move.

"Thank you," Kelly said in a note to the people of Detroit ... "This place, our home, the people ... it’s hard to find the words to explain what this place means to me."

"Random tears come very often when I think about not being here."

"This place supported me during the toughest time of my life and during the happiest times and I want to thank y’all in the right way."

Kelly and Matt have 4 kids together -- all born during Matt's time with the Lions. Also, Kelly underwent brain surgery for a tumor in 2019.

So, what's next for the Stafford's?

"Whenever I figure out what the future holds, you’ll be hearing from me again with a thank you that hopefully shows how much gratitude and love I have for this place," Kelly said.

"But until then we are going to enjoy our time left in Michigan to the fullest because there really is no other place like it."

There are rumblings Matt could end up in San Francisco to play for the 49ers -- but it's all talk at this point.

Dan Campbell just had the best introductory news conference EVER ... the new Detroit Lions head coach delivered an epic speech -- promising his team will bite off knee caps!!

Campbell met with the media Thursday for the first time since Detroit hired him to be its new leader ... and the fiery former NFL tight end provided no shortage of sound bites.

Campbell cussed, dropping an S-bomb -- and then he guaranteed his Lions players will be some of the toughest on the planet!!

"Here's what I do know," a fired-up Campbell said. "This team is going to take on the identity of this city. All right? And this city's been down and found a way to get up, all right?"

"It's found a way to overcome adversity. And so this team's going to be built on, we're going to kick you in the teeth. All right? And when you punch us back, we're going to smile at you."

Campbell didn't stop there ...

"And when you knock us down, we're going to get up. And on the way up, we're going to bite a knee cap off. All right? And we're going to stand up and it's going to take two more shots to knock us down. All right?"

"And on the way up, we're going to take your other knee cap. And we're going to get up and it's going to take three shots to get us down. And when we do, we're going to take another hunk out of you. Before long, we're going to be the last one's standing."

WHO'S PUMPED UP IN DETROIT NOW?!?!

All insane promises and guarantees aside ... Campbell has a daunting task ahead of him to get his team to practice what he's preaching -- the Lions haven't won a playoff game since 1991.

WHOOPS!!!!

Detroit Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell REALLY screwed up on his first day on the job ... he spoiled his daughters' wedding proposals in an epic slip-up with reporters!!

Bevell was explaining to media members on a Zoom call Monday why he had such a good weekend ... when he revealed that, in addition to being named Matt Patricia's replacement, two of his daughters' boyfriends asked for his permission to move forward with marriage proposals.

One of the soon-to-be son-in-laws actually did it in hilarious fashion ... Bevell -- whose daughter plays softball for BYU -- says they were getting in some batting practice when the BF took a ball right off his eye.

Bevell says when the dude was getting stitched up in the emergency room ... he actually asked if it'd be OK to marry the coach's daughter.

Cool story, right? But the problem ... by telling reporters all of that on a live-streamed call -- HE RUINED THE SURPRISE FOR HIS DAUGHTERS!!!

Bevell seemed to realize his screw-up toward the end of his newser, telling media members, "The two guys who asked me for my permission, they haven't officially asked them yet. So, that's where that was. That was just permission."

"So, I don't know when that's coming. Just to be clear."

SHEEESH!!!

Perhaps the lone bright spot of the coronavirus pandemic??? IT POSSIBLY MEANS MORE ADRIAN PETERSON, BABY!!!

The NFL superstar tells TMZ Sports, with teams not having preseason games and not practicing nearly as much due to COVID-19 protocols ... he believes his career has been extended.

In fact, Peterson says the lack of wear and tear put on his legs this season might allow him to play until he's 40 now!!!

"It actually took a lot off the body," the Detroit Lions running back said of the NFL's schedule this year. "Because we really didn't have a real training camp or OTAs or minicamp or anything like that."

"So, in hindsight, it really kind of allowed me to be a lot fresher."

Peterson -- who had told us back in June he was aiming to play 4 more years -- added, "Maybe it's five years now!"

The 35-year-old is still going strong regardless of the unique schedule ... he's rushed for 389 yards and 2 TDs this season -- and he's been solid every time the Lions have called his number.

And, Adrian's hoping that continues on Thanksgiving against the Houston Texans ... especially because he's doing some really cool charity work for the holiday.

Peterson tells us he and his foundation have partnered with The Athletes’ Corner to donate 100,000 meals to a local food bank in Detroit to help those in need.

To raise awareness for the situation, Peterson says he's going to be rockin' some custom kicks for the Turkey Day game against the Texans -- and check the spikes out ... they're AWESOME!!!