Health

Juwan Howard underwent heart surgery on Friday ... and, thankfully, it was a success -- though the Michigan head coach will now have to be away from the Wolverines for at least the next few weeks while he recovers.

UM officials said they discovered issues in Howard's ticker following a recent routine medical check ... but Dr. Himanshu Patel at the University of Michigan Health was able to fix it all.

Howard said after the procedure he was very grateful for the care.

"My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us," he said. "Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. (Himanshu) Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process."

According to Patel, it'll take Howard 6-to-12 weeks to fully recover ... but he'll be able to rejoin UM's men's hoops program in 4-to-6 weeks. The Wolverines open their season on Nov. 3.

"I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us," Howard said.

The school announced that while Howard is out, assistant Phil Martelli will step in as interim HC.

Howard became the Wolverines' head man in 2019 after signing a five-year contract ... and since his arrival, Michigan has been to two NCAA tournaments.

Prior to his coaching career, Howard played three years at Michigan ... starring on the school's famed Fab Five team.

Aaron Rodgers says tearing his Achilles on Monday Night Football was one of the worst experiences of his life ... but the New York Jets superstar is adamant he will recover from it -- and he's not ruling out a return THIS YEAR.

Fresh off going under the knife to repair his tendon, the four-time MVP joined the "Pat McAfee Show" Friday to break down his immediate reaction, recovery and his plans moving forward.

Rodgers said he dealt with "a lot of sadness, a lot of tears, a lot of dark frustration and anger" shortly after going down with the injury ... but he's been receiving a ton of love from his close friends and supporters.

"A lot of the sadness, I think initially, was just feeling like I let so many people down who believed in me, supported me, and made that transition so incredible," he said minutes ago.

Rodgers admitted he could quickly tell it was a serious situation ... but makes it clear he can overcome the ailment and get back to 100%.

"Give me the doubts," Rodgers said. "Give me the timetables. Give me all the things that you think can, should, or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That's all I need."

"So, give me your timetable, give me your doubt, give me your prognostication and watch what I do."

Rodgers explained he isn't going to curb his expectations or place limits on his recovery ... so when asked whether he could be back in time for the playoffs, he left the door wide open.

"I think as Kevin Garnett said, 'Anything's possible.'"

Brett Favre believes Aaron Rodgers will be back on the field next year ... and when he ultimately straps on his helmet and shoulder pads again -- the Packers legend tells TMZ Sports the QB will be "as good, if not better, than ever."

Of course, Favre says there's at least some chance Rodgers calls it a career after he snapped his Achilles during his Jets debut on Monday night ... but as a guy who's spent years around the signal-caller, Favre just doesn't see a way this is the end for Rodgers.

"I personally think that he will come back," Favre said. "I don't see him going out like this."

And, if and when he returns to the Big Apple, Favre has no doubts Rodgers will find success again.

In fact, Brett says he plans on reaching out to his former teammate soon to make sure the future Hall of Famer gets that message.

"It seemed to me from the outside looking in they had a good thing going there," Favre said of Rodgers' time in New York. "Just the vibe I was getting. If that's the case -- if he felt that way too, give it a shot. That's what I would tell him."

For Rodgers' part, he certainly seems like a guy that's not ready to quit ... just a day before he had surgery to repair his damaged leg, he wrote in an Instagram post that he "shall rise yet again."

Aaron Rodgers took the first step in his return to football after tearing his Achilles ... he says he had successful surgery, posting an update from his hospital bed!!!

The New York Jets star quarterback shared a positive injury update Thursday on social media, saying he went under the knife Wednesday ... reporting the procedure "went great."

Aaron's thanking Dr. Neal ElAttrache for "starting me on the road to recovery." Aaron and Neal have a history together, and the doc is renowned in the sports world, operating on star athletes in both football and baseball.

The good news for Jets fans ... Aaron's smiling in his hospital gown, so he seems to be feeling better after initially saying he was "heartbroken" after suffering a season-ending injury just 4 plays into his Jets career.

Sexyy Red's video shoot in Florida turned into a violent scene Thursday ... after an assailant opened fire, killing one person and wounding another.

The rapper was filming the music video with a bunch of extras at Oakland Park Flea Market in the afternoon when somebody pulled a gun nearby and started firing. The suspect then fled.

Two people were struck and one was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Their condition was not known.

Broward County Sheriff's deputies responded and were investigating whether the bloodshed was related to the video shoot.

Videos posted on Instagram show the apparent aftermath of the shooting ... in one clip, you see one victim lying injured on the ground. In the other, people are walking in an orderly fashion through the strip mall.

We've reached out to Sexyy for comment ... so far, no word back.

Antonio Gates says if the Jets are looking for a veteran to replace Aaron Rodgers this season, they shouldn't look much further than Philip Rivers ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks the 41-year-old is "definitely capable" of doing the job.

Gates made the claim out in Beverly Hills this week ... in wake of reports that New York could potentially be looking to add a big-name QB after Rodgers' season ended with an Achilles tear on Monday night.

"Philip is someone that's definitely capable of doing it," said Gates, Rivers' old Chargers teammate. "Just because the mental capacity that he has."

The likelihood of the signing, though, seems slim at the moment ... Jets head coach Robert Saleh said this week his team is rolling with Zach Wilson as its starter -- and any outside help they bring in would be, at least for now, a backup to the 24-year-old.

And, while Gates was certainly confident in Rivers' ability to potentially take over in the Big Apple ... he seemed to believe keeping Wilson as QB1 was the right call.

"I'm sure they got him in position to go out and still try to make plays and help them win football games," Gates said.

"All I can say is it’s been quite a party!"

That's bull riding champion J.B. Mauney ... who is retiring at the age of 36 after breaking his neck in a scary accident during a recent competition.

The accident happened over the weekend at the PRCA ProRodeo event in Lewiston, Idaho ...  and it was bad. J.B. was tossed from a bucking bull, and he landed right on his head/neck.

"I underwent surgery [at St. Joseph Regional Medical] on my neck which required a rod/plates/screws and the removal of a disc. Surgery went great," Mauney revealed on social media.

The 2x World Champion continued ... "Unfortunately with the surgery it ended my bullriding career, just wanted to let everyone know that I’m ok and now on the road to recovery!

J.B. also thanked the medical professionals who helped care for him.

As word spread that Mauney was hanging up his boots, stars from the sport have started reacting, from fellow cowboys to fans and even the Professional Bull Riders (PBR).

"The sport of bull riding will never be the same. Thank you for the countless memories and unforgettable moments!", the PBR said on Instagram.

Parker McCollum, country music star and bull riding fan, commented on Mauney's retirement post, writing a short and sweet message -- "The GOAT!"

Fellow rider Cody Nance also reacted, writing ... "Been great riding all these years with ya champ. You’ve inspired me and many others. I’m blessed for it. Enjoy your retirement and your beautiful family bro. It’s been a pleasure🔥👊🏼🔥"

Former child star Austin Majors' tragic fentanyl overdose occurred while he was in transitional housing ... and officials say there was evidence of drug use found at the scene.

According to the coroner's report, obtained by TMZ, security at the facility where 27-year-old Majors was staying did a bed check around 9:30 PM on February 11, but he didn't answer. When they entered the room they found him unresponsive in his bed.

The report notes Austin was seen getting food hours earlier as he walked around the facility -- which provides temporary shelter for the unhoused.

The report also mentions security found 2 rolled up dollar bills, foil with a white crystal-like powder, pills and a shot glass with white powder residue. Cops collected all the items as part of the death investigation.

TMZ broke the story, the former actor's autopsy results -- released last month -- revealed his death was attributed to an accidental fentanyl overdose.

La trágica sobredosis de fentanilo de la ex estrella infantil Austin Majors se produjo mientras estaba en una vivienda de transición (transitional housing), y las autoridades dicen que se encontraron pruebas de consumo de drogas en la escena.

Según el informe del forense obtenido por TMZ, el equipo de seguridad de la instalación donde Majors, de 27 años de edad, se estaba alojando hizo un chequeo de la cama alrededor de las 9:30 PM del 11 de febrero, pero el actor no respondió. Cuando entraron en la habitación, lo encontraron inconsciente en la cama.

El informe señala que Austin había sido visto horas antes comiendo mientras paseaba por el centro, que ofrece alojamiento temporal a personas sin hogar.

El reporte también menciona que el personal de seguridad encontró dos billetes de dólar enrollados, papel de aluminio con un polvo blanco parecido al cristal, pastillas y un vaso de chupito con restos de polvo blanco. La policía recogió todos estos objetos en el marco de la investigación por su muerte.

TMZ dio la noticia, los resultados de la autopsia del ex actor -publicados el mes pasado- revelaron que su muerte se atribuyó a una sobredosis accidental de fentanilo.

Aaron Rodgers se refirió por primera vez a su desgarro en el tendón de Aquiles, diciendo que está "completamente destrozado" por la lesión. Aunque agregó que no está listo para retirarse por todo esto, al menos, no todavía.

El mariscal de campo utilizó su cuenta de Instagram este miércoles para reflexionar sobre la dolencia que sufrió en la victoria de los Jets sobre los Bills el lunes por la noche, y se emocionó.

Primero dio las gracias a todos los que se acercaron con buenos deseos, y se apuró en decir que tiene toda la intención de volver pronto.

Añadió, sin embargo, que todo ha sido bastante agotador para él.

"Estoy completamente desconsolado y pasando por todas las emociones", dijo el jugador de 39 años, "pero profundamente conmovido y humilde por el apoyo y el amor". 💔"

Mientras el entrenador en jefe de los Jets, Robert Saleh, dijo más temprano que Rodgers aún no se había sometido a una cirugía para arreglar su pierna, este escribió en su publicación de redes sociales que está comenzando "el proceso de curación hoy".

"Por favor, manténganme en sus pensamientos y oraciones", agregó.

En cuanto a sus planes de futuro, Rodgers no parece estar dispuesto a dar por terminada su carrera: "La noche es más oscura antes del amanecer. Y me levantaré de nuevo".

Luego elogió a NY por lograr la victoria sobre Buffalo sin él.

"Orgulloso de mis chicos", escribió. "1-0 🛩️"

Aaron Rodgers is breaking his silence on his Achilles tear ... saying he's "completely heartbroken" over the injury -- though he added he ain't ready to retire over it all ... at least, not yet.

The quarterback took to his Instagram page Wednesday to reflect on the ailment he suffered in the Jets' win over the Bills on Monday night ... and he got emotional.

He thanked everyone who reached out with well wishes ... while saying he fully intends to get back to everyone soon.

He added, though, that it's all been pretty taxing on him.

"I'm completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions," the 39-year-old said, "but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love. 💔"

While Jets head coach Robert Saleh said earlier Wednesday that Rodgers hadn't undergone surgery to fix his leg just yet ... Rodgers wrote in his social media post that he's beginning "the healing process today."

"Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers," he added.

As for his future plans ... Rodgers certainly didn't seem like a guy who's ready to call it a career -- saying, "The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again."

He then praised NY for pulling off the win over Buffalo without him.

"Proud of my guys," he wrote. "1-0 🛩️"

Neil Currey, el fisicoculturista que había concursado en una de las competencias de fitness más prestigiosas del mundo, ha fallecido a los 34 años.

"Una noticia absolutamente impactante y desgarradora: mi antiguo atleta [Neil Currey] ha fallecido hoy 😔 Mi último/mejor recuerdo de él era esta cara sonriente después de que ganara el New York Pro y cumpliera el sueño de toda su vida de clasificar para el Mr. Olympia", anunció el antiguo entrenador de Currey, Milo Sarcev, en las redes sociales.

"No tengo palabras y estoy lleno de dolor y tristeza. Mis más sinceras condolencias a su familia, amigos y seres queridos. Que descanses en paz Neil y que Dios bendiga tu alma. 🙏🏻❤️"

Los detalles que rodean su muerte aún no están claros.

Currey nació y creció en el Reino Unido y siempre tuvo interés por el fitness. Comenzó a competir en 2017, y en 2019 hizo su debut en la IFBB, en la competencia Classic Physique, de acuerdo a Generation Iron, donde terminó séptimo.

A lo largo de los años, Currey compitió contra algunos de los hombres más en forma del mundo, y en todas partes, desde Kuwait hasta Puerto Rico y Nueva York.

Hablando de la Gran Manzana, Neil terminó primero en el Pro de Nueva York en 2022, y selló su billete para la prestigiosa competición Mr. Olympia.

Más tarde ese mismo año, Neil subió al escenario del Mr. Olympia (donde en su momento dominaron figuras de la talla de Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Cutler y Ronnie Coleman), ¡y cumplió el sueño de su vida!

Al final, Currey terminó en la posición número 16ª, pero el simple hecho de llegar haber llegado al Olympia ya significa que estás en la élite.

La pérdida de Currey se produce pocos días después de la muerte de Lisa Lyon, pionera del culturismo femenino profesional.

Neil Currey, a bodybuilder who competed in one of the world's most prestigious fitness competitions, has died at the age of 34.

"Absolutely shocking, heartbreaking news - that my former athlete [Neil Currey] died today 😔 My last/best memory of him was this smiling face after he won New York Pro and fulfilled his lifetime dream of qualifying for the Mr. Olympia," Currey's former coach, Milo Sarcev announced on social media.

"I am lost for words and filled with pain and sadness. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. RIP Neil and God bless your soul. 🙏🏻❤️"

Details surrounding the death are still unclear.

Currey was born and raised in the United Kingdom and always had an interest in fitness. He began competing in 2017. In 2019, he made his IFBB debut in the Classic Physique competition, according to Generation Iron, where he finished 7th.

Over the years, Currey competed against some of the fittest men in the world, across the world ... everywhere from Kuwait to Puerto Rico and New York.

Speaking of the Big Apple, Neil finished first at the New York Pro in 2022, and stamped his ticket to the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition.

Later in the year, Neil walked on the Mr. Olympia stage (where the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman once dominated), and fulfilled his lifelong dream!

Currey ultimately finished 16th ... but simply making the Olympia means you're elite.

The loss of Currey comes just days after the death of Lisa Lyon, a pioneer in pro women's bodybuilding.

Robert Saleh clearly believes he'll have Aaron Rodgers under center next season ... 'cause the Jets head coach said Wednesday he'd be stunned to see the quarterback retire after his Achilles injury.

"I mean," the NY boss said, "I'd be shocked if this is the way he's going to go out."

Rodgers retirement rumors have swirled ever since an MRI on Tuesday revealed he blew out the Achilles tendon in his left leg on Monday Night Football.

After all, the dude's going to be 40 years old in December ... and he had already been pondering hanging up his cleats even prior to suffering the injury.

But, Saleh seems to believe his QB will come back in 2024 nonetheless ... though he explained to reporters he's yet to talk to the signal-caller about it all.

"I haven't gone down that road with him," Saleh said.

The Jets head coach ain't the only one who thinks Rodgers won't be finished despite the serious leg ailment ... Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon told TMZ Sports this week he, too, thinks Rodgers will return.

"I don't think he wants to go out like this," the ex-NFL star said.

For now, however, Saleh said Rodgers is weighing his options for potential surgery. Then, at some point later down the road, the guys will chat about '24.

It's going to be a long road to recovery for Aaron Rodgers, according to physician and YouTube star, Dr. Mike ... who detailed the superstar quarterback's path back to the gridiron after the devastating injury he sustained Monday night.

Achilles tears are always serious, but they get even harder to rehab as an athlete gets older, according to Mike ... and Rodgers will soon celebrate his 40th birthday (December).

"To have it at the age of 39 is really rough because it makes the road to recovery that much more difficult," Dr. Mike told TMZ Sports' Mojo Muhtadi.

Mike says the average recovery time is 10-12 months ... but there are instances where recovery has been much quicker (up to 6 months -- this is very uncommon), as well as longer.

It's not a rare injury ... in fact, Mike says around 1 in 4 athletes sustain an injury to their Achilles, and it's not something that only affects football players.

"We even saw this injury with a late Kobe Bryant when he had this injury and also in his mid-30s. And he came back from it, but he was never quite the same. He didn't have that explosiveness," Mike explained.

Assuming Rodgers wants to continue playing, there's some question about how effective he could be as a player.

"I think it's safe to say his mobility will be limited even if he does come back. But the explosiveness is what suffers because it's hard to regain that strength. Although this day and age, we have some pretty cool technologies to help athletes heal faster and better than we did even 10 years ago."

And, Mike is pumped to see what the most modern medical tech can do for Rodgers.

"I'm excited to see the protocol that Aaron Rodgers goes through on this because I think it's going to be not only exciting as a sports fan but also as a doctor to see how the technology helps someone of his stature come back."

Bottom line -- Rodgers is one of the most talented and determined athletes to ever put on a helmet, and if he's intent on returning, Dr. Mike isn't going to count him out.

The new leader of the NFL Players Association, Lloyd Howell, is demanding teams rip up their turf surfaces and replace them with grass ... believing the switch could prevent injuries similar to the one Aaron Rodgers suffered on Monday night.

Howell -- who took over the executive director position from DeMaurice Smith this offseason -- insisted on the swap out in a stern statement Wednesday morning.

"Moving all stadium fields to high quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make," Howell said.

"The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf."

Howell went on to say he knows the cost could be high for teams to change surfaces ... but noted "there is a bigger cost to everyone in our business if we keep losing our best players to unnecessary injuries."

He added that he thinks the move is possible because several stadiums will make the switch when they host World Cup games or big exhibition soccer games in the near future.

"This is worth the investment and it simply needs to change now," he said.

Howell isn't the only one who's made the call for the switch since Rodgers tore up his Achilles on artificial turf against the Buffalo Bills -- the quarterback's former teammate, David Bakhtiari, said Monday night, "How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??!"