LA Chargers

The Chargers are in last place and virtually everyone believes it's a foregone conclusion head coach Brandon Staley will lose his job ... and that'd be a mistake, according to Antonio Gates, one of the greatest players in franchise history.

TMZ Sports ran into the 8x Pro Bowler earlier this week in L.A., who spent all of his 16 seasons as a pro with the Bolts, and asked him whether it was time Staley got the ol' heave-ho after another disappointing season in SoCal.

"Ya know, I don't personally think [the coach should be fired]," AG told us.

The Hall of Fame candidate explained his reasoning ... "Just because of the relationship he has with the players. I'm big on, 'Can you get the guys to play for you?' I feel like Staley has a rapport with the players, and I believe in that particularly because I've been in that locker room."

Staley's been the HC since the 2021 season ... and while the squad is chock full of talent, including star QB Justin Herbert, the team has struggled to find any postseason success. Last season the 10-win Chargers lost to the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round, and this year has been a disaster.

Things have been so bad for the 4-7 squad, there's near-constant talk about who could replace Staley after his all-but-guaranteed demise ... and Bill Belichick is often at the top of the list.

Things aren't exactly going smoothly for the 6x Super Bowl-winning head coach (8 total) on the other coast, either. Bill and owner Robert Kraft have reportedly had tension, and it's not crazy to think Belichick walks away or even gets fired after the 2023 season.

We asked Gates if he believed Belichick would be a good fit in Los Angeles.

"I think Belichick is a proven, historical winner. Why wouldn't he be good for any team? I don't know how the old-school coaching would transition now. I come from that old-school mentality, but I don't know if these guys can commit to that style of play. I'm not sure. I don't know.

"But we do know what we know is that he's a proven winner. I just don't know if his style of play is still considered valuable in the National Football League."

The Chargers have 6 games remaining … including a matchup with the Pats this Sunday.

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.

Los Angeles Chargers superfan Merrianne Do is turning her viral Monday Night Football appearance into a keepsake -- she's getting her very own bobblehead!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Do has teamed up with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to release limited-edition mementos -- depicting the wide range of emotions she showed while watching the Bolts take on the Dallas Cowboys last month.

Fans who want to snag one of the 2,023 bobbles can choose from nervous, sad, happy, angry, and angry with red eyes versions for $30 each ... or get the whole set for $125.

The Bobblehead H.O.F. threw together an artist rendering of what the finished product will look like ... showing an 8-inch, mini Do wearing a blue jersey.

"I'm super thrilled and can’t believe my game-day reactions are turning into bobbleheads!" Merrianne said of the business move. "I think many sports fans can relate to one of more of these roller coaster emotions, and the fact that they are being encapsulated into bobbleheads is so fun!"

Of course, Do's popular fandom was the talk of social media for days ... with many questioning whether she was a paid actor.

Do previously told us that couldn't be farther from the truth ... as she simply just loves the hell outta her team.

No, Aaron Rodgers wasn't carrying a bong around with him at the Jets' game despite some heavy online speculation ... recently speaking out to clear the hazy air.

The Jets quarterback set the internet alight when he was filmed on the sidelines accidentally dropping a box, and causing what many thought appeared to be a large glass bong to fall out. Of course, this gave way to heavy speculation online, as Aaron's never been one to shy away from mind-altering substances.

However, during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" Thursday, Aaron said the glass object was actually just an uber-fancy bottle of tequila he had been gifted.

"Shout out to bongs everywhere ... but that was not one of them," he amused in an apparent swipe at those online hoping the potential smoking pipe would propel him into a fresh controversy.

On the subject of online chatter, he also ridiculed the bong conspiracy as "weak" ... joking that if he was on the other end, he'd have guessed dolphin semen was in the beaker.

Travis Kelce knows he's doing the right thing in dating Taylor Swift ... and it's all thanks to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid giving his stamp of approval on the relationship.

Big Red gave a glowing review of the pop superstar following the Chiefs' big win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday ... saying "Taylor can stay around all she wants" as Kelce continues to ball out every time she attends his games.

Travis addressed Reid's comments on his "New Heights" podcast with his brother Jason on Wednesday ... saying the coach's endorsement is a good sign.

"I love Coach Reid, man," Taylor's boo said. "What a guy. Listen, when you’re getting Big Red’s approval and blessings, you know you’re doing something right."

Of course, Jason noted Travis' stats see a huge spike whenever T. Swift comes around ... saying he averages nearly 100 yards a game when she's present, and just 46.5 when she skips.

Kelce laughed it all off ... saying there's no way he couldn't know about Taylor's impact on his game -- considering everyone's talking about it on social media.

Travis Kelce sabe que está haciendo lo correcto al salir con Taylor Swift y todo porque el entrenador en jefe de los Chiefs, Andy Reid, le está dando su aprobación a la relación.

Big Red elogió a la superestrella del pop después de la gran victoria de los Chiefs sobre Los Angeles Chargers el domingo, diciendo que "Taylor puede quedarse todo lo que quiera", mientras Kelce siga jugando así de bien cada vez que ella asiste a sus juegos.

Travis abordó los comentarios de Reid en su podcast "New Heights" con su hermano Jason el miércoles, diciendo que el respaldo del entrenador es una buena señal.

"Me encanta el entrenador Reid", dijo la pareja de Taylor. "Qué tipo. Mira, cuando recibes la aprobación y las bendiciones de Big Red, sabes que estás haciendo algo bien".

Por supuesto, Jason señaló que las estadísticas de Travis se disparan cada vez que Taylor Swift se acerca, diciendo que promedia casi 100 yardas por partido cuando ella está presente y solo 46,5 cuando se pierde un partido.

Kelce se rio de todo, diciendo que no había forma de que no supiera del impacto de Taylor en su juego, teniendo en cuenta que todo el mundo está hablando de ello en las redes.

Taylor Swift's special handshake with new BFF Brittany Mahomes went viral during Sunday's Kansas City Chiefs game ... but social media users were split on how they felt about it.

The pop star showed up in her now usual suite to cheer on her boyfriend and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as his team destroyed the Los Angeles Chargers 31-17 at Arrowhead Stadium in K.C.

Of course, Brittany was right there beside Taylor to support her hubby, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

After Travis and Patrick joined forces to score a second quarter TD, Taylor and Brittany went totally nuts, putting their celebratory handshake on display for the world to see.

Video of the handshake made the rounds on social media -- prompting mixed reactions from the masses.

Some X users thought it was embarrassing, writing, "This is cringe af" or "This is more cringe for me."

Other people accused Taylor and Brittany of practicing the handshake before the game just to garner publicity.

One of them posted, "now this is publicity stunt who practices a handshake she literally just started going to games and chillin with the chiefs lol this wack."

Another X user bluntly stated, "Worst thing ever to happen to the NFL."

On the other hand, many people were loving the handshake and the close friendship that has sprouted between Taylor and Brittany.

Here's a sampling of the positive reactions from X users: "She's (Taylor's) I can't." "I'm so happy Taylor is gaining new friends." "Bestie already has handshake figured out with her new bestie." "Ok, they're besties." "It's peak girlhood I love it so much."

We'll just have to wait and see what the BFFs come up with next week.

El apretón de manos especial de Taylor Swift con su nueva mejor amiga Brittany Mahomes se hizo viral durante el partido del domingo de los Kansas City Chiefs. La gente en redes sociales estuvo dividida al respecto.

La estrella del pop se presentó en su ahora habitual suite para animar a su novio, Travis Kelce, cuyo equipo destruyó a Los Angeles Chargers 31-17 en el Estadio Arrowhead en KC.

Por supuesto, Brittany estaba allí al lado de Taylor para apoyar a su marido, el quarterback de los Chiefs Patrick Mahomes.

Después de que Travis y Patrick unieran fuerzas para anotar en el segundo cuarto, Taylor y Brittany se volvieron totalmente locas, poniendo su apretón de manos de celebración a la vista de todo el mundo.

El video del apretón de manos hizo circuló en redes sociales, provocando reacciones mixtas de las masas.

Algunos usuarios de X pensaron que era vergonzoso, escribiendo: "Esto es más cringe que la mier..." o "Esto sí es cringe".

Otras personas acusaron a Taylor y Brittany de practicar el apretón de manos antes del partido solo para ganar publicidad.

Uno de ellos publicó: "Este apretón de manos es un truco publicitario, ella literalmente acaba de empezar a ir a los juegos y ya se da atribuciones de fan apasionada".

Otro usuario de X afirmó sin rodeos: "Lo peor que le ha pasado a la NFL".

Por otro lado, a mucha gente le encantó el apretón de manos y la estrecha amistad que ha surgido entre Taylor y Brittany.

He aquí una muestra de las reacciones positivas de los usuarios de X: "Ella (Taylor) no puedo". "Estoy tan feliz de que Taylor tenga nuevos amigos". "TayTay ya tiene nuevo apretón de manos con su nueva bestie". "Ok, son mejores amigas." "Son como dos niñas, me encanta".

Tendremos que esperar hasta la próxima semana para ver a las nuevas amigas.

2:36 PM PT -- CBS did, indeed, pan to Taylor during the game ... it just took a little while.

There were shots of her cheering on the Chiefs, not to mention her losing her s*** next to Brittany Mahomes -- with whom she seems to be good pals now. Check out the little celebratory handshake they get into after a big play on the field.

Like a couple school girl BFFs, really. How 'bout that?!?

Taylor Swift might just be Travis Kelce's good luck charm -- especially when his team's playing at home, which they are today ... and which TayTay is on hand for yet again.

The singer is in Arrowhead Stadium right now as the Chiefs play the Chargers, and like she has been these past few weeks ... Taylor's up in a private suite rooting for her man. She hasn't been explicitly shouted out in the CBS broadcast just yet -- but footage of her in the building is already surfacing.

One clip posted by the NFL shows her dancing around with Patrick Mahomes' wife, Brittany, and their baby ... and it looks like Pat's little brother, Jackson, is right behind them there.

Taylor's in Chiefs gear, per usual ... this marks her 3rd time coming to KC to see TK.

Going to Travis's games has become a bit of a tradition for Taylor now ... which just further confirms how serious she and the Chiefs tight end are becoming. She's already gone to a total of 4 of his games this season (this one included) and all signs point to her continuing.

Remember, it all started with TS swinging by back in late September -- which marked her initial appearance ... where she cozied up next to Travis' mom, Donna. Since then she's shown up in NJ for the Chiefs game against the Jets ... bringing along celeb pals.

Taylor skipped the following game in Minnesota -- but made sure to come out in person for last week's matchup against the Broncos ... where she was in Kansas City once more.

Seeing how she's out there again right now ... you could argue she's becoming a bit of a regular. And assuming the relationship goes on for much longer, locals can probably get used to seeing her more and more.

So far, it doesn't appear the announcers have made much mention of Taylor being in attendance today ... which could be reflective of some NFL fans groaning over that lately.

There's still a lot more football to go, though ... so we'll see if they name-drop her.

The Chargers fan who blew up on social media for displaying a roller coaster of emotions during "Monday Night Football" is putting all speculation to rest ... adamantly denying she was a paid actress or AI bot -- she's just that crazy about her team!!

Merrianne Do achieved overnight fame for her animated expressions while supporting Justin Herbert and the Chargers during their 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium ... and many were quick to accuse her of being planted by the team or league for manufactured clout.

TMZ Sports spoke with the internet's newest celebrity ... and she says the truth is, she's your average fanatic who's super passionate about her squad.

"I wish I was being paid," Do tells us. "If [the skeptics] only knew this is how I am every day. My kids are like, 'Mommy this is how you are at my flag football game, why do they think you're getting paid?' I'm like. 'I know, but they don't know me.'"

As it turns out, it's true -- Do and her husband are truly diehard Charger fans -- the two have season tickets in the second row ... and if they aren't sittin' there, they're posted up in the cabana suites.

"We are diehard fans," she says. "It's always been like this. People that know me know that I've been this crazy football fan all my life."

The internet sleuths have been quick to try and poke holes in Do's explanation ... even posting pics of her in Minnesota Vikings gear -- but she has a reason for that, too.

"I grew up in Minnesota before moving to California almost 20 years ago," Do says. "I don't think you have to be a single-team fan. I love my Chargers and I'm not gonna deny my Vikings. At the end of the day, yes, I've been a Vikings fan, I've been through that journey as a Vikings fan and still am, but I'm here in LA for the past 20 years."

Long story short, Do didn't get a cent for her viral moment ... but knowing how internet fame works, that could all change.

"To anybody that thinks this is paid, I am not paid, I'm still eating my ramen noodles."

Cowboys and Chargers players weren't the only ones throwing hands at Monday night's game -- their fans were too ... getting in a wild brawl in a concourse.

Around a dozen people clad in Los Angeles and Dallas jerseys were seen trying to beat the hell out of each other while at SoFi Stadium for the much-anticipated "Monday Night Football" contest.

It's unclear why the fight started ... but check out videos from the scene, both women and men were involved in the skirmish -- throwing punches left and right.

It didn't all seem to be Dallas vs. L.A., either ... as some Chargers supporters appeared to go at it with each other during the fracas as well.

Security ultimately got involved and looked like they mercifully restored order ... though no word if any arrests were made.

Of course, it was hardly the first tilt of the night ... as Cowboys pass rusher Dante Fowler got into it with Chargers star Austin Ekeler before the game, nearly causing an all-out melee on the field.

Lance Bass is not the Swifties' lord and savior -- something he made abundantly clear at Monday night's Chargers game ... in hilarious fashion, no less.

The *NSYNC star was among a handful of stars at SoFi stadium during MNF -- and as the broadcast was going and cutting to different people in the crowd ... they eventually landed on LB, who was sitting in a private suite with his crew.

It looks like he was ready for the close-up ... because he had a sign propped up when they eventually panned to him, and it read "NOT TAYLOR SWIFT." He was smiling and waving -- and everyone seemed to get a kick out of it ... including fellow patrons.

It's just the latest joke someone has cracked at the expense of the NFL ... and Taylor, too, if we're being honest. There's been wall-to-wall coverage of her relationship with Travis Kelce -- which has reached a fever pitch whenever she's shown up to one of his games in person.

Mind you ... she's attended 3 football games so far, and they've all been super high-profile.

There was Taylor's initial appearance in Kansas City, which was totally surreal -- but her 2nd outing in New Jersey (with a bunch of famous pals in tow) might've been just as crazy.

She ended up skipping Travis' third game -- when he and the Chiefs went to Minnesota to play the Vikings -- but she showed face yet again just last Thursday ... when she popped up in K.C. for his game against Russell Wilson and the Broncos.

For all of them, Taylor's been seen cheering and rooting ... and there's been a lot of camera time focused on her -- to the chagrin of a lot of football fans, as we've come to learn.

Lance Bass no es el señor y salvador de los Swifties, algo que dejó muy claro en el partido de los Chargers del lunes por la noche de manera bastante hilarante.

La estrella de *NSYNC fue una entre muchas estrellas que asistieron al estadio SoFi para ver el juego. Durante la emisión la cámara enfoca a diferentes personas de la multitud, hasta que finalmente aterrizó en Lance, que estaba sentado en una suite privada con su equipo.

Parece que estaba listo para el primer plano porque tenía un cartel preparado que decía: "NO TAYLOR SWIFT". Sonreía y saludaba y a todo el mundo pareció divertirle... incluso a otros clientes.

No ha sido la única broma que alguien ha hecho a costa de la NFL y Taylor. Ha habido una gran cobertura de su relación con Travis Kelce, la cual alcanza un pico de fiebre cada vez que aparece en uno de sus juegos en persona.

Ella ha asistido a tres partidos de fútbol hasta el momento y en todos ellos llamó bastante la atención.

Hubo una primera aparición de Taylor en Kansas City que fue totalmente surrealista, pero su segunda aparición en Nueva Jersey (con un montón de amigos famosos en el remolque) podría haber sido igual de loca.

Ella terminó saltándose el tercer partido de Travis, cuando él y los Chiefs fueron a Minnesota para jugar contra los Vikings. Sin embargo, ella apareció de nuevo el jueves pasado para el juego contra Russell Wilson y los Broncos.

En todos esos juegos Taylor ha sido vista animando y alentando y ha habido una gran cantidad de tiempo de cámara para ella. Esto a casuado cierto disgusto de un montón de aficionados al fútbol.

A Las Vegas Raiders fan had a really rough Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles ... his team not only lost to the Chargers -- he was socked in the face by a huge haymaker while attending the game.

The Howie Long supporter was decked after he got into a spat with a Justin Herbert fan during the Raiders vs. Bolts tilt at SoFi Stadium ... and the wild fight was all captured on video.

You can see the fracas appeared to start when the Long supporter got into the face of the man in the powder blue jersey.

Apparently not liking the guy in his grill, the Herbert supporter got up and seemed to headbutt the Long fan ... before uncorking a massive right hand that caught the guy flush in the face.

The blow sent the Raiders fan straight to the ground ... but when he got up, he was hit by another couple punches. Eventually, the Herbert fan pushed the guy down several rows of stairs.

Thankfully, a man in a black Charles Woodson jersey stepped in to break up the fight before things escalated further.

It's unclear if either combatant was kicked out of the game over the melee.

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.