New England Patriots

No bad blood between Robert Kraft and Tom Brady -- in fact, the Patriots owner tells TMZ Sports he can't wait to welcome the QB back to New England!

"Excited to have him," Kraft told us Friday afternoon in Beverly Hills ... "He's a great guy and he did so much for us. I love him."

Of course, Tom will make his highly anticipated return to Boston during Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season -- the first time he'll play in Gillette Stadium as a visitor!

Tickets for the game are already in ultra-high demand -- with some ticket brokers fetching 4-figures for seats in the nosebleed section!

We asked Kraft how he feels about the big matchup -- and he told us, "We should have a fun night! But, I'm excited for Week 1 … and we play Miami."

There's more!!!

We also asked Bob about the Pats QB situation -- they recently selected Mac Jones in the 1st round of the NFL Draft after re-signing former NFL MVP Cam Newton.

So, who'll end up with the starting gig?

"We're excited to have [Mac Jones] but I'm excited to have Cam Newton, too," Kraft said ... adding, "I pay Bill Belichick a lot of money. He can decide that."

The New England Patriots just got some serious bulletin board material for their matchup against the Buccaneers ... and it's coming from none other than Tom Brady!!!

... 's dad.

Brady Sr. -- ID'd as "Tom in California" -- was candid about his son's big return to Foxborough when appearing on a local radio show Thursday ... saying he's already drooling at the thought of his son playing against the Pats in Week 4.

"I saw the schedule come out last night and I started salivating when I saw that we play the Patriots in the 4th game of the season," Brady Sr. said on "Zolak & Bertrand" on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

"We’re coming up here to make our record 4-0 after the 4th game. So, pretty fun time!"

It wasn't all smack talk, however -- Brady Sr. softened up and spoke about how it'll be special to return to Gillette Stadium and enjoy being back at their "second home" to watch their "second favorite team."

"It's a game where we get to root against nobody, we get to root for the Patriots, but our most favorite team are the Buccaneers."

And, that's when Brady Sr. dropped one more jab for good measure.

"We expect to beat the Patriots handily, frankly."

DAYUMMMM, DAD!!! How do you REALLY feel?!?!

It's worth noting -- Brady, Sr. has made it clear he has nothing but love for the Pats and Bill Belichick in the past ... saying it wasn't a "divorce" and more of a "separation."

Of course, the game is already generating a ton of buzz ... with the cheapest tickets selling for more than $1,000!!!

TB12 has also commented on the game ... saying, "It’s like when your high school friends meet your college friends."

A signed Tom Brady card PACKED with diamonds was just pulled out of a wild box break this week ... and it's got everyone wondering -- is this the greatest TB12 card ever!?

The piece came from a 2020 Flawless NFL box ... and it's absolutely insane -- with some experts putting a conservative resale price tag of $250,000 on it!!

The card -- a 1-of-1 -- features an image of Brady, the Super Bowl XXXVIII logo, Brady's signature and inscription ... plus over two dozen REAL diamonds!!

It was all pulled thanks to Bryan from Ultimate Box Breaks ... who purchased the $6,000 Panini America box this week and split it 32 ways between collectors.

Bryan tells TMZ Sports some of his followers/card enthusiasts agreed to buy in for around $160 -- and each one was then assigned 1 of the 32 NFL teams.

The deal was simple ... whatever team the player's card was on -- that collector would get the item.

Turns out, the guy who had the Patriots scored BIG TIME -- 'cause Bryan tells us the dude is just a regular Joe who so happens to be a huge New England and Brady fan!

As for his plans for the card now, Bryan says it's unclear whether the guy will sell it or hold it ... but it is clear the card could be worth a small fortune nonetheless.

Remember, Tom's rare cards ALWAYS resale for big numbers ... in fact, one of his rookie pieces just netted $1.72 MILLION at an auction last month.

It's a wrap for Julian Edelman -- the New England Patriots WR is officially retiring after a stellar 12-year run in the NFL.

... but it begs the question -- does he belong in Canton?!

Edelman was a 7th-round pick out of Kent State in the 2009 NFL Draft -- and went on to become a 3-time Super Bowl champion and the MVP of Super Bowl LIII. Pretty impressive, huh?!

34-year-old Edelman had been dealing with some knee issues lately and underwent surgery for an undisclosed ailment back in October.

Unfortunately for Julian, the latest injury proved too much to overcome -- and he decided to hang up his cleats.

Edelman finishes his career with 620 catches for 6,822 receiving yards and 36 TDs -- a pretty solid stat line for any NFL player.

Worth noting ... most WRs currently in the Hall averaged over 800 career receptions, with more than 10,000 yards receiving and around 100 TDs each.

But, is Edelman's postseason prowess enough to get voters to look past the stats?

In the post-season, he's racked up 118 catches -- 2nd all-time behind Jerry Rice, who caught 151.

He also has 1,442 receiving yards in the post-season -- again, 2nd behind Jerry Rice, who has 2,245.

Edelman's career has been debated for years -- with his former Patriots teammate Deion Branch saying, in 2019, he thinks JE had locked up a HOF spot back then!

"He knows I'm all for it," Branch said at the time ... "Put my brother in. He has earned it."

So, will the voters get behind Julian? Either way, congrats on a solid career.

New England Patriots offensive lineman Justin Herron was heralded as a hero Wednesday ... after cops say he helped stop a sexual assault at a park in Arizona over the weekend.

The story is terrifying ... Herron says he was walking around Kiwanis Park at 11 AM on Saturday in Tempe -- when all of a sudden, he heard screams coming from the middle of a field.

Herron says as he approached the scene ... he saw a man on top of a woman -- and acted quickly.

"I just knew that in that moment I had to go and had to put a stop to it," 25-year-old Herron said.

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman -- who was in Arizona training after wrapping up his rookie season -- says he screamed at the man to get off, before he physically pulled the guy away from the woman.

"Then I told him to sit down," said Herron, who cops say was also joined by another good Samaritan, Murry Rogers, in putting a stop to the alleged crime. "And, he just sat down and waited."

Cops say when they arrived on the scene, they identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kevin Caballero.

The victim, police say, was a 71-year-old who Caballero had pushed to the ground and attempted to sexually assault.

Cops awarded both Herron and Rogers Outstanding Service Awards for their actions ... and Rogers said the alleged victim called the two men "her angels."

Robert Kraft ain't bitter Tom Brady won a Super Bowl while his Patriots sucked this season ... in fact, he's HAPPY for his former QB ... saying TB12 deserved to win it all in 2021.

Of course, both sides took the high road following their breakup ... with Kraft publicly rooting for Brady in SBLV against the Kansas City Chiefs last month.

Now that some time has passed, New England's owner was asked what he REALLY thought of Brady winning ring #7 as his Pats went 7-9 and missed the playoffs ... and Kraft remains adamant there's no bad blood.

"Well, I was really happy for him," Kraft told Sports Illustrated. "He’s a great guy and he gave us 20 wonderful years, and he made the choice to do what he wanted to do."

Kraft admits he "wasn't that happy" to watch his superstar of 20 years walk out the door ... but understands that's what happens in the industry.

Since the Pats basically had ZERO chance of winning the SB in their first season sans TB12, Kraft explains he had to root for the guy.

"... If we’re not going to win, and someone’s got to do it, I’m happy for him. He deserves it."

"I’m not normally that polite," he joked.

The Pats have been busy in free agency in hopes of returning to the playoffs -- they're shelling out $130 MILLION in guaranteed money to 8 new signings -- and Kraft makes it clear last season's struggles can't happen again.

"We gotta win," he added. "And I think we’re in a better position than we were two weeks ago to do that. But we’ll let things play out."

Rob Gronkowski is finally opening up about what it was like when he found his Patriots teammate Aaron Hernandez was a suspect in a murder case ... and it's clear Gronk is still shaken up about it.

FYI, Gronk and Aaron were both selected by the Patriots in the 2010 NFL Draft and spent countless hours together in meetings and workouts because they both play the same position, tight end.

Of course, Aaron's NFL career came to a screeching halt in 2013 when he was arrested for the murder of Odin Lloyd. He was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

"I was definitely shook when I heard that," Gronk said during the "10 Questions with Kyle Brandt" podcast.

"Because, being his teammate and everything -- you really don't see that. You're not really looking into players like that ... that's who they are, or that's what they're doing."

Gronk says Hernandez was a "great football player" -- but notes in the greater scheme of things "that does not mean anything."

Hernandez was also charged in the 2012 double murder of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado -- but he was ultimately acquitted in 2017.

Cam Newton's time in New England ain't over yet ... the QB is finalizing a deal to return to the Patriots -- and the new contract could reportedly be worth nearly $14 MIL for 1 year!!

The surprising re-signing is expected to come later this month, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter ... with the dollar amount a staggering figure considering Cam's up-and-down 2020 season.

Newton joined the Pats last summer on a 1-year contract -- his base salary was just $1 million with millions in incentives, but unclear how much he ultimately pocketed from the deal.

And, despite a good opening stretch of games, the 31-year-old finished the season with just 8 TD passes and 10 interceptions.

The year was so rocky for Newton -- who battled a mid-season bout with COVID and ultimately went 7-8 as the team's starter -- most thought the Patriots would move on this offseason.

Clearly, though, the Pats saw enough from Cam to want him back ... and the big money suggests he'll be their starter in 2021.

Of course, the news has to be music to Newton's ears ... the former MVP has spoken VERY highly of his time in New England.

In fact, Cam recently called Bill Belichick "misunderstood" and "dope as s***" on a recent edition of the "I AM ATHLETE" podcast.

By the way, if you're wondering what kind of shape Cam is in this offseason ... it's pretty good -- check out the dude's moves at a roller rink in Atlanta last month.

NFL star Malcolm Butler -- the hero of Super Bowl XLIX -- says he's not ready to call it a career after being released by the Tennessee Titans.

The 31-year-old cornerback had signed with the Titans in 2018 following a weird, mysterious breakup with the New England Patriots. Butler ultimately inked a 5-year, $61 million contract with $30 mil in guaranteed money.

But, on Tuesday, the Titans informed Butler they would be moving on without him ... and Malcolm handled the move with class, thanking the organization and making it clear he intends to continue his NFL career elsewhere.

"I want to thank the Tennessee Titans, Ms. Adams, John Robinson, Coach Vrabel & the Coaching staff for giving me an opportunity after I left the New England Patriots in free agency in 2018."

"I also want to thank the Tennessee Titan fans who supported me from the beginning, and through my return from my injury last year to have my best season as a Titan this year."

As Butler points out, he led the Titans in interceptions and pass break-ups in 2020.

"I still feel I have a lot of gas left in the tank, and look forward to helping another team make it to the Super Bowl," Butler added.

"After going to 3 Super Bowls in my first 4 years in the league I know what it's like to play at a high level and help a team win it all."

"I will continue to give 100% on and off the field wherever I play next year."

Butler became an overnight celebrity when he intercepted Russell Wilson in the final seconds of Super Bowl 49 back in 2015 ... sealing the victory for the Patriots.

Tom Brady was named MVP of the game -- but everyone knows that specific play was the difference-maker.

Butler's relationship with the Pats seemed to sour at the end of the 2017 season when Bill Belichick chose to bench Malcolm for Super Bowl LII in January 2018 for unspecified issues.

Jewish NFL star Julian Edelman says the anti-Semitic slur uttered by Meyers Leonard is the result of "casual ignorance" ... and he's offering to educate the NBA player on Jewish history so he doesn't make the same mistake twice.

Edelman says he's never met Leonard before -- but he's clearly caught up on the scandal surrounding the Miami Heat player, who used the anti-Semitic K-word to attack an opponent during a video game live stream this week.

Leonard later issued an apology -- claiming he was not aware of the hateful history of the word and vowed to educate himself about it.

"I'm sure you've been getting lots of criticism for what you said," Edelman said in an open letter to Leonard ... "Not trying to add to that, I just want to offer some perspective."

"I get the sense that you didn't use that word out of hate, more out of ignorance. Most likely, you weren't trying to hurt anyone or even profile Jews in your comment. That's what makes it so destructive."

Edelman continued, "When someone intends to be hateful, it's usually met with great resistance. Casual ignorance is harder to combat and has greater reach, especially when you command great influence."

"Hate is like a virus. Even accidentally, it can rapidly spread."

Edelman ended his letter with an offer to Leonard -- "I'm down in Miami fairly often. Let's do a Shabbat dinner with some friends I'll show you a fun time."

The sports card market is still ON FIRE -- and the proof is this Tom Brady signed rookie card which just sold for $1.32 MILLION!!

The card is a hand-signed 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket card -- one of only 100 ever produced.

The card was graded by the folks at PSA -- one of the top authentication and grading companies in the industry -- and received an "8" on card quality and a perfect "10" on signature quality.

The card was put up for sale at PWCC Marketplace and ultimately snatched up earlier this month by James Park -- the super wealthy CEO of FitBit, who also happens to be a hardcore sports card collector.

In fact, Park issued a statement on the purchase -- saying, "Given Brady’s uncontested status as GOAT in football, this card is an important piece of sports history and of any collection and I’m incredibly excited to now own 1 of only 100 of Brady’s best rookie card."

He added, "I lived in Boston for 10 years and so am a huge fan of Brady. The last Super Bowl win was just a mind-blowing accomplishment. I’ve also had a love of collecting cards since I was a kid."

There are reports the item is the highest selling football card of all time -- however, Darren Rovell reports the same Tom Brady card with a better grade, 8.5, sold in a private transaction for $1.7 million just last month.

Super Bowl champion this month ... dominant pro lacrosse player next year?!

Rob Gronkowski could do exactly that ... so says his former Patriots teammate Chris Hogan, who tells TMZ Sports the future Hall of Fame tight end could be lethal in lax!!

"I mean, Gronk would be a force to be reckoned with, man," Hogan says. "I don't know how you would be able to take the ball away from him. He's such a physically gifted person and athlete."

As for how Hogan would know ... if you ain't familiar, he's a damn good lacrosse player himself.

In fact, 33-year-old Hogan -- who was a 1st-team all-conference star at Penn State before transferring to Monmouth for football -- just signed on to play in the Premier Lacrosse League in 2021.

And, he says with some training, Gronk might be able to join him there in a short time.

"I think if he were to pick up a stick and put a little training into it," Hogan said of Gronk, "I think he'd be a great lacrosse player."

As for Chris' future in the sport ... Hogan seems fired up to get his pro lacrosse career off the ground -- telling us, ideally, the stint in the PLL would cap off his sports career.

"I think always in the back of my mind when I was playing football," Hogan says, "it seemed like this would be a cool way to kind of tie off the end of my career."

Hogan -- who played just 5 games for the Jets in 2020 and is now a free agent -- says he's not officially slamming the door on the NFL ... he tells us the lax opportunity is just too good to pass up for now.

"Where I'm at in my career and just how kinda things evolved over the last year, it kind of seemed like this would be a pretty unique opportunity to go back to lacrosse."

Cam Newton's NFL days are NOT numbered ... so says his former teammate Trai Turner, who tells TMZ Sports he believes the quarterback "has more left in the tank."

Newton is coming off his worst season as a pro -- throwing just eight touchdown passes to 10 interceptions -- and it's got some wondering, is retirement the next move for the former NFL MVP?

Turner -- who blocked for Cam from 2014 through 2019 in Carolina -- says hell no ... telling us people shouldn't rush to judge Newton's future based off his 1 year in New England.

"First year on a new team and it's just different man," Turner says. "Different people around you. Different city, new place and all that. But, I don't think that was the last showing that Cam would have wanted."

"Me just knowing him and knowing what he can do and just being able to see him play, I know that he has more left in in the tank to give."

Newton is slated to be a free agent this offseason ... and he's already promised to come back to the league next season a better player.

Did you know ... ex-football star Doug Flutie has his very own BATMOBILE!?!

It's true -- and the guy was cruisin' it out in Tampa Bay this morning, where he DEFINITELY got noticed by a bunch of people in town for the Super Bowl.

The whip is incredible ... a replica of the classic Batmobile from the 1960s TV show -- designed by legendary car guy George Barris.

Back in the day, Barris created the car from a modified 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura -- and when Adam West got behind the driver's seat, it instantly became one of the most famous rides in the world.

Seems 58-year-old Flutie is a big fan of the Caped Crusader -- he's had the car since 2019 ... and keeps it in a special "Batcave" at his Florida home where he also has a Batman arcade game and Batman pinball machine!!

The car also features a special red Batphone next to the driver's seat -- along with special racing seatbelts in the driver and passenger seats!

By the way, we're told Flutie was super nice when spotted at a gas station on Saturday morning -- taking pics with fans and chatting about the big game.

Notice he's wearing a Tampa Bay Bucs hat .... no surprise he's supporting his old pal Tom Brady considering they played together on the Patriots back in 2005.

Bygones are apparently bygones now in both Tampa Bay AND New England ... 'cause just days after Tom Brady praised the Patriots, Robert Kraft said he's rooting like hell for the QB in the Super Bowl!

Kraft, in an interview that's slated to air in its entirety Sunday on WBZ-TV, said he's holding no hard feelings about the way Tom left the Pats ... and, in fact, he's now hoping TB12 gets ring #7 on Sunday.

"I’m rooting for Tom Brady,” the 79-year-old Patriots owner said. “I’m so excited. We’ve had some great communications and he is such a special human being."

"We were privileged to have him here for two decades, and he’s one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met."

Things weren't always the rosiest between the two parties ... you'll recall, after Tom and the Pats split this offseason -- it all appeared to be pretty awkward.

But, time has clearly healed any and all wounds ... Brady reflected fondly of his tenure with the Pats earlier this week, saying he still has "a lot of love for Boston and all of New England."

The feeling's clearly mutual on Kraft's end ... 'cause Tom's former boss added, "[Tom] knows how to lead, and I wish him well and I really hope he wins Sunday.”

Of course, Tom's former teammates are in the same boat as Kraft ... we spoke with Pats captain Lawrence Guy this week, and he told us he and the rest of Brady's former squadmates are all backing the QB against the Chiefs as well.

Think the Patriots are just gonna turn on Tom Brady 'cause he led another team to the Super Bowl?!

HELL NO -- so says New England captain Lawrence Guy, who tells TMZ Sports ... Tom's former team is still rooting like hell for the QB against the Chiefs this weekend!!!

"Of course I'm rooting for Tom," said Guy, who played with the future Hall of Fame quarterback from 2017 through 2019 ... "Everybody I've talked to, that's pretty much it."

Tom didn't exactly have the most beautiful breakup with New England ... and much has been written about how this Bucs season has proved Bill Belichick and the Pats should have done more to keep him.

But, Guy tells us NONE of Tom's teammates hold any hard feelings over the departure ... saying, "Nobody's upset that he had the opportunity."

"When he left, everybody wished him luck," Guy tells us. "It wasn't like, 'Oh, man! You left us!' No, it was like, 'Hey, man. Wish you best of luck.' 'Cause that's the NFL."

For his part, Tom told reporters this week he too has no ill will toward his ex-squad ... explaining, "I have a lot of love for Boston and all of New England. Incredible support over the years. It was an amazing two decades of my life."

By the way, Guy praised the hell out of Brady for his longevity -- and even said the dude's avocado ice cream ain't half bad!!!