New England Patriots

Bill Belichick is clearing the air on why Cam Newton is no longer a New England Patriot ... saying it had NOTHING to do with the QB's COVID-19 vaccine status.

The longtime Pats head coach addressed the decision to sack the 2015 MVP with reporters on Wednesday ... and while he didn't budge on most of the questions surrounding the roster move, he made sure to squash any indication it was related to Cam being unvaccinated.

"No," Belichick said bluntly ... before claiming vaccinated players have had issues with COVID as well.

"The number of players and coaches and staff members that have been affected by COVID in this training camp who have been vaccinated is a pretty high number. So, I wouldn't lose sight of that."

Belichick adds there are other players on the team who haven't gotten the jab ... and having everyone vaccinated wouldn't guarantee other issues from popping up.

"Your implication that vaccination solves every problem is just not really ... I would say that has not been substantiated based on what's happening in training camp this year. That's all."

Of course, Cam ran into some issues last week after some confusion surrounding daily testing ... and was forced to keep away from the team for 5 days.

Patriots legend Deion Branch says Bill Belichick actually HELPED Cam Newton by cutting him Tuesday ... explaining to TMZ Sports the move will now allow the QB to find a starting job elsewhere.

Branch's logic is simple ... he says if Newton had stayed in New England, he would've warmed the bench all season behind Mac Jones.

Now, however, after releasing the former NFL MVP -- Branch says Belichick allowed the 32-year-old to go try to compete for a QB1 role in another city.

"Let's tip our hats off to coach Belichick and the move that he did make," Branch said ... "freeing Cam and allowing him to go and seek another team."

Branch believes there will be plenty of Newton suitors now that he's on the open market ... with the ex-Pats wideout telling us everyone from the Houston Texans to the Miami Dolphins could be interested in signing the 32-year-old.

"For sure he'll be picked up," Deion says.

Cam Newton is a Patriot no more ... New England has released the veteran QB in a shocking move.

The Pats announced the cut on Tuesday ... paving the way for rookie Mac Jones to be the starter in New England going forward.

Newton hasn't exactly lit it up for the Pats in his time under center -- he threw for just 2,657 yards and 8 TDs along with 10 interceptions in 15 games last season.

And, his preseason work this summer wasn't exactly inspiring either.

Still, Cam inked a 1-year, $5.1 million contract this offseason to play for the Pats ... and all indications were he would begin the season as QB1 in New England.

As for what's next for the Pats now, it's clear Bill Belichick is ready to ride with Jones -- the former Alabama superstar who the team drafted with the #15 overall pick in the spring.

Jones had a very good preseason -- throwing no interceptions and completing 36 of his 52 pass attempts in three games.

It's unclear, meanwhile, if Newton will find much interest from NFL teams now that he's a free agent.

Scott Zolak is issuing an apology for saying Cam Newton is "distracted" by rap music at Patriots practice ... saying on-air he should have never made the "racially insensitive" remarks.

The ex-New England QB issued the mea culpa on the 98.5 The Sports Hub pregame show just before the Patriots played the Giants in their preseason game ... adding that he had spoken with Newton in person over it all.

"I'm sorry for that comment," said Zolak, who played QB for New England from 1992 through 1998. "I didn't need to make that comment."

Of his conversation with Cam, Zolak said, "I got a chance to talk to him, and Cam's nothing but class. Great guy. He handled it perfectly."

If you missed it, while Zolak was reporting from Patriots practice last Thursday ... he said he believed rap music blaring over the speakers was hurting Cam's game.

Zolak then urged his former team to turn the music off.

"I think it's distracting for Cam here," Zolak said. "Because in between every throw he's dancing."

Zolak continued, "He can't help himself."

Newton played sparingly in the Pats' preseason finale Sunday ... completing just 2 of his 5 passes while throwing an interception. He's expected to be the team's starter when the Pats open up regular season play on Sept. 12 against Miami.

Former Patriots QB Scott Zolak says his former team should turn off the rap music at practice ... explaining he believes the tunes are hurting Cam Newton's game.

Seriously.

Zolak -- who played for New England from 1992 through 1998 -- was reporting from Pats practice Thursday ... when he made the wild claim, saying he believes Cam is straight-up "distracted" by rap songs that blare over the team's speakers during workouts.

"I'd turn off the rap music first of all," Zolak said on 98.5 "The Sports Hub." "Because I think it's distracting for Cam here. Because in between every throw he's dancing."

Zolak continued, "He can't help himself."

The 53-year-old former signal-caller then said it's a stark difference when compared to Patriots backup QB Mac Jones, who he said "looks like he came to work again."

"Like, he's here to work. And everything is attention to detail."

"But, again," Zolak added, "that's Cam's style."

Newton has been known to bust a move during Patriots practice ... cameras catch him often bouncing around to hip-hop while on the field.

But, Cam has noted Jones has a similar love for the music ... explaining last month he was "surprised" by Mac's knowledge of rap.

"You catch him in the locker room every time quoting some Future, some Baby," Cam said.

Hard to fathom the tunes are playing any role whatsoever in the Pats' QB competition ... but Zolak clearly believes that's the case.

The New England Patriots logo will be a symbol of much-needed relief for earthquake-ravaged Haiti ... the team's plane is heading to the island with medical supplies and doctors.

The 767 jet was loaded up Saturday morning at Logan International Airport in Boston, and is about to go wheels up ... carrying thousands of items like IV fluid and bags, oxygen masks, surgical supplies, hospital beds, sterilizers and generators. Just as importantly, it's carrying 2 orthopedic surgeons, 3 physicians and a nurse to assist victims in the wake of the 7.2 earthquake and a tropical storm. More than 2,100 have died and millions are injured or without shelter.

Build Health International coordinated the relief items, and team owner Robert Kraft donated the jet to transport the supplies. Additionally, we're told the Kraft family is donating drinking water, surgical masks and PPE that includes N95 masks and face shields.

These missions are becoming just as common for the Patriots as Super Bowl victories. You'll recall, the team jet was used in May to fly COVID vaccines to Central America ... and last year the Kraft family sent it to China to bring back tons of N95 masks to the U.S.

The New England Patriots are helping 30,000 kids of military families prepare for the next school year ... with the team doing a huge giveaway with backpacks stuffed with supplies!!

Of course, coach Bill Belichick would be the first to admit preparation is a key element of winning ... so naturally, the team is making sure kids throughout the area will have all the tools to succeed in the classroom this fall.

Josh Kraft, the president of Kraft Family Philanthropies is pumped to give back to his community.

"With the support of our fans, 30,000 students will be well-equipped for the upcoming school year," he said.

The founder of the Massachusetts Military Support Fund, Don Cox, explained the importance to help children in the area ... especially those in military fams.

"Military children often face moving multiple times and changing schools or having a parent deploy. We are proud to partner with the Patriots, Revolution, Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree Stores to provide military children with the basic tools needed to participate in school."

"It is just one small way to show them they are supported by the community."

New England definitely ain't gonna like these apples ...

Matt Damon -- one of the biggest die-hard Boston-area sports fans EVER -- just admitted he'd root against the Patriots in a Super Bowl!!

The Academy Award-winning actor made the shocking revelation on The Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday ... saying if it came down to Tom Brady's Buccaneers vs. the Pats in this year's Big Game, he's team TB12 all day!!

"Listen," Damon said. "I love that guy."

Damon -- who is from Cambridge, Mass. -- has been a Pats fan since forever ... but it's clear his relationship with Tom outweighs all of that.

"Go Bucs," Damon said on the show.

It's gotta hurt the Patriots ... but, hey, they do get to square off against Tom in the regular season in Foxborough in October.

"LET'S GOOOOOOOOO!!!"

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry was FIRED UP when he found out he and his wife were having a baby boy ... and the video of it all is AWESOME!!

The couple posted the amazing gender reveal footage on Instagram on Tuesday ... showing how they walked into Gillette Stadium hand-in-hand while staring at a jumbotron that read, "He or She?"

Before it was revealed, the 26-year-old Pats star said he thought it was going to be a girl ... but his wife, Parker, thought otherwise.

Turns out ... after a countdown from 3, Parker ended up being right -- and Hunter went CRAZY!!

Henry screamed, threw his hands in the air and even started fist pumpin'!

"No way!" he yelled. "That's dope!!!"

The couple -- who married in 2018 --- says #BabyHenry is due to arrive in December.

You didn't think Robert Kraft was gonna let that thing sit in the garage, did you?!

Check out the New England Patriots owner rolling through The Hamptons with his girlfriend Dana Blumberg in his brand new drop-top Bentley ... his birthday gift from Jay-Z, Meek Mill and Michael Rubin!

Remember, Kraft lost his mind when Rubin presented the ride to him earlier this month -- with Robert wondering how the hell the guys managed to get it!

"How the fudge did you get it?" Kraft said at the time.

Kraft apparently had been eyeing the Bentley -- but despite his immense power and fortune, the billionaire couldn't get it on his own.

But Jay, Meek and Michael -- who founded the REFORM Alliance with Kraft in 2019 -- clearly have some pull in the rare car world and made it happen!

Fast forward a few weeks ... and Kraft was seen driving it around his exclusive neighborhood with a big 'ol smile on his face!

Haven't seen Kraft this happy since he won the Super Bowl ... for the 6th time!

Vince Wilfork's son has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $300k-worth of jewelry from the ex-NFL star ... including his 2 Super Bowl rings.

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... 39-year-old Wilfork reported his valuables stolen in May 2021, claiming his SB rings, AFC championship rings, 2001 Miami Hurricanes national championship ring and other jewelry were missing from his family home in Texas.

The 13-year NFL vet told cops he first noticed the items were missing in May 2020 ... but was unsure if they were in storage or at his home in Florida.

According to records obtained by TMZ Sports, a Patriots fan contacted Wilfork after coming across a listing for his SB rings on a Facebook page ... asking if the items were really legit.

Wilfork then had had his ex-wife reach out to the seller, who claims his business partner bought the four Patriots rings from D'Aundre Holmes-Wilfork, Vince's son, in 2020 for $62,000.

During their investigation, cops claim Holmes-Wilfork also sold 8 items -- 2 necklaces, a bracelet and 5 earrings -- to a jewelry store for $4,600 in March 2020.

FYI, D'Aundre has had legal trouble in the past -- he was kicked off the University of Houston football team in 2016 after being arrested for having 381 grams of codeine in his car.

The man who allegedly purchased the Patriots rings from D'Aundre returned them to police. It's unclear if they have been returned to Wilfork or if they're being held as evidence.

Wilfork told police he believes the alleged stolen items are worth around $400k.

The 23-year-old was arrested on May 22 and charged with theft of property worth over $300,000, a felony. His bond was set at $300,000.

It's not too often you hear Bill Belichick gush about one of his players ... but not all of his players were Adam Vinatieri.

The Patriots head coach raved about the 48-year-old kicker as the G.O.A.T. after he announced his retirement on Wednesday -- and pointed out Vinny's game-winner in the legendary "Tuck Rule" game is the greatest single kick of all time.

"Adam Vinatieri is the greatest kicker of all-time who made the greatest kick of all-time in the 2001 divisional playoffs," Belichick said.

"His consistency, mental toughness and performance under pressure was legendary. I am honored to have coached Adam, going all the way back to his rookie year in 1996 and through some of the most special moments in Patriots and league history."

"Adam is in the rarest echelon of athletes whose career accomplishments may never be matched."

Adam was obviously known for coming through big in clutch moments -- including game-winners in TWO different Super Bowls.

But, the "Tuck Rule" kick was special -- it was Jan. 19, 2002, the Pats were playing the Raiders in heavy snow.

Vinny not only hit a 45-yarder to tie up the game with seconds remaining in the 4th quarter -- but he also hit the 23-yard, game-winner in overtime to seal the victory and send the Pats to Super Bowl XXXVI.

The rest is history ...

Pats owner Robert Kraft also praised Adam in a statement ... saying, "Adam Vinatieri earned the respect of his teammates and Patriots fans everywhere in 1996 when he caught Herschel Walker from behind for a touchdown-saving tackle on a kickoff return."

It's true ... and an AMAZING moment!

"For the next 10 years, that respect and admiration grew with every clutch performance and game-winning kick, especially his iconic 48-yard field goal as time expired in Super Bowl XXXVI."

"For Patriots fans, the feeling of that first Super Bowl championship will never be replicated. As memorable as Adam's Super Bowl performances were, he will always be remembered in New England for the greatest field goal in NFL history – the game-tying 45-yarder in the snow bowl against the Raiders."

Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri -- one of the greatest placekickers EVER -- is finally announcing his retirement ... 25 years after making his NFL debut!

The 48-year-old appeared on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday when he was asked about his football career, considering he hasn't been on a roster since the 2019 season.

"Should we just make it real?" Adam said ... "Should we just say 'Hey, we're done?' We're riding off into the sunset. You want it to be live on your show that Vinny's officially done? Is that what you want?"

Pat -- who played with Adam on the Indianapolis Colts -- replied, "I don't want that but if it's gonna happen, happy it's happening here! I would like that to be known. Don't feel obligated."

Vinny responded, "Put it this way ... today's Wednesday. By Friday, if paperwork goes in, you heard it here first."

Translation -- it's over.

Adam will go down as an NFL legend -- finishing as the league's all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points!

There's more ... he's a 4-time Super Bowl champion and also made more field goals than anyone in NFL history with 599!

But, he'll be most famously remembered for having ICE IN HIS VEINS IN CLUTCH MOMENTS!

Remember, when he hit the game-winning field goal for the New England Patriots with seconds remaining in Super Bowl XXXVI?!

Vinny sealed the victory for the Pats -- which began the famous Tom Brady, Bill Belichick dynasty.

He also hit the game-winner in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

There's a lot more ... we don't have all day.

Adam left the Pats after the 2005 season and went on to play in Indy from 2006 to 2019.

Next stop, Canton!

Congrats!!!

There will be no Rob Gronkowski-like return for Julian Edelman -- not now nor ever -- so says the former Patriots star, who claims he's REALLY retired.

Rumors of a possible reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa at some point in the future have still swirled despite the 32-year-old's retirement announcement last month ... but JE insists he's seriously done.

Edelman -- who still certainly appears to have game left in his body -- broke it all down for Michael Irvin on The Michael Irvin Podcast this week, explaining he simply doesn't want to push his body any further.

“My knee's breaking down," he said. "I’m not going to sit here, you know, I got everything I want. I got three rings. Played in a magical dynasty with an unbelievable franchise, coach, best quarterback of all time, like, yo, I’m not a greedy guy."

Edelman continued, "I'm not going to sit out there and look like some old dude in an old BIKE knee brace and ankle braces -- you know the old guy? I don't want to look like that, man. I can't do that."

Some of Edelman's closest friends clearly are having a hard time believing him ... Gronk told TMZ Sports just a few weeks ago there was a "69% chance" Edelman joins him on the Bucs eventually.

And, even Brady joked about an Edelman reunion in Tampa during the NFL draft weekend last month too.

But, Edelman -- who's taken a gig as an analyst on Inside the NFL since announcing his retirement -- swears that just ain't happenin'.

Gotta hand it to the New England Patriots ... once again using their resources to help combat the global COVID pandemic.

This time, Robert Kraft's team sent the Patriots jet to El Salvador to deliver 500,000 doses of the COVID vaccine.

Photos show the plane at Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport on Tuesday delivering the payload ... great news for a country that's been trying to roll out the vaccine to its 6.4 million citizens.

So far, El Salvador has recorded more than 71,000 cases and 2,100 deaths. The CDC has issued the country a "3" rating, which indicates a high level of COVID, noting "travelers should avoid all nonessential travel" to El Salvador.

Officials in El Salvador have said the country is on track to reach its goal of immunizing the entire population "very soon" ... thanks, in part, to the Patriots.

Back in April 2020 -- and the beginning of the pandemic -- Kraft sent the Patriots team jet to China to bring back more than 1.2 million N95 masks to distribute to people in need in the U.S.

Sure, you can hate the team on the field ... but gotta hand it to the Patriots for making a real impact off of it.

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."