New York Jets

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane used the biggest play of his career as the perfect opportunity to drop some incredible news ... revealing he and his wife are expecting their first child together!!

The 27-year-old former Western Michigan star picked off New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson in the final minutes of the Sunday Night Football matchup ... securing the 16-12 win for the Raiders -- marking their second-straight victory under interim head coach Antonio Pierce.

Spillane was interviewed right after the final whistle ... and the guy turned the spotlight to his wife, Shelby, who was cheering like crazy for him in the stands.

"My wife is actually pregnant," Spillane told Melissa Stark. "So we get to tell the world tonight that my beautiful wife will have our first baby here in June, so I’m looking forward to it."

Spillane -- who married Shelby this past offseason -- was clearly stoked about the announcement ... perhaps more than his highlight play to win the game!!

It was a whirlwind of emotions for Spillane -- the guy broke his hand just two weeks ago, which required surgery ... but he never missed a single down of gameplay.

When asked about his toughness, Spillane chalked it all up to being a true "football player."

"Football players play football games," he added. "They play hurt, they play injured. I learned that at a very young age. Most people think you have to play hurt but not injured. You have to play injured. You got to play with broken fingers. You got to play with a broken hand. You got to play with a torn MCL."

"It's an honor and a privilege to go out there. So I never want to miss any opportunity to be on the field."

Aaron Rodgers is doubling down on his targeted return to the football field ... revealing he's hoping to make his big comeback from his Achilles injury in mid-December.

The New York Jets quarterback -- who said last week he was eyeing suiting up in "a few fortnights" -- made his intentions crystal clear in a pregame interview with NBC's Melissa Stark, who relayed the news during the Sunday Night Football broadcast.

"He said, 'I know it sounds insane, but you do a good surgery, you have a good patient, it makes this possible,'" Stark told Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth.

Rodgers also stated he was working out on a weight-limited treadmill at 50% of his body weight ... and planned to bump up to 75% this week.

The update lines up exactly with what TMZ Sports reported just a few days ago -- our sources told us Rodgers is recovering at a historic rate ... and he's basically in uncharted territory with how he's improving by the day.

If he does come back before Christmas, it will be much faster than the usual 9+ months it tends to take for an athlete to get to 100% before returning to action.

Rodgers has shown he's busting his ass in rehab -- he's been slinging the pigskin prior to Jets games recently ... and has been walking without assistance or any sort of limp.

Chad Johnson le está aconsejando a Aaron Rodgers que pise los frenos en cuanto a su posible regreso a los Jets esta temporada. Johnson le dijo a TMZ Sports que el mariscal de campo tiene que relajarse antes de que vuelva a lesionarse.

La leyenda de los Bengals no se anduvo con rodeos al discutir el tema con nosotros esta semana, diciendo directamente: "No vuelvas. Te harás daño".

Johnson nunca tuvo que lidiar con un desgarro de Aquiles durante su carrera en la NFL, pero ciertamente vio a otros luchar con la lesión en sus once años en la liga, y ahora le está advirtiendo a Rodgers que no se apresure por volver este año.

"No lo hagas", dijo. "Te vas a volver a lesionar. Es demasiado pronto".

Por supuesto, Rodgers, de 39 años y que se rompió el tendón de Aquiles el 11 de septiembre, parece estar haciendo todo lo posible por rescatar a los Jets (4-4), progresando a tal velocidad que ahora está haciendo dropbacks y lanzando pases durante los calentamientos previos al partido.

Aunque Johnson está claramente impresionado por la recuperación que ha tenido, fue categórico en decir que no cree que sea buena idea volver a la acción de la NFL tan rápido.

"Tienes que entender", dijo Johnson, "hay pocas lesiones con las que no quieres jugar. No quieres jugar con nada que tenga que ver con la ingle, el tendón de Aquiles o las rodillas. De esas no vuelves corriendo".

"No me importa lo que te digan tus médicos".

En cambio, Johnson tiene la esperanza de que Rodgers se tome todo el año libre, se recupere al 100 por ciento y así esté listo para la temporada 2024.

Chad Johnson is advising Aaron Rodgers to pump the brakes on a potential return to the Jets this season ... telling TMZ Sports the star quarterback needs to chill before he reinjures himself.

The Bengals legend didn't mince words when discussing the topic with us this week, saying straight up, "Don't come back. You'll hurt yourself."

Johnson never had to deal with a torn Achilles during his NFL career ... but he certainly saw others go down with the injury in his 11 years in the league, and he's now warning Rodgers to not rush back this year.

"Don't do it," he said. "You're going to reinjure yourself. It's too soon."

Of course, 39-year-old Rodgers -- who tore his Achilles back on September 11 -- appears to be doing all he can to come rescue the 4-4 Jets despite outside concerns ... progressing to the point where he's now taking dropbacks and firing off passes during pregame warmups.

While Johnson is clearly impressed with the recovery so far ... he was adamant that he doesn't believe it's a good idea to return to NFL action so quickly.

"You have to understand," Johnson said, "there are few injuries that you don't want to play with. You don't want to play with anything having to do with your groin, your Achilles, or your knees. You don't rush back from those."

"I don't care what your doctors tell you."

Instead, Johnson is hopeful Rodgers will take the whole year off, get to 100 percent ... and then be ready for the 2024 season.

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.

Jason Oppenheim says NFL players would make great realtors ... and he's already hoping one of the league's biggest superstars will eventually join his team one day!!

"Aaron Rodgers," he told TMZ Sports out in LA on Friday. "Absolutely!"

The "Selling Sunset" star says he's convinced guys playing in Roger Goodell's world would do just fine in his ... explaining their contact list could lead them to some big scores in the housing market.

Oppenheim didn't say why Rodgers was currently his top choice to join The Oppenheim Group ... but he did tell us making it in real estate requires someone to be "smart" and "driven" -- two traits the Jets QB obviously possesses.

Oppenheim's talk with us about the NFL didn't stop there, though ... he also told us he would love to represent some footballers in their future hunts for homes -- hinting that some of his beloved Commanders might ultimately become his clients someday.

It took just seconds for Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan to talk about Taylor Swift during the CMAs on Wednesday ... and, unfortunately for New York fans, the reference led to a hilarious crack about how terrible the Jets have been this year.

The NFL Hall of Famer and the country music star hosted the annual awards show ... and as part of their roles as anchors, the two gave an opener full of jokes.

Of course, that meant there was definitely a mention of Swift and her new relationship with Travis Kelce ... which then turned into a jab at the 4-4 Jets.

"Luke," Manning said into the mic onstage, "you know the difference between Taylor Swift and the New York Jets?"

"Uh, Taylor can sell out a stadium?" Bryan responded ... before Manning cracked, "You nailed it!"

The barb was met with a mix of laughs and groans -- before Manning chuckled, "I had you do that punchline, Luke, so I wouldn't get in trouble."

The duo's opener also included Peyton singing some country music classics ... as well as a quip about Eli Manning getting a face tattoo in honor of Jelly Roll.

12:22 PM PT -- Aaron Rodgers is clarifying his comment about being back to action in "a few weeks" ... saying the whole conversation was just silly banter with a friend.

The quarterback discussed the popular sound bite on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday ... claiming he didn't expect mics to pick up what he was discussing with James -- and he wasn't stating fact.

Rodgers went on to say the previously stated timeline is pretty unrealistic ... and he is more like "a few fortnights" from suiting up again.

FYI -- a fortnight is 14 days ... so, see you in six weeks, Aaron??

Aaron Rodgers is telling people they won't have to wait long to see him get back on the field -- the New York Jets quarterback was caught on a hot mic saying he's only "a few weeks" from returning from his Achilles injury.

AR8 met up with Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James on the 50-yard line following his team's 27-6 loss during Monday Night Football ... and when the two embraced, the All-Pro safety asked what everyone wants to know -- "When you coming back, man??"

Rodgers' response will have Jets fans salivating.

"Give me a few weeks," he answered.

Of course, the four-time MVP has been showing strong signs of improvement over the past few weeks -- he has been walking without crutches and throwing the football before games ... claiming he's well ahead of schedule with rehab since suffering the injury on September 11.

Worth noting -- it's entirely possible Rodgers might not have been too serious with his answer ... as he could have been playing it up for the cameras or wanting to keep the real timeline a secret.

Rodgers has made it clear he wants to return this season -- but the quickest Achilles recovery in NFL history belongs to Cam Akers, who returned after 5 1/2 months. If Rodgers takes the same amount of time, it'll be right around the Super Bowl.

Aaron Rodgers le está diciendo a la gente que no tendrá que esperar mucho tiempo para verlo jugar nuevamente. El mariscal de campo de los Jets de Nueva York fue capturado diciendo que está a solo "unas semanas" de regresar de su lesión de Aquiles.

AR8 se encontró con la estrella de Los Ángeles Chargers, Derwin James, después de la derrota de su equipo 27-6 durante el Monday Night Football, y cuando los dos se abrazaron, el jugador le preguntó a Rodgers lo que todo el mundo quiere saber, "¿cuándo vuelves, hombre?".

La respuesta de Rodgers tendrá a los fans de los Jets salivando.

"Dame unas semanas", respondió.

Por supuesto, el cuatro veces MVP (most valuable player) ha estado mostrando fuertes señales de mejoría en las últimas semanas. Ha estado caminando sin muletas y lanzando el balón antes de los partidos, afirmando que está muy por delante de lo previsto en su rehabilitación desde que sufrió la lesión el 11 de septiembre.

Vale la pena señalar que es totalmente posible que Rodgers no se haya tomado totalmente en serio su respuesta, podría haber estado jugando con las cámaras o queriendo mantener la línea de tiempo real de su recuperación en secreto.

3:20 PM PT -- Rodgers wasn't just walking tall before the game ... he was also back on the field slinging the football around -- which is another great sign for Jets fans.

The quarterback dropped back a few times and let some passes fly ... putting weight on his left leg as he followed through.

It's definitely trending in the right direction for Rodgers!!

Aaron Rodgers is recovering from his torn Achilles at a mind-blowing speed -- the New York Jets QB was spotted walking completely normal ahead of his team's Monday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers ... just 56 days after going down with the injury.

AR8 was in great spirits as he made his way through the MetLife Stadium tunnels just minutes ago ... showing no signs of limping or needing to use a cart, as he did for previous games.

Of course, the four-time MVP ruptured his leg tendon just four plays into his first season with the Jets on September 11. Many assumed his season was over, but the 39-year-old vowed to get back on the field ASAP -- even revealing he was going to try to play again during the 2023-24 campaign.

It sounded crazy at the time, but Rodgers might really be onto something -- he also spent some time throwing the pigskin on the field before the Jets game last month.

It's not the first time we've seen Aaron walking without crutches -- he was able to move around slowly just three weeks after the ailment ... but now, it looks like he's walking perfectly.

Rodgers said last week he's crushing rehab and ahead of schedule ... but still has a "long way to go."

So far, so good!!

The Swifties are showing they're big fans of Taylor's new man ... 'cause one of them hunted Travis Kelce down at the Jets game on Sunday to hand-deliver him a friendship bracelet.

The Swift supporter, Krissy, explained how she got it all done in a series of TikToks over the weekend ... saying she created the bracelet and one other for the wife of Kelce's brother, Jason, just prior to NY's game against the Eagles on Sunday morning.

She said when she got into MetLife Stadium, she and a friend went searching for Kelce ... and when she found him, she did her best to sweet talk security guards so she could get near him and hand off the goods.

Eventually, she was able to get it to Kelce ... and he obviously loved it.

As for what was written on the jewelry, it said "On The Map" -- a reference to fans who have jokingly said Swift made Kelce famous.

Kelce and Swift have been dating for a few weeks ... though they've just recently gone public with their relationship -- putting on several displays of PDA while out in New York over the weekend.

Aaron Rodgers gave Jets fans further hope that he can make a comeback this season ... looking good while throwing passes before New York's game Sunday.

The 39-year-old, who tore his Achilles during a game five weeks ago, was seen warming up with some teammates prior to the Jets vs. Eagles matchup ... and he didn't seem impaired at all.

He tossed the pigskin around ... and bounced a bit on both feet, before he headed off the turf.

It's the second time in the last few days that Rodgers has shown progress since doctors surgically repaired his leg ... earlier this month, he was seen walking around in the Jets' locker room without any use of crutches.

He, of course, has made it a goal to return at some point to the Jets this year ... this despite most people with similar injuries requiring around 12 months to get healthy.

He told Pat McAfee just days after he was hurt in September that he was going to do all he could to get back under center ... and he was hopeful his doubters would help him return.

2:47 PM PT -- Turns out, Travis decided to crash his brother's game after all ... but he showed up late, and by himself ... sans Taylor hanging on his arm. The Chiefs tight end showed up in the stands Sunday around the 2nd quarter of the game -- rocking a green tracksuit and shades.

He looked relaxed, and it also appears his presence stayed pretty low-key... until pics of him started to float around on social media, that is. Like we said, Taylor ain't there -- so this won't be nearly as big a deal as it would be if she showed up. Today, it's all about brothers.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce faked everybody out -- despite making a splashy NYC appearance this weekend ... they're nowhere to be found for a key football game.

There was a lot of speculation that the couple would show up in person Sunday to watch the Jets-Eagles game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ... y'know, to root for Travis's brother, Jason Kelce, seeing how he's a starter ... plus, Taylor herself is a known Philly fan.

Seeing how they both hit the town the night prior -- with a romantic dinner at Nobu, not to mention a major appearance on 'SNL' not long after -- everything seemed to be lining up for them to be hanging in a private suite come kickoff ... but that never actually happened.

Once the Jets-Eagles game started, there was no mention of Taylor or Travis by the announcers ... nor was there any cut-away shot to them from the camera crew.

There have also been zero credible reports from NFL journos (or otherwise) of them being in the building, and it goes without saying ... not one photo of them at the stadium has surfaced on social media either. What that means in layman's terms ... they ain't there, folks!

It's quite surprising -- but for those who've been paying attention, perhaps not. Fact is, while the NFL almost certainly loves a Taylor appearance (it's a ratings boom) the backlash to all the focus on her during games has been immense ... and football fans are getting cranky.

In fact, this exact issue was lampooned on 'Saturday Night Live' just yesterday -- so, it's possible Tayvis are well aware of this perception ... and pulled an audible in the 11th hour.

They might be skipping the game, but ya gotta figure they'll get together with Jason and others in their inner circle afterward. But for the time being, they're letting JK have the spotlight on his own with his team. Basically, granting NFL purists their aggravated wish.

Sorry, Swifties ... better luck next week.

2:47 PM PT -- Resulta que Travis decidió colarse en el juego de su hermano después de todo, pero se presentó tarde y solo. Nada de Taylor por ninguna parte. El tight end de los Chiefs apareció en las gradas el domingo alrededor del 2º cuarto del partido con un chándal verde y gafas de sol.

Parecía relajado y bastante discreto hasta que sus fotos comenzaron a flotar en redes sociale. Como hemos dicho, Taylor no estába allí. Hoy, todo se trata de los hermanos.

Taylor Swift y Travis Kelce han engañado a todo el mundo. A pesar de hacer una aparición en NYC este fin de semana, no se encontraron en el partido de fútbol.

Hubo mucha especulación de que la pareja se mostraría en persona el domingo para ver el partido Jets/Eagles en el MetLife Stadium de Nueva Jersey, ya sabes, porque juega el hermano de Travis (Jason Kelce) además, la propia Taylor es una conocida fan de Filadelfia.

Luego de ver cómo ambos salieron de fiesta la noche anterior, con una cena romántica en Nobu, por no hablar de una importante aparición en "SNL" poco después. Todo parecía estar alineado para que estuvieran en primera fila viendo el saque inicial, pero la verdad es que eso nunca pasó

Una vez que el partido comenzó, no hubo mención a Taylor o Travis por los locutores. Tampoco hubo ningúna toma de ellos desde el equipo de cámara.

También ha habido cero informes creíbles de los periodistas de la NFL (o de otro tipo) de ellos en el edificio, y no hace falta decir que no ha aparecido ninguna foto de ellos en el estadio en redes sociales. Lo que significa en términos sencillos... ¡que no están allí!

Todo parece bastante inusual, pero para aquellos que han estado prestando atención a la relación, la verdad no es tan raro. El hecho es que, aunque a la NFL le encanta la aparición de Taylor (es un boom de audiencia), la reacción a toda la atención sobre ella durante los partidos ha sido inmensa, y los aficionados al fútbol se están poniendo de mal humor.

De hecho, este mismo tema fue ridiculizado en "Saturday Night Live" ayer mismo, por lo que es posible que la pareja sea consciente de esta percepción y haya hecho un cambio a última hora.

Puede que se salten el partido, pero podemos imaginar que se reunirán con Jason y otros en su círculo íntimo después. Por el momento, están dejando que JK tenga el centro de atención por su cuenta con su equipo. Básicamente, concediéndole a los puristas de la NFL su deseo.

Lo sentimos Swifties, mejor suerte la próxima semana.

Here's a sight Jets fans are going to love ... Aaron Rodgers walking without crutches -- just three weeks after tearing his Achilles!!!

New York's "All-Access" team captured the images back on Oct. 1 ... when Rodgers was visiting his squad at MetLife Stadium as it prepared to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

The superstar quarterback -- wearing jeans, a T-shirt and athletic shoes -- strolled into the locker room without the aid of crutches ... and when one team official urged him to be careful on his surgically repaired leg, he told the guy to "chill out."

"Let me just do my thing, OK!?" the four-time MVP said while moving with a limp. "Just show 'em I can walk."

Rodgers then posted up near his locker -- joking with others in the area -- before he showed once again he could saunter around without crutches.

It's all a great scene for Gang Green ... as Rodgers has said he's actually hoping to make his return to the gridiron this season.

Of course, it takes most about a year to get officially healthy from Achilles tears ... but the QB told Pat McAfee days after he first injured the leg that he was hoping his doubters would fuel him into a quicker recovery time.

"Give me the timetables," he said to McAfee. "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."

Aaron Rodgers wants to settle his back-and-forth with "Mr. Pfizer" once and for all ... proposing a star-studded Covid-19 debate with Travis Kelce -- and he wants Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Dr. Fauci to get involved!!

As we previously reported, AR8 and the Kansas City Chiefs superstar have been sending playful jabs toward each other over the past week ... ever since the New York Jets coined his new nickname for Kelce on "The Pat McAfee Show."

Rodgers returned for his weekly appearance with McAfee on Tuesday ... and he responded to Kelce claiming the two were in a "vax war."

"This ain't a war, homie," Rodgers told McAfee minutes ago. "This is just conversation. But if you want to have some sort of duel, debate, have me on the podcast, come on the show. Let's have a conversation."

The four-time MVP added he wants both sides to pick some backup help for the potential hash-out sesh ... revealing he wants RFK Jr. in his corner, and Kelce can choose Fauci or "some other pharmacrat" as his support.

Of course, a potential debate would surely be popcorn-worthy -- Rodgers and RFK Jr. have been outspoken against the Covid-19 vax, and Kelce and Fauci are strong proponents of getting the jab.