NY Giants

Forget expensive cars and flashy jewelry ... James Bradberry says the first big purchase he's going to make with his new Giants contract is the gift of retirement for his mom!!

"I'mma surprise her with that," the new NY corner tells TMZ Sports. "It's not an actual thing I'd be giving her, but I'll be telling her, 'Hey, you ain't got to go to work anymore if you don't want to.'"

James balled out this past season in Carolina, recording 3 INTs and 12 pass breakups ... and he was rewarded for the effort with a 3-year, $45 MILLION contract from the Giants in free-agency this month.

But, Bradberry says his mom is priority No. 1 when it comes to spending that new cash ... telling us she deserves all of it for the way she raised him and his sister as a single mom in Birmingham, Ala.

"She sacrificed a lot for me and my sister while growing up," Bradberry says. "And just to be able to repay her without having her go to work anymore that'd be good for me because she can now do whatever she wants. Enjoy life."

They don't call him SaQUADS Barkley for nothing ...

Here's New York Giants superstar running back Saquon Barkley proving he still has superhuman strength ... box squatting close to 500 pounds -- FOR REPS!!!

The former No. 2 overall pick posted the vid Wednesday evening ... and it's clear, a coronavirus pandemic ain't stoppin' the 23-year-old from pumping iron.

Check out the barbell as he goes up and down FIVE TIMES ... it freakin' bends!!!!!

As for how much weight the former Penn State stud is actually pushing ... it's unclear exactly, but if each of the big plates is a standard 45-pounder -- it's somewhere in the 400-plus range.

Of course, this is nothing new for the man with the biggest thighs in the NFL ... remember when he cleaned over 400 pounds in college???

While the NFL world goes crazy deciding if Eli Manning belongs in Canton, the retired QB ain't stressin' AT ALL ... so says his famous dad.

We spoke to Archie Manning outside of Prime 112 steakhouse in Miami where he had just dined with his sons, Eli and Peyton.

It's obvious Archie believes his son belongs in the Hall of Fame, but we wanted to know if Archie is bothered by people like Deion Sanders who says he just ain't worthy.

"I don't think it bothers him at all," Archie said ... "He's fine. Very content."

"Eli's just finished up a long career ... [he's] looking forward to doing some things with his family."

Eli has a pretty good resume -- 2 Super Bowl rings and 2 Super Bowl MVPs in his 16-year career. He started 210 consecutive games over 13 seasons, the 3rd longest streak in NFL history.

As for the NY Giants, Archie still has mad love for the G-Men ... praising the organization, the new coach and the QB who took Eli's job.

"[Daniel Jones is] a great young man," Archie raved ... while predicting playoffs for NY in the near future.

Shannon Sharpe ain't so sure Eli Manning is getting into the Hall of Fame ... the Broncos legend tells TMZ Sports the debate over the QB's candidacy will be "contentious."

We got the FS1 star out at LAX just minutes after Eli had his retirement news conference Friday ... and we asked him straight-up, is the Giants legend Hall of Fame worthy?

"I thought I knew what a Hall of Famer was," Sharpe told us. "But, many years ago. I don't know anymore."

The "Undisputed" co-host seems to think Eli will ultimately get a bronze bust someday ... but he makes it clear, it's probably because of the QB's 2 title rings.

"It's going to be hard to keep him out because he has two Super Bowl MVPs," Sharpe said. "He's one of five players to have multiple Super Bowl MVPs."

But, Sharpe points out the fact that the talk is already so polarizing means it could be an uphill climb to Canton for Eli when he's eligible in 5 years regardless.

"The mere fact the guy's retired for an hour and that's a debate lets you know how contentious his selection is going to be."

Tom Brady is congratulating Eli Manning on his 16-year NFL career ... by wishing the N.Y. Giants quarterback NEVER won a Super Bowl!!!

Of course, Manning's 2 rings came at the expense of Brady's Patriots in dramatic fashion -- remember David Tyree?? Mario Manningham?? Yeah. Still hurts for New England fans.

Now that Eli is calling it a career, Brady gave his old foe a congratulatory tweet ... and threw in a friendly jab.

"Congratulations on your retirement, and a great career Eli! Not going to lie though, I wish you hadn’t won any Super Bowls."

Haaaa ... good one, TB12. Although, can you imagine if Manning DIDN'T win those 2 Super Bowls?? Brady would have 8 freakin' rings.

Manning is having a press conference to officially hang it up on Friday ... so that's one less QB Brady has to worry about.

Sterling Shepard says Eli Manning is a no-doubt Hall of Famer ... telling TMZ Sports the New York Giants legend is going to Canton on the FIRST BALLOT!!!

"For sure!" Shepard says.

Of course, Sterling's a bit biased ... the star wide receiver has spent most of his career catching passes from Eli -- but he tells us Manning truly deserves the honor.

"He meant a lot [to New York]," Shepard says. "He meant a lot to me and my career."

Eli just announced his retirement after 16 seasons Wednesday ... and the debate about his Hall of Fame candidacy is already raging strong.

Some feel like his two Super Bowl MVPs punch his ticket regardless of the rest of his resume ... while others feel his up-and-down regular season plays weren't good enough.

It's all over for Eli Manning ... the NY Giants QB just announced his retirement after 16 seasons in the NFL.

Giants co-owner John Mara says, "For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field."

"Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise’s history. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability."

"It meant something to Eli to be the Giants' quarterback, and it meant even more to us. We are beyond grateful for his contributions to our organization and look forward to celebrating his induction into the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future."

There was some talk Eli could be looking to sign with another team and try to play a few more years ... but that seems unlikely now, with Manning set to hold a farewell presser.

The next big question for Eli ... will he end up in Canton?

Besides the 2 Super Bowl victories and MVP awards -- both against Tom Brady's Patriots -- Eli was also a 4-time Pro Bowler and started at QB for 210 games, 13 seasons! He's ranked 7th all-time in career passing TDs with 366.

On the flip side, Manning is 12th all-time for career interceptions with 244.

Victor Cruz is going to bat for his former teammate Odell Beckham -- claiming the assault allegation he's facing is BS and people need to CHILL THE HELL OUT!!!

"At this point, it feels like they're just picking on him 'cause he is who he is," the former NY Giants star told us in NYC. "Just let him live!"

As we previously reported, an arrest warrant has been issued for Beckham after footage surfaced showing him slapping a Superdome security guard in the ass during the LSU national championship locker room celebration.

The guard told cops he was furious at Odell for putting his hands on him -- and fought the urge to punch the NFL player in retaliation.

But, Cruz says he thinks the guard -- and other law enforcement members involved in the case -- are blowing the whole thing out of proportion.

"His alma mater just won the national championship. Let him have some fun!"

Cruz added ... "I think he didn't do nothing wrong ... I think he's good."

He also claims the security guard is "corny" for pursuing legal action in the first place.

Has Eli Manning played his last down EVER for the New York Giants???

It certainly seems that way ... because when we got the team's co-owner, Steve Tisch, leaving Craig's in L.A. on Tuesday, he wouldn't commit to the 39-year-old QB for 2020.

"Everything's up in the air," Tisch said.

Of course, all signs have been pointing toward a Manning-Giants breakup ever since NY took Daniel Jones with the No. 6 overall pick in last year's NFL draft.

But, there at least appeared to be SOME chance Manning could return as Big Blue's backup next season ... although Tisch's responses to our questions didn't exactly paint the brightest picture for that possibility.

If it is the end for Manning in NY ... it was a hell of a run -- he started 234 games for the Giants since 2004 and famously won two Super Bowls.

As for what Giants' life could be like without the QB ... Tisch tells us he's optimistic about the direction Joe Judge has the team headed in, saying, "I totally trust our new head coach."

Sorry everyone, the tale of Eli Manning's secret network of "beer guys" who hooked him up on every road trip is simply BS ... so says Eli's ex-teammate, Rashad Jennings.

Jennings would know ... he was the Giants' starting running back from 2014 to 2016 and says he sat with Eli on the team bus during road trips.

So, when we saw RJ out in NYC this week, we had to ask about the claim made by ex-Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes that Eli "always drank beer on the team bus."

Tynes told ESPN ... Manning would find someone on the road to buy him beer, which he would share with some veterans while they discussed the game on the ride to the airport.

"It was unbelievable," Tynes said ... "He had a guy in every f**king stadium in the league to get him that beer."

But, Jennings says that just didn't happen during his 3-year run with the Giants -- telling TMZ Sports straight-up, "That's not a true story."

"You can't listen to everything that comes out of people's [mouths]," Jennings says ... "Especially when it's by pen."

"Did he have a beer guy at every single [stadium]? I don't know. I can tell that he wasn't on the plane or in the bus after every game because I sat beside him."

Jennings says he wouldn't have a problem with the story -- if it were true -- explaining that he likes the idea of Manning kicking back some brews with the boys. But, Jennings says that just didn't happen.

Jennings even made a joke that he wished Eli handed out gluten-free beer -- because Rashad keeps a strict gluten-free diet.

There is one possible explanation ... Tynes and Jennings never played on the same team. Tynes kicked for the Giants from 2007 to 2012. Is it possible Manning DID have a beer guy but stopped the tradition before 2014???

Pat Shurmur is DONE in New York ... the Giants just announced they fired their coach after 2 dreadful seasons -- and reports say they're gunning for Josh McDaniels to replace him.

Shurmur was just 9-23 since he was hired back in 2018 ... and his team didn't show many signs of life despite a decent roster this season.

"This morning, we made the very difficult decision that it would be in the best interest of the franchise that we relieve Pat of his duties," team president John Mara said in a statement.

"Pat has been a successful and highly-respected NFL coach for 21 years and he is not solely responsible for our record. But we came to the conclusion it is best to have a fresh start with the coaching staff."

As for who could be next to lead the G-Men in 2020 ... reports say the team has already requested an interview with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The 43-year-old has been Tom Brady's right-hand man in New England, but despite being a hot head coaching candidate for years -- he's been reluctant to leave since he failed at his only head coaching gig in Denver back in 2009.

McDaniels -- who was fired from the Broncos after one and a half seasons -- famously accepted the Indianapolis Colts' job in 2018, but backed out of it just days later, opting to stay in New England instead.

New York Giants legend Ottis Anderson belongs in the Hall of Fame ... so says the ex-running back himself, who tells TMZ Sports, "One day they'll figure it out."

"If you check my credentials, I think I earned the right to be considered [a Hall of Famer]," Anderson says.

Ottis sneakily has a solid case for the honor ... the 62-year-old rushed for 10,273 yards and 81 TDs in his 14-year career, and he added 3,062 receiving yards as well.

Plus, the dude IS a two-time Super Bowl champion ... something plenty of Hall of Fame tailbacks can't say themselves right now.

"Put me in," Ottis says ... "One day they'll figure it out and, until then, we'll just keep on enjoying what I accomplished as a 14-year vet."

As for the current Giants, Ottis clearly doesn't love what they're up to these days, saying, "We suck right now" -- but he says he is optimistic about the future.

The Shepard family is gonna have some more presents under their Christmas tree this year ... 'cause the NY Giants star and his model wife, Chanel Iman, have welcomed their new daughter!!!

The beautiful couple shared the news from their hospital bed on Tuesday ... saying "Our Christmas gift came early" ... officially announcing Cassie Clay Shepard to the world.

It's baby #2 for the Shepards ... they welcomed their first daughter, Cali, in August 2018.

29-year-old Chanel and 26-year-old Sterling met at Victor Cruz's 30th birthday party in 2016. They have been inseparable ever since ... and got married in March 2018.

Of course, the Shepards enjoy their free time away from the kids as well ... remember their epic Turks and Caicos couples vacation with Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley and their ladies earlier this year?

Don't stick a fork in Eli Manning just yet -- his friend and ex-teammate, Plaxico Burress, is adamant he'll play again in 2020 ... telling us, "It won't be the last you see of him."

Plax LOVED the way 38-year-old Eli played against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend -- "S**t, I think E-Money held his own!"

And, while most people think Eli will hang it up at the end of the season, the former NY Giants WR says he just ain't convinced Manning's ready to retire.

"I don't think it's the end of the road. That's my main man. That's my homeboy," Plax says ... "It won't be the last you see of him. I'll tell you that."

The big question ... will Eli stay with the Giants, where he's played his entire career or move on to another team in need of a QB.

When Manning DOES decide to retire, Plaxico says there's ZERO DOUBT he'll end up in the Hall of Fame.

"First ballot, no doubt about it," Plax says ... "How is he not? 2 Super Bowls, 2 MVPs ... how many QBs have done it?"

Despite the Giants taking an L on Monday Night Football, Sterling Shepard tells TMZ Sports the game was extra special ... because he got to catch a pass from Eli Manning again!!

The 2-time Super Bowl champ was under center against the Eagles after his replacement, Daniel Jones, went down with an ankle injury last week ... throwing for 203 yards and 2 TDs.

4 of Eli's completions went to Shepard ... and the 26-year-old receiver tells us he didn't know if he'd share the field with his longtime teammate again.

"It was awesome," Sterling says. "I didn't really think I was gonna be able to get another pass from him. He played really good last night. I wish we could've come up with a win for him."

As for whether Eli should finish out the season when Danny Dimes gets back to 100%, Shepard tells us that's up in the air.

BTW -- Shepard was out in NYC buying Christmas gifts for the Harlem Children's Zone, so props to him for that!!

You're looking at the two scumbags who allegedly jacked a Super Bowl XLVI ring from a retired NY Giants linebacker's L.A. home ... and now the player is begging for its return.

The footage belongs to Spencer Paysinger, who was a rookie back in 2011 when the Giants miraculously beat the New England Patriots in one of the best title games ever.

Paysinger says he left a window open to air out his home on March 17 -- when two guys broke into the house and started rummaging through his stuff.

The 31-year-old -- who retired in 2017 -- says the crooks took all sorts of valuables including purses, computers and one REALLY important piece of jewelry ... the Super Bowl ring.

"I took it out recently for an elementary school Career Day and was lazy on returning to its secure location," Paysinger says.

The good news ... Paysinger had a Nest security camera in the home that captured the alleged thieves. You can see them going through the home with a flashlight while wearing gloves to hide fingerprints.

The bad news ... Paysinger says he had accidentally stopped paying to insure the ring just one month before the burglary because he changed credit cards and didn't update his autopay.

Now, Paysinger says he's desperate to get back his ring -- and promises if anyone comes forward with the item, he won't go to police.

"My Super Bowl ring should serve as a cherished family heirloom not an unfortunate event."

"If you’re reading this or if anyone knows the two young men in the video, please be assured there are no consequences tied to this post. This isn’t bait, there are no cops involved and nothing will happen to you by giving back my ring; keep the other s**t."