San Francisco 49ers

Former NFL running back Hugh McElhenny -- whose #39 is retired by the San Francisco 49ers -- has passed away, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday.

He was 93 years old.

The Hall of Fame said McElhenny died of natural causes at his home in Nevada.

"We pass along our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and to the many whose lives he touched," The Hall wrote in a tweet when announcing the news.

McElhenny -- whose nickname was "The King" -- was taken by the 49ers with the 9th overall pick in the 1952 NFL Draft ... and he went on to star for the team for 9 seasons.

A 6x-Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro, Hugh was a unique offensive weapon who posed a threat to opposing defenses rushing, receiving and in special teams.

In his first NFL season (1952), McElhenny was unanimously elected Rookie of the Year and earned All-Pro status as well as a spot on the Pro Bowl team.

McElhenny's final year came in 1964 with the Detroit Lions, but he also played for the Vikings and Giants.

McElhenny -- who finished his career with 38 rushing touchdowns and 5,281 rushing yards -- was inducted into the Pro Football of Fame in 1970, and he's also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

49ers defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw -- a former first-round draft pick -- went ballistic on a reporter on Tuesday night ... calling the man a "lil d*** n****" and telling him to "stop f***ing playing with me."

The heated confrontation all went down on Grant Cohn's YouTube channel -- after the two had gotten into a spat at San Francisco's organized team activity earlier in the day.

According to Cohn, at the workout, Kinlaw sought him out on the field, cursed at him and then knocked the hat off of his head.

When Cohn was breaking down the altercation -- and other aspects of the Niners' practice -- during a YouTube live stream hours later ... Kinlaw called in, and began cussing out the media member.

With a mouthful of food, Kinlaw berated Cohn repeatedly ... clearly upset with the way Cohn has criticized him and his teammates in the past.

"I'm a man just like you," Kinlaw told him on the stream. "My nuts is bigger than yours, brother. Put some respect on my name. My balls is bigger than yours, brother. Put some respect on my name."

Kinlaw swore at Cohn for roughly six minutes ... and during the rant, he vulgarly addressed the run-in he had with the reporter hours earlier.

"All I know is when I walked up on you, your f***ing body temperature was f***ing cold as ice," Kinlaw said. "Straight bitch. Your f***ing balls shriveled up. Lil d*** n****. Stop f***ing playing with me, bruh."

Kinlaw added, "You don't f***ing know me like that. None of y'all mother f***ers know me like that, bruh. Stop playing with me. I'm not the one. I'm f***ing not the one, bruh. My whole family know what you look like."

Cohn later said on Twitter he took that line as a threat.

Kinlaw eventually left the stream without further incident. We've reached out to the 49ers for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Deebo Samuel should backpedal on trade requests and stay in San Francisco ... so says Dez Bryant -- who's advising the wideout to reconsider his future with the 49ers.

Dez explained his thoughts on the situation to TMZ Sports at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on Wednesday night ... saying he believes Samuel might regret it if he is ultimately traded this offseason.

Bryant tells us he's concerned Samuel won't be used well in a system outside of San Francisco's -- and he's hopeful Deebo will see that and mend the fences with the Niners before they jettison him.

"If we strictly talking about football," Dez said, "I think the 49ers is a great place for him. Kyle Shanahan, he is a genius. He knows how to get you the ball. And, a lot of organizations don't know how to do that."

Don't get it twisted ... Dez says Deebo still deserves a massive contract -- and he tells us if he were runnin' the Niners, he'd have no problem cutting that fat check for the superstar receiver.

"Pay him what he wants," Bryant said. "Go ahead and pay him, because he deserves it."

Deebo, though, seems to be firm in his demands to leave the Bay Area -- in fact, over the weekend, he was seen making an "it's over" gesture regarding his Niners career while partying at a nightclub.

Niners fans are going to HATE this -- Deebo Samuel shut down the idea of staying in San Francisco while partying in the club this weekend ... making it very clear he wants to be traded.

The funny moment happened as Deebo was enjoying his night out ... with bottle girls bringing out a sign that read, "Deebo is staying #49ers."

The camera quickly pans to Deebo, who wanted to let everyone know that ain't the case ... making the "it's over" hand gesture with a big smile on his face.

Unclear whether Deebo was serious or just joking around ... but the image certainly triggered 49ers fans as the dynamic receiver's future with the team remains up in the air.

Last week, Samuel told the media he had asked the 49ers to trade him. However, Samuel reportedly didn't give a reason for requesting the trade.

Deebo is fresh off a breakout year -- the former second-round draft pick played in 16 of 17 games this past season, where he had 77 receptions, 1,405 receiving yards, and 6 receiving TDs.

Samuel was also a dual-threat ... seeing action in the Niners backfield, where he rushed for 365 yards on 59 attempts and found the endzone 8 times as a running back.

Daniel Luna -- the 40-year-old 49ers fan who was brutally beaten in the SoFi Stadium parking lot during the NFC Championship game -- is out of a medically-induced coma 5 weeks after the incident, his family announced this week.

Luna remains hospitalized, but the hope is he will be able to return home later this month. His current condition was not disclosed, according to CBS LA.

As we previously reported, Inglewood mayor James Butts claims surveillance footage of the parking lot altercation shows Luna (wearing a Niners jersey) shove a Rams fan from behind. Butts says the Rams fan appeared to retaliate by pushing Luna and punching him in the face ... causing him to fall to the ground.

Stadium security then discovered Luna injured and unconscious in the parking lot about 30 minutes after the NFC title game kicked off ... and he was transported to a nearby hospital.

The suspect -- 33-year old Bryan Alexis Cifuentes-Rossell -- was arrested after he was eventually tracked down via surveillance footage that started in the SoFi parking lot.

On Wednesday, the L.A. District Attorney announced Cifuentes-Rossell is being charged with one felony count of battery with serious bodily injury.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle tells TMZ Sports that backup quarterback Trey Lance is absolutely ready to start in the NFL next season if given the opportunity.

Relax Niner fans -- he didn't tell us Trey should be starting over Jimmy Garoppolo. In fact, he showed Jimmy props saying, "Love Jimmy G. Fantastic quarterback. Took us to two NFC championships."

But, he did make it seem that even if a change at the QB position were to happen ... it wouldn't affect his game because he's just out there "to catch balls."

"I play tight end and whoever's throwing me the football, I can't wait to catch footballs from them baby," Kittle said.

GK says ultimately head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will be responsible for doing what's best for the football team.

Former NFL legend Joe Montana, however, doesn't believe Lance is "ready" to start for the 49ers ... and furthermore, disagrees with trading Jimmy G away in favor of keeping Trey.

"I think they should keep Jimmy until they find somebody that helps," Montana said on Radio Row during Super Bowl week. "I don't think Trey is ready to play yet."

Law enforcement officials are facing serious backlash ... after failing to inform the public about a 49ers fan who was allegedly assaulted in the SoFi Stadium parking lot during Sunday's NFC Championship game.

According to the L.A. Times, it took 3 days for authorities in Inglewood to acknowledge the incident even took place ... and Thursday, officials were met with skepticism over why they didn't tell the public sooner.

40-year-old restaurant owner Daniel Luna is believed to be the man who was the victim of the heinous assault, according to the report.

Police Lt. Geoffrey Meeks said Los Angeles County Fire Dept. paramedics found Luna wearing a Niners jersey 30 minutes after the game started ... but it's unclear when the attack actually happened.

Of course, the timing is inauspicious for Los Angeles County -- the area is set to host Super Bowl LVI in the coming weeks -- which leads many to believe that authorities weren't as quick to release information surrounding the event out of fear of a PR nightmare.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports no suspects have been identified in the case ... but police launched an investigation into the matter sometime around 7 PM Sunday night, according to the report.

Officials at SoFi Stadium did, however, say they were "aware and saddened by the incident," and they were working with law enforcement officials throughout the course of their investigation.

"Our thoughts are with Mr. Luna’s friends and family during this difficult time."

49ers' DB Jaquiski Tartt is taking the Rams loss hard, saying he let his team down when he dropped a crucial interception during the NFC Championship game, and deserves all the criticism.

The Niners were up 3 with less than 10 minutes to go in the game ... when Rams QB Matt Stafford threw a pass directly to Tartt, hitting him square in the hands. Unfortunately for San Fran, Jaquiski dropped the should-be pick.

The Rams went on to kick a field goal, tying the game. Next possession, they took the lead for good, and punched a ticket to the Super Bowl.

Needless to say, the pick could've changed the outcome of the game.

And, Tartt knows it, and isn't making any excuses.

"No excuses!! I deserve all the criticism my way!" the 29-year-old said on social media.

"Opportunity I dream of I came up short!!! Let my brothers down!! It Still won't define me as a person/player. Only will get stronger and better."

Reporters asked Tartt about his post-game tweet, and he got emotional saying it should have been a game-changing play.

"I know I can make that play and when the play came up, I ain't make it," Tartt said.

"It hit my hands, I thought I had it and then I just ... I don't know how I dropped it. I didn't drop a ball in practice all week."

Tartt added, "I know that was a big play of the game, a big opportunity for me and for the team and as a player, I just feel like I let my brothers down."

Even though Tartt's placing the blame squarely on his shoulders, his teammates have his back.

49ers safety Jimmy Ward came to JT's defense over the dropped INT, saying no one play was responsible for the team's loss.

"There's a lot of plays out there, and we could have did better including myself," Ward said during a post-game interview.

Tough Sunday night for Kyle Juszczyk and his family -- after losing the NFC Championship game to the Rams, the Niners fullback's wife was trolled at a McDonald's.

Kristin Juszczyk had been trying to get some "comfort food" with some friends following the tough defeat ... when she walked up to the fast-food joint and immediately began getting heckled.

Kristin explained they had to order on foot because their bus wouldn't fit in the drive-thru ... and then she showed video of an employee ribbin' them over her hubby's loss.

Check out the footage, after one of Kristin's friends (wearing a No. 44 Juszczyk jersey) said, "We just want some nuggets, man," the guy started to throw jabs about Jimmy Garoppolo.

"It's OK," the worker said through the intercom. "Jimmy just wanted a ring. He's not going to get it."

"Yeah. He wanted a ring, and he's just not going to get it."

To their credit, Kristin and co. were good sports about it all ... laughing it off and even dishing some smack talk back.

Matthew Stafford's wife, Kelly, was so blown away by the prices of NFC Championship game tickets ... she says she's personally buying a bunch of seats so she can give them away to Rams fans.

Kelly made the announcement on her social media page Wednesday ... encouraging any L.A. fans with good stories to reach out to her so she can start handing out the tix to Sunday's big game versus the 49ers ASAP.

"If you are a hard core rams fan, or just a regular rams fan, a veteran, active in the military, a public servant, etc.," Kelly said, "email me at staffgiveback@gmail.com and tell me your story with some photos attached!"

Kelly -- who married Matthew back in 2015 -- added that she's hoping to give away all the tickets by Thursday night.

It's an awesome gesture ... considering the tickets have reached crazy prices. Even SoFi Stadium nosebleed seats are going for over $500, and seats near the field are selling for thousands.

Kelly, though, is clearly down to help ease that financial burden -- especially because the last time the Niners came into town earlier this month, their fans took over the venue.

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa appeared to relieve himself right on the bleachers at a high school football stadium ... and TMZ Sports has the pic.

The Niners -- who are set to face off against the Green Bay Packers this weekend -- practiced at a local Bay Port H.S. on Friday in order to adjust to the anticipated weather conditions before the big matchup ... and at some point, 24-year-old Bosa seemingly had to go #1.

Bosa just recently cleared concussion protocol ... and will be set to line up against Aaron Rodgers and Co. on Saturday in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The game is set to go down at Lambeau Field at 5:15 PM PT ... with a shot at the NFC Championship Game on the line.

Minutes after the Cowboys and 49ers fought it out on the field ... their fans duked it out outside of the stadium, getting into a wild brawl that actually spilled into a flower bed.

The scene appeared to go down yards away from AT&T Stadium following the two teams' Wild Card matchup ... when a swarm of Dallas fans got into it with what looked like Niners supporters.

At least half a dozen people were involved in the melee ... which was so chaotic, the action ended up in some flowers and shrubs near a busy street.

You can see in footage filmed by bystanders, fans threw wild kicks and punches, all while people screamed for help.

Eventually, nearby officers raced into the scene to break the fight up. It's unclear if any arrests were made, we reached out to cops, but so far, no word back yet.

Scary moment for Raheem Mostert -- the NFL running back's 3-year-old son was rushed to the hospital after suffering a high fever and other severe COVID-19 symptoms this week ... but thankfully, he's recovering back home.

The 49ers star's wife, Devon, shared the terrifying news on Wednesday ... posting a photo of their son, Gunnar, in an ambulance.

"If you think COVID is a joke, this is our sweet G man in an ambulance today after I called 911 because he was lethargic, skin was gray, lips were purple, and had a 103.5 temperature," Devon said.

"I'm crying even typing this ... this is all SO SCARY."

The good news is Gunnar is back home with his family ... but Mostert -- who is currently on the Niners' injured reserved list -- made it clear people should not be taking this virus lightly.

"I could say a lot, but I'm going to keep this short because my family gets 100% of my time right now," the 29-year-old said.

"Take COVID seriously! It's not a joke!!"

Raheem and Devon got married in 2017 and have 2 kids -- Gunnar and 1-year old Neeko. The couple also just announced they're expecting a third baby on the way last week.

Raheem Mostert was engulfed by hate messages from fans after the NFL star suffered an injury Sunday ... with the RB's wife saying people said the Niners player "should kill himself."

Devon Mostert spelled it all out in an emotional social media post hours after the 49ers beat the Detroit Lions ... saying she and her hubby received "THOUSANDS" of terrible comments following the game.

In her post, Devon said some of the messages suggested Mostert be cut from the team ... while others made fun of his injury history.

"I know I shouldn't care, but wow. Wow wow wow," Devon said. "The nasty things some of you just carelessly say is gut wrenching. I don't think ya'll get it. Football is my husband's job. It's how my family EATS. To read such HEARTLESS and degrading comments about the person I LOVE hurts."

Devon continued, "And I try so hard to shake them off... I do. But when there's HUNDREDS, THOUSANDS. It's a lot."

Mostert played just a handful of snaps against the Lions, recording two carries for 20 yards before hurting his knee.

The extent of his injury is unknown -- Devon said he'll undergo further testing Monday ... and they're "praying" it's all minor.

"R's gonna be good," Devon added. "He always comes back stronger."

"Thank you to everyone that sent prayers," she continued. "I appreciate you and I see your beautiful heart. Holding my babies extra long tonight."

Raheem was expected to have a huge role for the 49ers this season ... after he rushed for 521 yards and two scores in 8 games for SF last season.

Want to win your Fantasy Football league this season? Draft Trey Lance ... so says FF expert Mike Wright, who claims the 49ers QB is a "cheat code" for a championship this year.

Wright, a draft expert with "Fantasy Footballers" -- one of the most accurate fantasy advice shows on the planet -- broke it all down for TMZ Sports this week, explaining he believes Lance is in store for a HUGE year.

"I have been all in on especially Trey Lance," Wright says.

As for why, Wright claims as the #3 overall pick in this year's NFL draft ... Lance is in line to start a HUGE number of San Francisco games this season -- even if Jimmy Garoppolo opens the year as QB1 in the Bay Area.

Wright also says Lance's legs and the ability pile up easy points with scrambles and designed QB runs could lead to league-winning numbers for Fantasy Football players once he gets in the Niners' lineup.

"He is one of just a couple quarterbacks in the league that has the potential to be a 1,000-yard rusher," Wright tells us ... adding, "That is the cheat code. That unlocks your quarterback's fantasy scoring."

Both Richard Sherman AND cops suffered gnarly injuries during the NFL star's arrest last week ... new police photos, obtained by TMZ Sports, show.

In the pics, taken by law enforcement after cops say they were involved in a massive struggle to arrest the NFL player on July 14 ... you can see Sherman and cops were bloodied in the alleged scuffle outside of Sherman's in-laws' home in Redmond, WA.

Some of the pics show Sherman had a big gash on his foot that needed to be closed with stitches.

In other photos, you can see one officer had a big scrape on his shoulder ... while another had a large wound on the inside of his thigh.

Fortunately, cops described all of the injuries as minor ... with none of the parties needing significant medical treatment.

Other photos cops released Thursday appear to show damage to the door that Sherman pounded on as he tried to enter his in-laws' home just before his arrest.

As we previously reported, Sherman has been hit with five misdemeanors -- including DUI and resisting arrest -- over his alleged actions during the night.

He pled not guilty to the charges in a King County courtroom last Friday ... but said in a statement earlier in the day, "I am deeply remorseful for my actions."