Ex-NFL DL Du'Vonta Lampkin Dead At 25 ... After Suffering Gunshot Wound

Tragic news ... former NFL defensive lineman Du'Vonta Lampkin has died after he was shot on Thursday.

He was just 25 years old.

According to the Dallas Police Department, Lampkin was found "lying on his back with a single gunshot wound" by officers at a rented residence at around 10:10 PM in Dallas.

Cops say they had been called to the scene after a witness said Lampkin had stopped answering phone calls.

Police say medical personnel arrived a short time after officers discovered Lampkin ... but said the ex-football player couldn't be saved and died on the scene.

No further details regarding the shooting were released ... cops say an investigation is underway. They're asking anyone with information on the case to call 214-671-3994.

The Univ. of Oklahoma -- where Lampkin played college football from 2015 to 2017 -- released a statement on the tragedy, saying the school is "deeply saddened" by Lampkin's passing.

"Du'Vonta was full of life and spirit, was a supportive teammate and a joy to be around. Our sincerest thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with his family and loved ones."

Du'Vonta played in 15 games for the Sooners in his three years on campus, logging 27 total tackles and a sack. He left the school early with intentions to play in the NFL, but went unselected in the 2018 draft.

Lampkin would eventually sign with the Tennessee Titans just before the 2018 season, but he was cut prior to their first game. He went on to play indoor football in 2019.

RIP.

Eddie George Advice To Titans ... Don't Move On From Ryan Tannehill!!!

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UP TO THE OWNERS
TMZSports.com

If Eddie George was running the Tennessee Titans ... he wouldn't be looking for a new QB this offseason, telling TMZ Sports he still believes in Ryan Tannehill.

Of course, it's an unpopular opinion ... because most NFL fans believe the quarterback's three interceptions against the Cincinnati Bengals are the reasons why the Titans aren't playing the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game this weekend.

But, when we got George out in L.A. earlier this week ... the Titans legend said he still thinks Tannehill is good enough to get Tennessee to the Super Bowl next year.

"He's just got to cut down on the turnovers and find a way to come back," George said.

As for if he'd look into acquiring another QB, like Aaron Rodgers, George wasn't so sure about all that.

"I wouldn't go searching for something that -- you know, the grass isn't always greener on the other side," the ex-running back said. "I would ride it out."

As for the Titans' biggest star, Derrick Henry, George loves the guy's game ... and actually told us he's hoping the dude catches all of his records and breaks them one day.

"It would be awesome to have a guy like that do it."

Derrick Henry Cops Insane 100-Ct Diamond Chain ... To Honor Legendary Football Career

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FIT FOR A TITAN
TheIceChamp/Instagram

Forget plaques and record books ... Derrick Henry has found a new way to show off his legendary football resume -- an insane iced-out diamond chain!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Tennessee Titans star RB wanted to turn all of his pigskin accomplishments -- starting from high school -- into some bling for his 28th birthday this week.

So, he hit up celebrity jeweler Ali The Ice Champ in Dallas ... and the dude delivered the amazing piece in time for Henry's cake day this week.

The bling is awesome -- it features a huge 6.5-inch "Y" pendant that represents Henry's days at Yulee High School in Florida. The pendant also features a little VS1 diamond-infused Heisman Trophy to immortalize the award that Henry won back in 2015.

On the chain, Ali tied together logos of the Yulee Hornets, Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Titans ... and then he added several beads to represent some of Henry's historical football moments.

We're told some of those feature a diamond 12K bead for his 12,124 rushing yards in high school that set a national record as well as a diamond 2K bead for his 2,000 rushing yards in the Titans' 2020 season.

Ali -- whose clients range from Ezekiel Elliott to Post Malone -- tells us that Henry's one-of-a-kind necklace carries 100 carats of VS1 E-F color diamonds and has over half a kilo of gold.

No word on what it all cost the King ... but Henry's made over $30 million in his NFL career, so he's certainly got the cash to spoil himself.

Happy birthday, indeed.

Titans' Bud Dupree Video Shows NFL Player Grabbing, Wrestling Man ... In Walgreens Altercation

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WALGREENS WALLOP
TMZSports.com

Titans defensive end Bud Dupree grabbed a man and then wrestled with him for several seconds inside of a Walgreens in Nashville on Sunday night ... new video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows.

In the footage, you can see the NFL player walk through the doors of the drug store and immediately get in the face of a man near the cash register.

It's unclear what prompted the verbal altercation -- but sources close to Dupree allege he was being heckled with nasty comments ... claiming the man threatened to spit on the women and kick Bud in the knee.

After exchanging words with the guy, Dupree appeared to try to grab the man's cell phone.

The 6-foot-4, 269-pound pass rusher then forcefully put the man in a bear hug, and all hell broke loose.

Video shows nearly everyone inside the store got involved in a wrestling match between the two ... before Dupree was ultimately separated from the group.

Dupree then seemed to try to leave the store, but as others stayed inside, the 28-year-old Tennessee defender went back, appearing to try to get others out of the fracas.

A separate video of the incident filmed from inside of the Walgreens, and obtained by Broadway Sports, appears to show Dupree ordered one of the people he was with to take a person's phone in the middle of the altercation.

As we reported, after conducting an investigation into the incident, cops cited Dupree for misdemeanor assault. They say the football player is due for booking on the citation in three weeks.

The Titans -- who play the Texans on Sunday before entering into the playoffs -- said Monday they're "aware of the situation and are gathering additional information."

Titans' Bud Dupree Cited For Misdemeanor Assault ... After Alleged Attack At Walgreens

Cops have just cited Tennessee Titans defensive end Bud Dupree for misdemeanor assault ... after they say he attacked an employee at a Nashville Walgreens on Sunday night.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Dept., several shoppers at the drug store got into an argument with a 20-year-old store employee and then left ... only to return a short time later with Dupree.

Cops say the 6-foot-4, 269-pound pass rusher then attacked the employee -- grabbing the man and his phone.

According to the police, a physical altercation then ensued ... before 28-year-old Dupree left the scene.

In a statement to TMZ Sports, cops say they issued the football player a citation for assault. They added he's due for booking on the citation in three weeks.

As we reported, the incident all went down just hours after Dupree had helped the Titans beat the Miami Dolphins at Nissan Stadium in Tennessee.

Dupree -- who just signed an $82.5 million contract with the team -- logged one tackle in the game and played 60 percent of Tennessee's defensive snaps.

The Titans said in a statement Monday they were "aware of the situation and are gathering additional information." They're scheduled to play next against the Texans on Sunday before heading into the playoffs.

NFL's Bud Dupree Allegedly Involved In Fight At Walgreens ... Wanted For Questioning By Cops

Cops in Nashville say they want to question Tennessee Titans linebacker Bud Dupree ... after he was allegedly involved in a fight at a local Walgreens.

According to a statement from the Metro Nashville Police Dept., cops were called to the store at around 8 PM on Sunday night -- just hours after the Titans had beaten the Miami Dolphins in Tennessee.

Cops say Dupree and "several" people with him got into an altercation with two employees at the store ... after "a male employee began videoing Dupree with his phone."

Police, though, say by the time officers arrived on scene, Dupree and the other individuals with him had already left.

Cops say they're seeking to interview all parties now -- including Dupree -- after they say a 21-year-old female employee and a 20-year-old male employee both needed treatment for cuts they sustained in the alleged altercation.

As of now, no arrests have been made ... and no formal charges have been brought against Dupree or others.

The Titans -- who clinched the AFC South title with their win Sunday -- released a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation and are gathering additional information."

Dupree -- a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft -- did play in the team's game against Miami ... registering one solo tackle.

The 28-year-old is in his first season with the Titans -- he inked a massive $82.5 million contract this offseason after an impressive 6-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chris Johnson Titans Still 'Team To Beat' ... Despite Henry Injury

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A BIG LOSS
TMZSports.com

A shot at a Titans Super Bowl title did not end when Derrick Henry got injured Sunday ... so says Chris Johnson, who tells TMZ Sports Tennessee is still "the team to beat."

Of course, most disagree with CJ2K ... considering Henry -- who's expected to miss the rest of the season after foot surgery Tuesday -- was the leading rusher in the league and by far the Titans' best player before his injury.

But, Johnson says he doesn't expect a dip at all from the Titans going forward ... saying there's just too many playmakers on the roster to allow that to happen.

"We got a good quarterback," the ex-Titans star said. "We got two good receivers out there. So we should be all right."

Johnson tells us he expects to see Tennessee turn into more of a passing team ... though he did say he's confident if the team needs to rely on the newly signed Adrian Peterson, it can do that as well.

"Adrian's been able to show that he's been able to come in and can contribute to whatever team that he goes to," Johnson said.

The former running back explained a Titans' Super Bowl run is still more than possible ... and even delivered an uplifting message to downtrodden Tennessee fans.

The first game without Henry is slated for Sunday night against the Rams -- who, by the way, just added Von Miller to the roster this week.

Good luck!

A.J. Brown Pondering Chipotle Deal Despite Food Poisoning ... I Won't Eat It Though!!!

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NEVER AGAIN
Tennessee Titans

NFL star A.J. Brown says there might be some good to come out of his food poisoning disaster ... telling reporters Friday he could land a deal with Chipotle over it all.

The Tennessee Titans receiver revealed Chipotle has reached out to him after he claimed that some bad food from the restaurant gave him serious issues prior to, during and after his game against the Bills on Monday night.

And, in their talks, Brown said there has been some initial discussion with the company about "possibly doing something with me."

Brown -- despite saying he felt like hell over the food -- seemed interested in signing on ... though he made it clear there's no way he'll do a deal that requires him to consume the product again.

"I don't know," he said of the potential pact. "I'm not eating it, though. No, sir!"

Brown did say Chipotle was trying to remedy the situation, asking him which location he ate at so they could presumably fix any future issues.

Deal or no deal ... Brown reiterated he'll never eat ANY type of fast food again following the whole ordeal, saying, "The way I was feeling guys, I'm telling you, no fast food for me."

What's interesting ... Brown actually had his best game of the year while dealing with the illness, going off for 7 catches and 91 yards against Buffalo.

Can ya imagine what he'll do this week sans food poisoning? Heads up, Chiefs!

Pacman Jones I Belong In The Hall Of Fame I Was Better Than Hester!!!

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PACMAN GOLD
TMZSports.com

Adam "Pacman" Jones says he belongs in the Hall of Fame on either the 1st or 2nd ballot ... telling TMZ Sports he believes he was a better special teamer than Devin Hester.

The former Tennessee Titans superstar made the claim to us before his big Rough N' Rowdy fight last week ... explaining he truly believes he's one of the best return men of all-time.

"If you just go back and look at the history, who would be your top three, four returners from 2005 to 2017-18 season?" Jones said.

"If you look at the average per yard, how many times I've touched the ball, with even with being suspended, I had more yards than Devin Hester if you look at the amount of times we touched the ball."

Jones averaged 1 more yard per kickoff return than Hester in his career ... although Devin had Pacman in just about every other stat.

Still, Hester took nearly double the amount of returns that Jones did in their careers -- something Pacman says Hall of Fame voters should take into account when looking at the numbers.

"We'll see, man," Jones says. "You know I had a lot of baggage that went along with me but I got that out the way ... I truly feel that I was if not number one in returns, I got to be one or two. No less than three."

Of course, returners have yet to get into the Hall solely based on their accomplishments as a special teamer -- though many believe Hester could get in next year.

Jones (who's eligible for the Hall in 2024) seems to be content with his career even if he doesn't get in ... telling us, "I've outlasted my whole draft class beside the quarterbacks and my work is speaking for itself, man."

"It speaks for itself."

Chris Johnson I'm The Fastest NFL Player Ever ... 'No Question'

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NOBODY FASTER THAN ME
TMZSports.com

It's not Deion Sanders, Tyreek Hill or Bo Jackson ... no, the fastest NFL player ever is Chris Johnson -- so says CJ2K himself.

The legendary Tennessee Titans running back made the claim to TMZ Sports ... saying if he lined up for a race against every fast NFL legend ever -- and everyone was still in their prime -- he would've dusted them all.

"No question," Johnson says.

The statement is a bold one -- after all, Sanders alone is rumored to have once run a 4.1 40-yard dash -- but Chris says he believes in his speed THAT much.

"You look at my tape, I've never been caught," Johnson says. "I made people pull hamstrings!"

Johnson's obviously not lying ... the guy ran a 4.24 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine -- and his speed was consistently on display throughout his 10-year NFL career.

As for if CJ2K could still get it done on the track ... he told us that just ain't happenin' now -- admitting Hill would beat him in a sprint today.

But, hey, we'd still definitely watch that if they lined it up!

2 Chainz 'Bummed' Over Julio To Titans ... But I'll Rock His Jersey!!!

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IT'S A BUMMER
TMZSports.com

Rap star 2 Chainz says he's sad as hell to see the Atlanta Falcons trade his good friend Julio Jones ... but tells TMZ Sports he's still gonna support his guy by coppin' his new Titans jersey!!

Of course, the "Grey Area" MC is a diehard Dirty Birds fan ... and has been tight with JJ over the years.

Now that the Falcons are entering their first season since 2011 without Julio ... we had to ask how 2 Chainz is holding up.

"I'm bummed out about it, man," Julio told us outside Amiri on Rodeo Drive. "I'm a Falcons fan, but "I'm a Julio fan. He's a great friend of mine."

"I'm a huge Julio fan," he added. "Somebody today called me about the suites up there at the Falcons. I don't know how I feel yet."

2 Chainz explains Falcons fans had a strong relationship with Julio ... which is why it stings to see him go.

But, good news for Julio -- 2 Chainz says he's gonna be sure to get Jones' new #2 jersey with the Titans ... after all, the number couldn't be more perfect.

We also chatted about the Hawks and just how much money he's been making off their wins ... and how much he threw down for Friday night's game!!

Julio Jones WR Won't Steal #11 From A.J. Brown I'll Take #2 Instead!!!

UPDATE

4:43 PM PT -- The Tennessee Titans have revealed Julio's new number ... and the star receiver is going with #2!!!

UPDATE
UPDATE

We must say ... the guy looks good with the new look, so everyone wins!!

For the first time in his NFL career, Julio Jones will NOT wear #11 ... A.J. Brown just revealed the newest Tennessee Titan has refused to take the digits.

Brown said Tuesday he tried like hell to give Jones the number -- considering, you know, Brown did recruit the former Falcons star to Tennessee HARD -- but he claims Julio just wouldn't accept it.

"I tried to give it up and he wouldn’t take it," said Brown, who got the Titans' #11 when he joined the team in 2019. "Respect."

Julio was drafted by the Falcons in 2011 and got the #11 shortly after ... but he'll clearly have to find a new number in Nashville now.

As for potential replacements ... Jones did rock #8 during his college career at Alabama -- and while Titans rookie punter James Smith has already been assigned the ocho, something tells us that'll change if Julio wants it bad enough.

After all, the Titans did give up a 2nd-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft AND a 4th-round pick in the 2023 Draft in order to get Julio (and another '23 pick) over the weekend.

Happy new number hunting from here, Julio!

Originally Published -- 9:32 AM PT

Julio Jones Lands in Tennessee In Private Jet ... After Being Traded to Titans

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TOUCH DOWN IN TENNESSEE
Tennessee Titans

Here it is ... Julio Jones' first touchdown in Tennessee as a member of the Titans.

The superstar WR just landed in Nashville after being traded from the Atlanta Falcons ... and of course, he made the trip in a private jet!

The 32-year-old perennial All-Pro seemed to be in a great mood as he stepped off the plane ... ready to enter his 11th season in the league with a serious Super Bowl contender.

He was greeted by Titans GM Jon Robinson.

As you may know, the Falcons sent Julio (and a 2023 draft pick) to the Titans for a 2nd-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and a 4th-round pick in the 2023 Draft.

After the deal became official, Robinson told reporters he was STOKED about the move.

"Excited to add Julio to the football team. He's excited to be part of what we've got going on in Nashville. It's a big day for our team."

Jones will add even more firepower to an already dangerous offense that includes superstar RB Derrick Henry and explosive wide-out A.J. Brown.

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill is also excited -- tweeting out, "Let's Gooo!!"

As for the Falcons, they kept it classy -- tweeting out a tribute video to their former superstar.

NFL's Janoris Jenkins Cops Investigating Stolen Rolls-Royce ... From Airport Parking lot

UPDATE

9:09 AM PT -- The Atlanta PD tells us ... they have opened an investigation into a "stolen" vehicle.

UPDATE

Cops say Jenkins reported the car missing on May 26 -- and they immediately took action.

UPDATE

"Officers immediately placed a lookout on the vehicle and updated its status to stolen," the APD tells us.

UPDATE

"Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation continues."

Janoris Jenkins claims SOMEONE took his $250,000 Rolls-Royce after he parked it at the airport in Atlanta ... but says no one seems to have any idea where it went.

The Tennessee Titans cornerback claims he parked his luxury vehicle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on May 5, before he caught a flight to West Palm Beach.

But, when he returned days later, "my vehicle was nowhere to be found."

Jenkins says he immediately complained to management and followed up with various staff members -- along with officials from "City of Atlanta Aviation" ... but no one gave him any answers.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"They gave me the complete run around," Jenkins said ... "I was told they have footage of my vehicle arriving but no footage of it leaving. Nothing makes sense!"

Jenkins says he later went to the ATL Police Dept. -- but still, no leads on his missing Rolls-Royce.

The NFL star is clearly upset about the car -- but seems more frustrated with the way he was treated by airport officials.

"I understand very well that unfortunate events like this do happen but these types of establishments are supposed to provide SAFETY, comfort and most of all a customer service that is unmatched."

"BE aware of this airport, it's distasteful staff, and please think twice before parking your vehicle here! I'm now short a quarter million dollars of an asset that I own with no help from this airport."

We reached out to the airport for comment, but so far no official statement. We’ll update when we hear back.

In the meantime, if you know anything about Jenkins' car -- HIT HIM UP!!

Originally Published -- 7:01 AM PT

NFL's Derrick Henry Gifts O-Line Diamond Chains Thanks For The 2K-Yard Season!!!

You help Derrick Henry rush for 2,000 yards, you get iced out!!!

That's exactly what the Tennessee Titans star did for his offensive line this week ... gifting them all awesome diamond chains for helping him reach the milestone.

27-year-old Henry was straight-up unstoppable in 2020 -- he ran for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns ... becoming just the 8th player in league history to join the 2,000 Yard Club.

Henry couldn't have done it without his boys up front ... and now he's showing some serious love by commemorating their accomplishment with the icy memento.

Center Ben Jones showed off the finished product ... which features a pendant with "2K" on the front and a crown on top.

The back features Jones' name and number ... as well as "O-Line 2k" and "2027 Yards."

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CHAIN GANG
Tennessee Titans

No word on how much the pieces cost ... but Henry's got the coin -- he signed a $50 million contract last summer.

It's an awesome gesture from Henry, but it may end up working in his favor, too -- his o-line is probably gonna want another chain after this season!!

Malcolm Butler I'm Not Ready to Retire After Being Cut By Tennessee Titans

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.

The whole situation was bizarre and the Pats ended up losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. Butler signed with the Titans a short time later.