Tennessee Titans

NFL star Taylor Lewan claims Dr. James Andrews -- arguably the most notable sports surgeon on the planet -- is the one who botched his ACL surgery two and a half years ago.

According to the lawsuit the former Tennessee Titans left tackle filed this week in Florida, Lewan said Andrews caused permanent damage when the doc operated on his right knee after the O-lineman injured it during a game against the Houston Texans in October 2020.

In the suit, obtained by TMZ Sports on Thursday, Lewan says Andrews, among other things, failed to create a proper tunnel position in his knee, damaged cartilage and didn't fix all of his injuries during the operation.

Lewan says it all resulted in severe pain and disability ... and ultimately cut his NFL career short.

The 31-year-old, three-time Pro Bowler is asking for what could potentially be huge damages in the suit ... he was in the middle of a five-year, $80 million contract at the time of the surgery.

The allegations are shocking ... considering Andrews' resume. If you're unfamiliar, the 80-year-old doc -- who works for the Tampa Bay Rays, the Washington Commanders and the Auburn Tigers -- has operated on star athletes such as Michael Jordan, Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson for decades with great success.

Lewan spoke generally about the claims on his "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast earlier this week ... saying the whole situation has "sucked."

Lewan -- one of the best linemen in the NFL prior to his 2020 injury -- played in just 15 total games following the surgery ... before he reinjured the knee in Week 2 last season.

NFL star Taylor Lewan says he's dragging the docs and others involved in his 2020 ACL surgery to court ... claiming they screwed up the procedure -- affecting his career and his life.

The former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman broke the news on his "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast on Tuesday ... revealing he recently filed a lawsuit "against the people and entities that are involved with my surgery from October of 2020."

Lewan didn't want to get into too many specifics of the complaint -- saying his lawyers advised him not to go into detail about it all -- but he made it clear, he believes the people tasked with repairing his knee botched it.

Lewan initially tore up the ligament on Oct. 18, 2020, during a game against the Houston Texans. He went on to have surgery to try to fix the issue days later.

The 31-year-old, though, was never quite the same after the procedure. He played just 13 games in the 2021 season ... and in 2022, he played in just two games -- before he reinjured his knee in a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Following the season, Lewan was cut by the Titans.

It might have taken a day longer than expected, but Will Levis' girlfriend is just as excited for her man's NFL future ... congratulating the quarterback with a mushy love note after getting drafted by the Tennessee Titans!!

"Let the adventure begin," Gia Duddy said on Monday. "Nashville here we come!!"

Of course, Duddy became a star in her own right after the draft on Thursday ... with many football fans gushing over her appearance as she patiently waited for Levis' name to get called.

Now, it's time for Levis to pack up and move to the Volunteer State ... and it sounds like Gia's going to be along for the ride.

"It’s hard to put in words what it’s like watching your best friend’s dreams come true," Duddy added. "Proud would be an understatement -- I don’t know anyone more deserving. Time to get back to work @will_levis. TITAN UP❤️‍🔥🤠💙"

The QB elected to not return to the venue for Day 2 of the draft ... but it looked just as fun at home, with Levis popping a bottle of champagne and donning his new team's merch.

Levis hit the comments section to show love to Duddy as well ... saying, "Love you 💙 new chapter starts now."

Shane McMahon is back in the gym just weeks after tearing his quad at WrestleMania 39 ... and the WWE talent was in great company -- 'cause he was sweatin' it out with All-Pro Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry!!

Shane -- donning a large brace on his left leg -- posted video of his workout on Tuesday ... showing him going through a series of exercises as he attacks his rehab.

The two were accompanied by famous athletic trainer Melvin Sanders -- who works with all the biggest names in the NFL -- as well as Luke Miller, who is Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott's physical therapist.

Remember, Shane-O-Mac -- who hadn't appeared on WWE programming since the 2022 Royal Rumble -- came out during a segment featuring The Miz and Snoop Dogg at WrestleMania at SoFi Stadium.

Snoop set up an impromptu match between Shane and The Miz ... but it was called off after McMahon tore his quadriceps.

53-year-old McMahon suffered the injury after his knee buckled following a leapfrog -- but thankfully, WWE's medical team was able to intervene swiftly.

Snoop Dogg ended up saving the day -- he fought Miz in place of Shane ... and defeated the former WWE champion using The Rock's signature "People's Elbow" finisher.

Shane has a reputation for his death-defying stunts over his career -- and has always prided himself on staying in shape in case the moment arises to entertain WWE fans.

Taylor Lewan, Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans are mourning after another school shooting took the lives of six people, including three children, in Nashville on Monday ... with the frustrated NFL lineman saying "this s*** has got to stop."

The horrific incident occurred around 10:13 AM when Nashville Police received a call about an active shooter at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church -- a Christian school for preschool to 6th-grade students.

Three students and three adults were killed in the attack.

"Officers entered the first story of the school, began clearing it," police said at the news conference. "They heard shots coming from the second level. They immediately went to the gunfire."

Police said they saw a female shooter -- who was armed with at least two assault-type rifles and a handgun -- on the second floor when she was fatally shot by responding officers.

Lewan -- who played for the Titans from 2014 to 2022 -- was devastated by news of the tragic event, and went to Twitter to express his frustration over the senseless act.

"This s*** has got to stop," the former first-round pick said. "Disgusting, these are children."

His former teammate, Kevin Byard, also shared his thoughts on social media ... the Titans safety saying, "Cannot believe this happens in our communities. Praying for all the families involved."

Henry -- who joined the Titans in 2016 -- added his own thoughts on Twitter ... saying, "I am heartbroken and sick over the lives lost today at Covenant School. I’m praying for comfort and peace for all those affected in our community 🙏🏾♥️"

The Tennessee Titans also weighed in, expressing support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the community.

Former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing admitted to drinking "a victory beer" before he was arrested for DUI last year ... new police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows.

The incident happened near Nashville back on Nov. 18, 2022 at around 2:30 AM ... just hours after Downing had helped lead Tennessee to a big "Thursday Night Football" win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

In dash cam footage, you can see a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper pulled behind Downing's Mercedes on a freeway ... and said the 42-year-old was "hauling ass" -- going over 100 MPH "easily."

Body cam video shows when the officer eventually stopped Downing and began questioning him ... the coach apologized for being in a hurry -- explaining that he was trying to get home to his family because "I got a death threat tonight."

The officer, though, said he smelled an odor of booze coming from Downing's car. Todd responded that he hadn't been drinking, but when he got out of the ride for sobriety testing, he changed his story, saying, "I had a victory beer in Green Bay."

Downing then underwent several field sobriety tests, and according to the trooper, he failed them. He was placed under arrest for DUI.

When he was put in the back of a squad car, he made a call to a member of the Titans' organization, telling him what had just happened.

"Hey, man, I was rushing home and I got arrested for DUI," Downing said. "I was panicking because I was scared about my family -- and I had a victory beer."

Downing then told the man he'd prefer to tell head coach Mike Vrabel about the arrest himself.

Downing -- after pleading with the officer for "grace" -- was transported to a medical facility to get his blood drawn, before he was booked at a local jail.

He went on to serve a 48-hour sentence behind bars in January to close out the case.

Taylor Lewan is clearing the air ... admitting he asked the Titans to drop off his football equipment/belongings at his home, telling everyone to "stop overreacting."

On Tuesday, the former star left tackle posted a photo of two trash bags (and a pair of shoulder pads) on his porch, along with the comment, "Shout out to the Titans dropping my stuff off today. They even let me keep the shoulder pads."

Most fans interpreted the message as sarcastic, assuming Lewan was shading his former team for just dropping his crap off outside.

But, Lewan -- who was recently cut by Tennessee -- says that's not the case ... he actually asked the team to drop everything off outside.

"Yeah it's in trash bags, who cares," Taylor said. "What does it need to be in a horse-drawn chariot, a gold chariot that they ride up in and say, 'Hey, thanks for the last nine years.'"

The 31-year-old spent nine seasons with the franchise ... but despite being cut, the 3x Pro Bowler says he has nothing but love for the org. and their relationship is fine.

"Let's stop overreacting."

The Tennessee Titans appear to be giving Taylor Lewan the ex treatment after releasing him last week -- the 9-year vet says the team savagely dropped off his football equipment on his front porch.

Lewan posted a pic of the scene to Twitter on Monday ... showing 3 garbage bags on his doorstep.

"Shout out to the @Titans dropping my stuff off today. They even let me keep the shoulder pads," Lewan, who spent his entire NFL career with Tennessee, said in the tweet.

In the pic, you can see what appears to be an assortment of red and white cleats in a clear plastic bag ... and a pair of football pads as well.

The 31-year-old was selected by the Titans in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft ... but after Lewan failed a physical last week, the team decided to move on from the 3-time Pro Bowler.

Lewan was a force on the field ... but he tore his ACL in 2020 after playing in five games, and tore his ACL again this season in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.

Unclear if Lewan will retire following his release  ... but Taylor has been keeping the Internet buzzin' after pretending he was in a romantic relationship with Jeffree Star.

Star appeared on Taylor's podcast ... and revealed that the photos of him and his "mystery boo" was the NFL star tackle -- but the two said it was strictly business and nothing more.

Former Tennessee Titans offensive coach Todd Downing has turned himself in ... and will begin serving his 48-hour sentence stemming from his DUI arrest in November.

TMZ Sports has confirmed ... Downing surrendered to the Williamson County Sheriff's Department Tuesday and is in police custody at the Williamson County jail.

Tennessee Highway Patrol officers claimed Todd was "traveling at a high rate of speed" on Interstate 65 at around 2:30 AM.

Downing was arrested in November ... just hours after the Titans defeated the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football.

Downing, 42, was arrested and booked on DUI and speeding charges.

At the time of Downing's arrest, head coach Mike Vrabel said the Titans have a policy in place that provides rides to members of the org. if they ever need one.

Downing has been in the NFL since 2003 ... starting out as a football systems analyst with the Vikings before working for the Rams, Lions, Raiders, and Titans.

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested on Friday morning ... just hours after he helped his team beat the Packers on "Thursday Night Football," TMZ Sports has confirmed.

A police spokesperson tells us Downing was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Williamson County, TN. on Friday morning ... and booked on charges of DUI and speeding.

Records show the 42-year-old bonded out of jail at around 6:46 AM.

Further details surrounding the arrest were not made immediately available.

Just prior to his arrest, Downing put on a great performance in Tennessee's 27-17 win over Green Bay at Lambeau Field. He dialed up several trick plays, and was partly responsible for a big night from quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who completed 22 of his 27 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns.

The Titans have yet to publicly comment on the arrest.

It's Christmas in October for Mario Edwards ... the Tennessee Titans defensive lineman just spoiled himself by copping a massive 25-carat diamond pendant of his head!!

TMZ Sports has learned the defensive end wanted some new mini-me bling, so he hit up Ari The Jeweler to design the piece.

You see the pendant looks just like the 28-year-old ... from his hairstyle all the way down to his facial features and beard.

The pendant also has his jersey number, 97, inscribed on his forehead in diamonds.

We're told the piece -- including a chain -- totals out to 650 grams, and the pendant alone has 25 carats of diamonds!!!

Ari also tells us it took six long weeks to design the new ice ... as for the price Mario paid, that's undisclosed. But, Edwards has it ... he's made around $16 million in eight seasons in the NFL.

In other words, his pockets can handle it.

R-E-L-A-X, fantasy football players ... Derrick Henry's big games are coming soon -- so says former Titans star LenDale White, who tells TMZ Sports the big tailback is NOT washed.

White joined Chris Johnson in the TMZ office this week ... and guaranteed Henry would be back to form sooner than later after struggling in the opening two weeks of the NFL season.

"I honestly don't believe Derrick has lost his step at all," White said. "I feel like once he gets on the right track and [head coach Mike] Vrabel gets those guys going, he'll be Derrick Henry of old -- King Henry."

The words are music to Tennessee fans' ears -- 'cause Henry really has not looked good so far this year. He only has 107 total rushing yards and 1 TD ... and is averaging a mere 3.1 yards per carry.

But White says there's a lot of factors that go into all of that -- including injuries and troubles in the passing game -- which he believes will all get worked out soon and allow Henry to thrive once again.

White and Johnson were also optimistic that their old Titans squad will flip around their season after starting 0-2.

Chris Johnson is now one of 129 people hoping to make the Hall of Fame in 2023 ... but according to his former teammate, LenDale White, he doesn't need to sweat it -- 'cause he WILL get a bust in Canton next summer.

CJ2K -- one of the best running backs in NFL history -- was officially nominated for the HOF for the first time earlier this week ... alongside 128 other former stars, including Joe Thomas and Darrelle Revis.

Johnson swung by the TMZ office with White just a day after he got the good news -- and he was pumped ... saying he was hopeful it'd now all eventually lead to him getting the call to the Hall later this season.

"Just to be a nominee, it's a blessing," he said. "Hopefully I can make it all the way through. We gon' see what happens."

But according to White, who played two seasons with Johnson in Tennessee in 2008 and 2009, the former Titans great doesn't need to fret about it too much ... guaranteeing the 37-year-old will make it this year.

"He will make it all the way through," White said. "I mean, I feel that way."

Johnson played 10 years in the league, rushing for 9,651 yards and scoring 64 total TDs. In 2009, he had one of the greatest seasons ever by an RB, running for 2,006 yards and 14 scores.

White and Johnson both think those numbers should be enough to get him in ... but they did acknowledge if he had played just a few more years and stat-piled during that timeframe, it wouldn't even be a question.

Johnson, though, said he had no regrets about how his career played out.

The first cut for the '23 class will be in November. The finalists will be then announced in January.

Tennessee Titans linebacker Bud Dupree just pled guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from his role in a fight at a Walgreens earlier this year, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 29-year-old football player -- according to a court official -- appeared in a Nashville, Tenn. courtroom on Monday and made the plea after striking a deal with prosecutors.

Dupree pled guilty to misdemeanor assault offensive or provocative, the court official tells us.

Dupree was sentenced to unsupervised probation for 6 months, according to the official. He also had to pay $418 in court costs.

The Titans had practice Monday morning ... though it's unclear if the pass rusher -- who signed a 5-year, $82.5 million contract with the Titans in 2021 -- made it to the workout.

As we previously reported, Dupree was initially cited back on Jan. 4 after cops say he attacked an employee at a Nashville-area Walgreens on Jan. 2.

Cops say Dupree grabbed the employee during the incident -- and then attempted to take the man's phone, before eventually fleeing the scene prior to police officers' arrival.

Sources close to Dupree allege the employee had heckled the Titans player ... and threatened to spit on the women he was with, inciting the fracas.

We've reached out to the Titans, Dupree's attorney, and prosecutors for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Ric Flair had a lot to WOOOOOO about Thursday ... the WWE legend showed up to Tennessee Titans training camp, and Derrick Henry and the squad were pumped!

The Nature Boy is in Nashville for the last wrestling match of his esteemed career ... so when 73-year-old Flair received an invite to camp, he pulled up, and spent some time with the players.

Of course, Naitch broke the team down ... to a bunch of woooooo's!

Flair told reporters at Saint Thomas Sports Park his favorite player is on the Titans, so when the invite came in, he wasn't going to say no.

"My favorite player in the NFL right now is Derrick Henry," Flair said. "Hated him at Alabama but I love him here."

Flair continued to sing the praises of the guy many consider the best back in the league.

"I didn't realize he had that speed. I didn't see that in college."

Ric even compared him to a future Hall of Famer.

"Yeah I mean 2,000 yards [a year] -- think about it. That puts him in the same class as Adrian Peterson. That's big-time stuff."

Henry also talked to reporters, telling them it was "pretty cool" to have Flair at practice ... 'cause Ric's someone Derrick used to watch on TV as a kid.

"He's a legend in the WWE world," Henry said.

"I watched him on TV growing up for a long time so it's surreal to meet people like him and come out here and let 'em talk to us after practice."

Flair's 'Last Match' goes down on July 31 ... where Ric will team up with his son-in-law, Andrade, and take on Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal.

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.