TMZ Sports - Page 5

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.

Rob Gronkowski's trying to make his annual Super Bowl party extra lit this year ... telling TMZ Sports he wants the hottest couple on the planet right now -- Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift -- to be there!!

And, get this ... he's hoping the pop star will sing -- while Kelce cuts a rug on the dance floor!!

"She can perform a song with you dancing on the stage!!" he said in a message to the Chiefs star.

Of course, a lot can happen between now and Gronk's annual "Gronk Beach" bash at this season's Super Bowl in Las Vegas -- Kelce and Swift might not be a thing ... and Travis could be playing in the Big Game, preventing him from partying anyways.

But Rob made it clear if that's not the case ... he wants the couple there -- especially after he says he and the Kansas City tight end really hit off at a "Gronk Beach" party at the 2022 NFL Draft.

In fact, Gronk explained to us that's where he learned Kelce can really move -- something he thinks attracted Swift to him in the first place!

"He's got unbelievable hips!" Gronk said.

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.

Floyd Mayweather's jet just touched down in Israel, loaded with over 5,000 lbs. of supplies for Israeli civilians and military ... days after the legendary boxer pledged his support for the country in the wake of the Hamas attacks.

TMZ Sports was told Mayweather's jet landed in Israel early Sunday evening (local time) with over 100 boxes of necessary supplies. Late last week the plane was loaded floor to ceiling with boxes in Los Angeles, brought on the plane by volunteers, including Floyd's TMT bodyguards.

Mayweather was already one of the most vocal celebs in pledging support for Israel, but when it became clear there was a need for a plane to deliver supplies, we're told Floyd stepped up in a big way.

Floyd, working with his friend Jona Rechnitz, along with Maya Sinai and David and Gitel Rubin, sourced the jet and pilots (TBE's), and thousands of pounds of supplies, to fly across the world to Israel and deliver to the IDF and civilians.

Just getting there was a trek ... the plane went from L.A. to NYC to London and then finally Tel Aviv ... just miles from a war zone.

“David Rubin is the child of Holocaust survivors. He is so tuned in to do anything he can for the survival of the Jewish people. When I called Floyd and asked him if he would be willing to send his plane to Israel with necessary supplies for soldiers, he said, 'Of course. I got your back. I don’t care how much it costs. Make it happen,'” Rechnitz said of Floyd's willingness to help.

Floyd's actions shouldn't come as a surprise ... he immediately condemned last weekend's attacks, and has made it very clear where he stands.

"I stand with Israel and Jews all around the world. I condemn antisemitism at all cost. I stand for Peace. I stand for Human Rights! Terrorism Is Never The Answer!"

Note: Mayweather has started a fundraiser, selling custom TMT Israel hats ... with proceeds going to Leket, an Israeli food bank.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have clearly decided to remove any doubt from the doubters, because they were all loved up Saturday night, showing the world what's up with their romance.

It's the first time we've seen them show PDA ... holding hands as they headed into Nobu before heading over to 30 Rock to appear on "Saturday Night Live."

Taylor's appearance was a big surprise ... she only uttered 4 words but people in the crowd went nuts when she introduced Ice Spice.

After the show, both Travis and Taylor hit up Catch Steak for the 'SNL' after-party. An eyewitness tells TMZ the 2 were kissing at Catch and Travis' arm was firmly planted around Taylor's waist. They stayed until 4 AM.

We've been telling you for weeks they're a couple. In fact, our sources have told us they've been dating for several months now, but this kinda puts a nail in the coffin of the conspiracy theorists, although that probably won't be the case.

The weather was crappy, but it didn't stop them from hitting the town.

Taylor's been in the air a lot this week ... flying from NYC to Kansas City to watch her BF's game, then flying to L.A. for the premiere of her new movie, and then flying back to NYC with Travis for "SNL."

Taylor Swift is so popular right now she can just say a few syllables -- and everyone goes completely nuts!!

Case in point ... Taylor made a brief -- and we mean very brief -- appearance on Saturday Night Live to introduce Ice Spice for her second performance of the evening, featuring the song, "Pretty Girl."

After a commercial break, Taylor popped up on screen and gave a four-word introduction to her music collaborator on the remix of her tune, "Karma." Taylor said, "Once Again, Ice Spice."

The crowd went absolutely crazy, screaming with applause!!!

Travis Kelce also made a cameo ... after Keenan Thompson joked that he was done with the NFL talking about Taylor's romance and wanted to hear from someone who actually talked football. Travis suddenly appeared and quipped, "Yes, me!."

And that was that. Taylor and her new beau, Travis Kelce, didn't stick around to hit the stage with the SNL cast at the end of the show, but host Pete Davidson thanked them for coming.

Of course, Taylor and Travis were in town making other big news, enjoying an intimate sushi dinner that turned into a media frenzy at Nobu in Manhattan Saturday night.

Check out video of the couple strolling hand-in-hand past the sushi bar as Travis acknowledged the chefs, one of whom waved hello to him.

An eyewitness tells us Taylor and Travis sat down next to each other and were cuddling throughout the meal.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have shown flashes of PDA, but never quite like this -- namely, the first time we've seen them hold hands in public ... and TMZ's got the video.

The hot new couple hit the town in NYC Saturday night ... strolling into Nobu with nobody else but them, and some security guards in tow. In other words, it was date night -- which was evidenced by the way they were grabbing on to each other, and TK leading the way.

On top of the romantic gesture here, eyewitnesses tell us they were also cuddling at their table. On the way out ... Travis proved to be a gentleman, putting Taylor's coat on for her.

Remember, we already told you they had plans to spend the entire weekend together ... y'know, in light of Trav having a few days since his team got their game over with on Thursday. His brother, Jason, plays with the Eagles in nearby New Jersey tomorrow -- so it would appear they're in town for that and will most likely attend together. Big step, indeed.

Just yesterday, there were a bunch of SUVs parked outside of Travis's home in Kansas City ... so yeah, TayTay spent the night. Later Saturday, her private jet took off from KC and landed on the East Coast. Now, they're gallivanting around the Big Apple together.

Like we said, this is the first time we're seeing them straight up hold hands like boyfriend/girlfriend -- before this ... we saw them cozying up at a Kansas City afterparty.

Of course, everybody also saw them drive away together in Travis's muscle car convertible.

The only other time we've seen them in the same picture frame was when someone recorded them leaving the stadium on that 1st game she went to in-person a few weeks ago ... but they weren't touching then. Now, they totally are ... it's safe to say, they're dating.

TBH, the way Travis literally manifested this thing out of nowhere it's pretty inspiring. He literally just recounted a time he attempted to shoot his shot (to no avail at first) ... and just like that, he will a relationship into existence. Talk about the power of the universe, huh?

Of course, the NFL itself has obviously been eating this pairing up like nobody's business ... they've been loving all the hype and attention it's getting -- not to mention the ratings.

Assuming these two come out to tomorrow's game, FOX is in for a swarm of eyeballs. It would mark the the first time Trayvis would be in a private suite, side by side.

The mother of one of Antonio Brown's children is fed up with the ex-NFL star ... telling TMZ Sports he's still ducking child support payments -- and now, she wants him arrested over it.

Wiltrice Jackson -- who gave birth to Brown's daughter, Antanyiah, in 2008 -- spoke with us about her ex this week ... claiming he owes her nearly $31,000.

And, she says if she doesn't get the cash ASAP ... she wants him behind bars.

Of course, cops have already been ordered by the court to arrest Brown ... after a judge ruled back in August that he missed child support payments. According to court records, there's been no movement in the case since the order was issued.

It was the second time this year that a judge has issued the order against Brown.

Jackson says, regardless, it's all getting old for her ... and she's now wishing police would find him and slap the cuffs on him once and for all.

"I do want him arrested," she said. "Because, right now, he's making a mockery out of the judge, out of everything, because he feels like he's untouchable."

It's not all about dollar bills, though ... Jackson's attorney, Pascal Michel, tells us his client wants Brown to be "an involved father," especially since his 15-year-old daughter is following in his footsteps as a star athlete.

In fact, Jackson said Antanyiah -- who participates in track and field at her high school -- has received interest from over 80 schools, including the University of Miami and Oregon.

"By him having a daughter like an athlete like her, you would think he'd be in her corner to support her," Jackson said.

"I'm feeling better than ever, honestly. I would say I got a little bored with the UFC. Maybe a little complacent."

That's a 39-year-old, rejuvenated Derek Brunson ... fresh off signing a multi-fight deal with the PFL after a decade-plus-long career with the UFC.

Brunson has tons of great things to say about his old promotion, but he's also pumped for a fresh start.

"Now being with a new organization, I got that hunger, that motivation back, and I'm feeling really good. I haven't ran in like 5 years. I just started back running, I'm excited to see what we can do here."

FYI, Brunson lost his last two UFC fights ... against two of the best in the middleweight division, Dricus Du Plessis and Jared Cannonier. Before the losses, Derek won five in a row including wins over Darren Till, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Kevin Holland.

Brunson's set to compete in the PFL's million-dollar tourney ... a journey he'll begin on November 24. It won't be easy ... he's fighting 2x champ Ray Cooper III.

Logan Paul kicked Dillon Danis' ass, dominating his rival and winning the fight ... before a melee erupted in the ring!

After weeks of trash talk so intense it sparked a lawsuit and restraining order, the men finally got to punch each other (though, Dillon didn't really capitalize on the opportunity), battling in the co-main event at the AO Arena in Manchester in front of a packed crowd ... including Paul's fiance Nina Agdal and brother Jake Paul.

Logan came out hot … and was the far more aggressive fighter in the first round, landing punches, including some heavy body shots. Danis wasn’t active, throwing only a handful of punches.

Round 2 started slow … until midway through the round when Paul unleashed a flurry of shots, seemingly hurting Danis, who covered up and survived until the bell.

In the third, Danis apparently forgot the men were boxing and threw a backlist before dropping to the ground and inviting Logan into his guard. The ref ordered him to his feet.

Four and five were more of the same ... one-sided.

In the 6th, Danis seemed to go for the takedown, grabbing Logan’s legs … actually promoting Paul’s security to enter the ring during the round!

Order was momentarily restored ... until it wasn't. Moments later, Danis attacked Paul as the ref tried to separate the men, and everyone rushed the ring. The fight was stopped, and Danis was disqualified. Paul was up on all three judges scorecards.

It was 28-year-old Paul's first boxing match since he fought Floyd Mayweather in June 2021 ... an exhibition bout without a winner.

30-year-old Dillon's layoff was even longer. Despite his combat sports background, he hadn't fought since June 2019 ... when he competed at Bellator 222, a fight he won by submission. Before today, Danis had never boxed ... and may never again.

Paul vs. Danis was more than your typical celeb/influencer fight ... there were no handshakes and huge here -- before or after the fight. This was real bad blood ... and a lot of it had to do with Logan's fiancée, who was dragged into the fray in the lead-up to the event.

Remember, Agdal sued Danis in early September ... accusing Dillon of posting "despicable" things about her on social media hundreds of times. Nina even got a restraining order, but the trolling never stopped.

Paul and Danis gave the fans a bit of a preview of the fight on Friday when chaos erupted during the final fighter face-off. Logan pelted Dillon with a can, and DD responded, throwing a microphone that hit Paul in the face, drawing blood.

Adding insult to injury for Danis, all signs point to Agdal's lawsuit continuing ... and there's a lot of money on the line.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are making every minute count before she jets off to Argentina November 9 for her 'Eras' tour because they spent the night together Friday at his home.

Taylor's security cars were parked outside Travis' mansion, keeping a watchful eye out for gawkers and trespassers.

As you know, Taylor was cheering her BF on Thursday night, and it's the third game she's attended. She was hanging with Travis' mom and dad, along with Brittany Mahomes.

You gotta know there's something fairly serious going on. Taylor flew from NYC to L.A. Wednesday to attend the world premiere of her movie at The Grove and then booked it for Kansas City the next day to show up at the game that night.

Kamaru Usman had a nearly impossible decision to make Wednesday morning ... travel nearly 8,000 miles and fight Khamzat Chimaev on 9 days notice, and now the former welterweight champ is opening up on why he decided to step in against one of the most dangerous men in the world!

"I leave training and I get the call from [manager Ali Abdelaziz] and I'm immediately excited. That's where you are, you're excited about what could potentially be," 36-year-old Usman told Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" show on Friday (airs weekdays on FS1).

But, the UFC legend said he didn't want "to be hasty and do something unintelligent," so after speaking with his coaches, who didn't object, Kamaru told his people he'd take Tuesday night to decide.

When the sun rose Wednesday morning, the choice was crystal clear for Usman, who "texted Ali and said, 'Let's do this!'"

Of course, Usman is stepping in for Paulo Costa -- the middleweight contender -- who was originally scheduled to fight Chimaev. unfortunately, Costa is dealing with a medical issue, and wasn't going to be cleared.

With less than two weeks before UFC 294, the co-main event was in serious jeopardy ... but then Kamaru saved the day.

Now, Usman faces a huge challenge in the 29-year-old, undefeated Khamzat ... who Kamaru admits is very dangerous.

"He's very skilled. He's strong, he's big. He's fast, he can wrestle, he can grapple, he can strike. He has everything," Kamaru said, "But so do I."

"At the end of the day, we're all human beings. Everyone feels invincible until someone pokes that balloon."

Usman (#1) and Chimaev (#4), are both top 5 ranked welterweights ... but the fight's being contested at middleweight (185 lbs.)

We asked the Nigerian Nightmare if he's been told a win earns him a title shot.

"I mean, it's a no-brainer," Kamaru said, before making it clear he's solely focused on KC.

"I've got a mountain in front of me that I have to scale. We'll get through that first and then we'll worry about what's next."

Check out the full interview ... there's much more with Kamaru, including whether we've seen the last of him at welterweight, where he's arguably the G.O.A.T.

David Ortiz is still mourning the death of Tim Wakefield ... telling TMZ Sports this week his former Red Sox teammate was a "great guy, man."

"Great guy," he repeated.

Ortiz opened up to us about Wakefield for a few moments while out in Los Angeles ... just days after the former Boston star pitcher died from brain cancer.

Big Papi said the knuckleballer was straight-up "like my family, man" ... and you can see in the clip, he's obviously still in pain over the passing.

Ortiz and Wakefield grew close during their time together at Fenway Park -- you'll recall, they shared a locker room with one another for nine seasons. And, the two formed such a strong bond ... Wakefield actually showed up to Cooperstown last year to watch Ortiz get inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Papi is hardly the only former Red Sox player to express heartbreak over Wakefield's death -- multiple former teammates sent thoughts and prayers on social media as well.

Tim was just 57 years old.

If it wasn't for music, Rick Ross could've been a damn good basketball player ... at least, that's according to famed NBA shooting coach Lethal Shooter, who tells TMZ Sports the rapper's got the goods on the court!

Lethal -- real name Chris Matthews -- came to the conclusion after working with the "Hustlin'" artist earlier this month before he had to take a private jet to Las Vegas.

Matthews spent about an hour with the celeb ... and he was so impressed with Ross' work ethic, he said the dude could've been "elite" on the hardwood if he had chosen ball over hip hop.

"As soon he got out of the car, he didn't waste any time," Matthews said of Ross. "He was looking to train. He only took two breaks. He wanted to learn."

Matthews, of course, didn't say an NBA career would've been in Ross' future if he had picked basketball at a young age ... but he explained to us the 47-year-old could've potentially made it as a college hooper if he wanted.

"I feel like people don't realize Rick Ross is pretty tall and anything that somebody put their mind to, they're capable of," Matthews said.

"What I saw from somebody, the age that he's at, that he was learning so fast I think he could've been capable at a young age to play at an elite level as far as high school and college."

Matthews knows a thing or two about A-listers with hoops skills ... he's trained a bunch of celebs over the years -- and told us guys like Future and Mark Cuban have some underrated games.

"When I was training Mark Cuban a few months back," Matthews said, "I felt like you can tell at a young age he was one of those guys that was always gonna bring it on defense, always gonna bring the intensity."

When the 38-year-old is not helping celebrities with their jump shots ... he's going nonstop at giving back to his hometown Washington D.C. -- telling us he recently donated $18K to three different schools in the DMV area.

10/16/23 12:45 PM PT -- Cops say they took Walter into custody over the weekend.

3:23 PM PT -- Marty York just broke his silence, posting a photo of Walter and writing, "This is the hardest post I'm ever going to have to write. Last night my mother was murdered by a man she was seeing. Right now there is a nationwide manhunt."

He continues, "If you've seen this man please call the police immediately. I can't even comprehend what is happening right now, but I feel if I find this person I'm going to physically maul him. I pray to God I don't find him because it will be a fate worse then hell."

Tragedy has struck the family of "The Sandlot" actor Marty York, his mother, a sheriff's deputy, was murdered in her own home ... and cops are on the hunt for the alleged killer.

Cops say Deanna Esmaeel was found dead Thursday inside her home in Crescent City, California. On Friday, the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office -- where Deanna is a deputy -- put out an alert to the public in hopes of tracking down Deanna's boyfriend, Daniel James Walter.

Investigators say Walter, who recently changed his name to Edward Patrick Davies, is the suspect in Deanna's murder ... though they don't say what happened.

According to the alert, deputies were able to locate Walter's vehicle, but the 54-year-old was nowhere to be found.

Sheriff Scott of the DNSO released a statement following Deputy Esmaeel's death, saying, "We are all deeply heartbroken with the loss of Deputy Esmaeel. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers."

Marty York played "Yeah-Yeah" in the 1993 classic "The Sandlot" and has continued to act on various projects through the years. He has not yet publicly commented on his mother's murder.

Haley Cavinder's borrowing a phrase from another hooper who was pretty good at basketball ... I'm back!

22-year-old Haley, after penning an emotional goodbye letter with her twin sister Hanna in April, has decided she won't hang up her Nike's after all ... she's entered the transfer portal and plans to play again starting next season.

Cavinder's last run on the court was epic ... she helped lead the Univ. of Miami women's basketball team to their first-ever Elite Eight. The Cinderella run included an upset of No. 1 seeded Indiana, a game Cavinder iced with clutch free throws in the final seconds.

Haley earned second-team All-ACC honors that season, averaging 12 points and four rebounds.

Aside from the success on the court, Haley's also a star away from the hardwood ... counting nearly three-quarters of a million followers on Instagram.

Haley and her sister Hanna also signed an NIL deal with the WWE as part of its inaugural "Next In Line" class. Many fans expected them to join the pro wrestling powerhouse as the next step in their career.

Adding to the surprise of Haley's decision ... she made it clear she didn't want to play without Hanna, saying, "I started with her, so at the end of the day, I want to end basketball and start our new lives together, but it was definitely difficult for me."