THIS WILL LIGHT A FIREGear up, Swifties ... Brett Favre tells TMZ Sports if the Chiefs don't make this year's Super Bowl -- fans WILL blame it all on Taylor Swift!!
Favre, of course, doesn't think it's right ... but he says, like it or not, it'll come if Travis Kelce and Kansas City aren't able to compete for the Lombardi Trophy next month.
"If they don't win it," Favre said, "or get to the Super Bowl, people are going to say, 'That's why.'"
GettySwift, needless to say, is used to it by now ... after all, people have deemed her a K.C. curse for weeks -- as her new boyfriend and the Chiefs only won five of their last 10 regular season games.
But, good news for her and the rest of Chiefs Kingdom ... Favre tells us he believes Kansas City -- despite being the No. 3 seed -- should still be considered the favorite to come out of the AFC's side of the bracket.
Gallery Taylor Swift at Chiefs Vs. Patriots Launch Gallery Getty"Until Andy Reid is unseated as the champion," Favre said, "I have to see it to believe it."
Kansas City will begin its quest to win its second straight title later Saturday ... when it kicks off its wild card round game in frigid temperatures against the Miami Dolphins.
Fingers crossed, Swifties!!
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Joe Flacco Browns Jersey Sales Up 400% ... Amid Win Streak
1/6/2024 12:30 AM PT
GettyThe Dawg Pound is rallying behind Joe Flacco with their wallets amid the Browns' surprising winning streak ... with fans rushing to buy the backup-backup-backup QB's jersey!!!
The former Super Bowl winner's journey back to the gridiron has been one of the biggest storylines of the season -- he went from sitting on the couch on Sundays to leading the Browns to a 4-1 record after Cleveland lost Deshaun Watson and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson to injuries.
TMZ Sports has learned ... No. 15 threads have been a hot commodity since Flacco took over under center in December.
Fanatics -- the league's official e-commerce partner -- tells us Flacco is among the top 20 most popular jerseys in the NFL ... and is currently the top-selling Browns player.
GettyIn fact, we're told the sales spiked more than 400% during the span of his first victory on Dec. 10 to his playoff berth-clinching performance on Thursday Night Football against his former New York Jets team on Dec. 28.
FYI, Flacco has led the Browns with 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns in just five games ... which is more than he had when he played for the Jets in TWO seasons.
GettyIt's been quite the feel-good story after Flacco tried to find a new home for the past five seasons. Remember, Joe signed with the Denver Broncos, Jets and Philadelphia Eagles after spending 11 years with the Baltimore Ravens.
He won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens in 2013, their second in franchise history.
Now, he has a chance for another championship run with the Browns ... who will face either the Jaguars or the winner of the Texans vs. Colts matchup during Wild Card Weekend.
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Warren Moon Warns Baltimore Ravens ... Don't Rest Starters In Week 18!!!
1/5/2024 12:15 AM PT
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THEY'RE THE BEST TEAM RIGHT NOWWarren Moon says if he were coaching the Ravens, he wouldn't sit Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr. or any other starter this week -- telling TMZ Sports he believes the moves could seriously ruin their chances at a Super Bowl.
Of course, with the No. 1 seed in the AFC already locked up, John Harbaugh revealed earlier this week Jackson and several others will take a seat on the bench against the Steelers on Saturday in order to stay healthy for the postseason.
Moon, though, doesn't think that idea's so great ... explaining that because Baltimore has a bye in the first round of the playoffs, there's now a far greater chance the squad will be rusty when it finally kicks off its divisional round game in more than two weeks.
Getty"As a football player," the Hall of Famer said, "you want to stay within that routine and that habit of what you've been going through the whole season to make you successful."
Moon said he's by no means advocating playing Jackson and co. the full game against Pittsburgh -- he just thinks a few series could mitigate any potential problems down the road.
"That's the only thing that concerns about this team and some of the guys that they're sitting down," the ex-quarterback said. "How sharp are they going to be in three weeks after going through a season where they're used to playing week after week after week?"
GettyIn addition to Jackson ... three other starters -- Beckham, Marlon Humphrey and Kevin Zeitler -- have already been ruled out. Star rookie Zay Flowers and star defensive back Kyle Hamilton appear poised to miss the game too.
Nonetheless, Moon still believes the Ravens have done enough to show him they're the NFL's best heading into 2024.
"They dominated against some of the best teams in the league," he said.
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Derrick Ward Super Bowl Champ Arrested In L.A. ... For Allegedly Robbing Businesses
12/19/2023 6:45 AM PT
GettyDerrick Ward, a former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion, was arrested this week in Los Angeles for allegedly committing multiple robberies around the city, TMZ Sports has learned.
43-year-old Ward, an L.A. native, is accused of robbing several businesses, including gas stations, over a recent period of time.
Law enforcement tells us ... Ward did not use a gun during the alleged robberies -- but officers say he did use force and fear to get money from the stores.
Ward was taken into custody on Monday afternoon and booked into jail around 6:30 PM. His booking information lists him at 6 feet tall, and 230 lbs.
GettyDW was a 7th-round pick (NY Jets) in 2004 ... and also spent time with the NY Giants, Tampa Bay Bucs and Houston Texans over his 8-year professional football career.
Derrick -- who at one point signed a $17 million contract -- was a member of the NYG Super Bowl-winning squad that beat Tom Brady's undefeated New England Patriots to cap the 2007 season.
GettyWard played in 93 NFL games, carrying the rock 551 times for 2,628 yards. He had 15 total touchdowns ... 12 of them rushing.
Derrick is still in custody, according to jail records ... and bail has been set at $250K.
Story developing ...
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Derrick Ward Campeón del Super Bowl es detenido en Los Ángeles ... Por supuestos robos a negocios
12/19/2023 5:30 AM PT
GettyDerrick Ward, ex jugador de la NFL y campeón del Super Bowl, fue arrestado esta semana en Los Ángeles por presuntamente cometer múltiples robos en la ciudad, según ha podido indagar TMZ Sports.
Ward, de 43 años y nativo de Los Ángeles, está acusado de robar en varios negocios, incluyendo gasolineras durante un período de tiempo reciente.
Las autoridades dicen que Ward no utilizó un arma de fuego durante los presuntos robos, pero que sí usó la fuerza y atemorizó a las personas para obtener dinero de las tiendas.
Ward fue detenido el lunes por la tarde y puesto tras las rejas a las 18:30 horas. Su información personal revela que mide 6 pies de altura y pesa 230 libras.
GettyDerrick Ward fue parte de la selección de 7ª ronda de los New York Jets en 2004 y también pasó tiempo con los Giants de Nueva York, los Tampa Bay Bucs y los Houston Texans durante sus 8 años de carrera profesional en el fútbol.
Derrick, que en un momento firmó un contrato de $17 millones, fue miembro de la NYG Super Bowl, el equipo ganador y que venció a los invictos Patriots de Nueva Inglaterra de Tom Brady para cerrar la temporada 2007.
GettyWard jugó en 93 partidos de la NFL, llevando la roca 551 veces por 2.628 yardas. Tuvo 15 touchdowns totales, 12 de ellos corriendo.
De acuerdo con los registros de la cárcel, Derrick todavía está bajo custodia y la fianza se ha fijado en $250K.
Historia en desarrollo ...
Guy Fieri Schools TMZ Staffer On Wings ... Here's How Ya Really Make 'Em!!!
12/17/2023 12:10 AM PT
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HOT COOKING TIPSGrab a pen and paper, chicken wing lovers -- food guru Guy Fieri is dropping knowledge on how to make the perfect drums and flats ... AND keep you from burning your house to a crisp in the process!!
The celebrity chef recently joined the "TMZ Sports" TV show on FS1 to talk about his annual Super Bowl party ... but before he got off the interview, Babcock had to get Guy to weigh in on a recent traumatic food experience.
Here's what happened -- Babcock was enjoying the UFC 294 fights with some buddies back in October ... when a longtime TMZ Sports producer from Buffalo decided to whip together his hometown's signature grub on the stove.
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TMZ STAFFER WINGSBabcock explained there were a few mishaps with the oil during the frying process ... resulting in a smoke-filled apartment and a growing fear the apartment would burst into flames at any moment.
Sources close to the situation tell us the wings were damn good, but came with a side of watery eyes due to the clouds creeping in from the kitchen.
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BIGGEST PARTY EVERGuy gave a step-by-step tutorial on what Babcock's coworker can do moving forward ... and also revealed some key pointers on how he can make them even better next time.
As for the Super Bowl party, Guy Fieri's Flavortown Tailgate will go down in Vegas for the big game this February ... and he said football fans won't want to miss it!!
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Super Bowl LXI To Be Held At SoFi Stadium in 2027 After Unanimous Vote
SoFi Stadium Hosting Super Bowl LXI In 2027 ... Unanimous Vote
12/13/2023 2:36 PM PT
GettyThe Super Bowl is going going, back back, to Cali Cali -- the NFL announced Thursday the Big Game will be held in Los Angeles in 2027 ... after a unanimous owners' vote.
This will be the second time SoFi Stadium hosts the NFL's title game in a five-year span ... and the ninth Super Bowl overall for the city.
Most recently, Super Bowl LVI was held at SoFi when the hometown Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.
"We are very excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Los Angeles for the second time in five years," NFL commish Roger Goodell said in a statement. "The city did an outstanding job hosting Super Bowl 56 in the incredible SoFi Stadium and we believe that Super Bowl 61 will be even more memorable."
Getty"The Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Host Committee and many other outstanding partners will help create an unforgettable week of events culminating in Super Bowl Sunday in 2027 that will celebrate the region as an epicenter of sports, entertainment and culture."
Super Bowl LXI (gotta brush up on your Roman numerals) will follow LX ... which is going down at Levi's Stadium in 2026.
Of course, Las Vegas is hosting this season ... with New Orleans following in 2025.
Get ready to party, L.A.!!
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Peter Boulware Ravens Can Win Super Bowl LVIII!!! ... 'They've Got The Pieces In Place'
12/10/2023 12:35 AM PT
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LOOKIN' STRONGDon't be surprised if Lamar Jackson's lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of this year ... 'cause former Baltimore star Peter Boulware says he's confident the Ravens have what it takes to win the Super Bowl this season.
The ex-pass rusher made it clear to TMZ Sports he loves what the Baltimore QB is doing ... as well as everyone else that's surrounding the talented signal-caller this year.
"They've got the pieces in place and they've got the coaches in place to really, really get it done," Boulware said. "So, they're in a really, really good position."
GettyOf course, Boulware is biased ... he played for the Ravens for the entirety of his career from 1997 to 2005, and won one Super Bowl for the org. But, Baltimore does truly appear to be that good this season.
They're currently 9-3 and tied for the No. 1 seed in the AFC ... and with quarterback injuries all over the conference, they -- alongside the Chiefs -- certainly seem like the favorites for now to make it to the Big Game in February.
GettyThe Ravens will continue their quest to make it all happen on Sunday -- when they take on the Rams at home ... a game we're sure Boulware will be locked in for.
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Peyton Manning Takes Madden Cruiser For A Spin!!!
11/19/2023 12:15 AM PT
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Cruisin' With PeytonPeyton Manning got behind the wheel of late NFL legend John Madden's bus ... hilariously attempting to steal the iconic Madden Cruiser from the Pro Football Hall of Fame!!
But no need to check the jail records ... it was all part of the quarterback's "Peyton's Places" show on ESPN, where Manning and 49ers great John Taylor got an up-close experience with the vehicle.
In a clip of the Omaha Productions project, Manning and Taylor line-hop to get right onto the bus in Canton ... before the two-time Super Bowl champ decides to make a run for it!!
Of course, Madden -- who was famously terrified of flying -- would crisscross the country in his luxurious Madden Cruiser, going from city to city, depending on his broadcasting schedule.
The whip was actually a Greyhound bus before Madden flipped it in the late '80s.
The Madden Cruiser has now been restored to its original condition ... including two color TVS, radio, two laser disc players, stereo and VHS layer.
The whole episode airs on Sunday ... and we're sure there will be a lot more debauchery.
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Memphis Bleek Jeezy's Bigger Than Jay-Z?!? How ... In LBS???
11/17/2023 1:57 PM PT
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CAN'T TOP HOVMemphis Bleek is in such disbelief that Coach K thinks Jeezy is a bigger artist than Jay-Z, that he thinks the label boss must have been talking about anything other than music.
We caught up with the Memph Man along with his Warehouse Music Group crew out in NYC and by his calculations, weight is the only way Jeezy is outsizing Jay in terms of their career.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Joe Burrow Out For Season ... After Suffering Wrist Injury
11/17/2023 11:45 AM PT
GettyUPDATE
12:22 PM -- Joe Burrow just met with media members to discuss the injury ... and he said he felt "a pop" while he was throwing the touchdown pass to Joe Mixon.
As for the brace he had on his hand when he landed in Baltimore earlier this week, he told reporters it was simply a compression sleeve to keep some of his other "bumps and bruises" in check.
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"I HEARD A POP""This is a completely different thing," he said.
Burrow added that he's planning to still be around the team the rest of the year despite being out for the remainder of the season.
The Cincinnati Bengals will have to try to win a Super Bowl this season without Joe Burrow.
The team just announced its star quarterback suffered a significant wrist injury that will keep him from playing the rest of this year.
According to Cincy head coach Zac Taylor, Burrow appeared to sustain the ailment just before throwing a touchdown pass to Joe Mixon in the second quarter of the team's Thursday Night Football game against the Ravens.
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OUT FOR THE SEASONBurrow tried to play through the pain ... but cameras inside of M&T Bank Stadium showed he just simply couldn't grip a football -- and sat out the rest of the contest, which the Bengals lost, 34-20.
Joe Burrow trying to throw pic.twitter.com/04F1zc7HH0
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) November 17, 2023 @cjzeroTaylor said his 26-year-old star will "likely" need surgery to fix the issue.
The team, meanwhile, could find itself in hot water over it all ... as the NFL is reportedly investigating whether or not the Bengals knew about a potential problem with Burrow's wrist leading up to the big "TNF" matchup.
GettyBurrow was seen getting off the team plane in Baltimore wearing some kind of brace on his hand -- yet he was not listed on the team's injury report heading into the game.
Regardless, losing Burrow is obviously a huge blow for Cincinnati ... as the signal-caller is widely considered one of the five best quarterbacks in the game right now.
The Bengals -- now 5-5 -- will turn to Burrow's backup, Jake Browning, to try to save their season.
Originally Published -- 11:45 AM PT
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Floyd Mayweather Boxing J. Gotti III Rematch Of June Fight That Ended W/ Brawl!
11/17/2023 10:05 AM PT
Getty/Alamy CompositeFloyd Mayweather's returning to the boxing ring to take care of some unfinished business ... the legendary fighter is taking on John Gotti III in Las Vegas over Super Bowl weekend in February, a rematch of their '23 fight that ended in chaos!
TMZ Sports is told the event will happen around Super Sunday (February 11 in Sin City) and will be headlined by 46-year-old Mayweather vs. 31-year-old Gotti III.
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CHAOS IN THE ARENAFloyd, 50-0, is one of the greatest fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves. Gotti III, grandson of the legendary Gambino family crime boss, John Gotti, was originally an MMA fighter (5-1), who eventually got into boxing (2-0).
The rest of the card will be anchored by Floyd's Mayweather Promotions fighters.
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6/11/23 BACKSTAGE BRAWLOf course, Floyd and John have history. Back in June, they boxed at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida ... but the bout was called in the sixth round after a bunch of holding and other shenanigans in the ring.
Although the fight was technically stopped by ref Kenny Bayless, it was just the beginning of the fighting ... as mayhem erupted inside the squared circle, and outside of it, too.
In fact, Joseline Hernandez and Big Lex were seen scrapping.
Order was eventually restored ... and reps for the fighters spoke and peaced things up.
Now, the men are set to battle again ... during what was already one of the biggest weeks in all of sports.
And, to make sure there isn't a repeat of the first fight, we're told there are clauses in the contracts that could trigger a financial fine if anyone gets out of line.
Gallery floyd mayweather living large Launch Gallery The fight, a pay-per-view event airing on Zeus network, will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions, along with partner Hidden Empire Films!
The exact date, time and location have not yet been announced.
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Tom Brady Jokingly Makes Wager With C.J. Stroud ... I Bet My SB Ring That UM Beats OSU!!!
11/14/2023 11:43 AM PT
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RIVALRY RENEWEDTom Brady is so confident Michigan will roll over Ohio State in the next couple weeks ... he's betting a Super Bowl ring on it!!!
Well ... kind of.
The seven-time champ and UM alum made the wager with former Buckeyes star C.J. Stroud earlier this week on his "Let's Go!" podcast ... before quickly revealing he was just playing around.
"So," Brady said to the Texans QB on the show as the two signal-callers were bantering about their alma maters, "if Ohio State wins ... how about this, you get one of my Super Bowl rings."
GettyBrady, however, then quickly made it clear he was kidding ... adding, "And if Michigan beats Ohio State, then you got to give me all your youth, your agility, your time in the 40 and all your future years in the NFL."
Stroud played along for a minute, telling the G.O.A.T., "All right, that's a bet. That's a bet," before he said, "I'm not going to take your Super Bowl rings, Tom! I'm not going to lie. That's yours, bro, I want to get my own."
Unclear if the two will ultimately make some sort of wager on this year's rivalry game ... given how confident both guys were when talking about their former squads on the pod.
Gameday, meanwhile, is slated to go down on Nov. 25 -- and while both teams have one contest remaining before then -- the matchup could very well be No. 1 in the country vs. No. 2 by kickoff.
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MATT ULRICH EX JUGADOR DE LA NFL FALLECE A LOS 41 AÑOS
11/8/2023 7:35 AM PT
GettyEl ex jugador de la NFL Matt Ulrich —ganador del Super Bowl con los Indianapolis Colts en 2006— ha muerto, anunció Jim Irsay el miércoles. Tenía 41 años.
Los detalles que rodean su muerte no han sido revelados por el momento.
Irsay compartió sus condolencias en X hace unos minuto, diciendo que a pesar de que el guardia ofensivo estuvo con el equipo por un corto tiempo, su presencia se sintió en toda la organización.
"Estoy desconsolado al enterarme del fallecimiento de Matt Ulrich", dijo Irsay en un sentido post. "Matt estuvo con nosotros solo dos temporadas, pero dejó su huella en muchos".
"Fue un gran tipo y he oído que era un gran padre... fue campeón del Super Bowl. Mis oraciones para su familia. 🙏"
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad---and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Cb21IkP1XT
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 8, 2023 @JimIrsayUlrich fue un atleta estrella en Streamwood High School en Illinois. Recibió altos honores en fútbol y lanzamiento de peso antes de asistir a Northwestern.
Ulrich se unió a Indy en 2005, apareciendo en diez juegos en su carrera, ganándolo todo junto a Peyton Manning en el Super Bowl XLI.
Cuando se jubiló, fundó una empresa de fitness y también se aventuró al mundo de los negocios.
RIP
Matt Ulrich Ex-NFL Offensive Lineman Dead At 41 ... $30k Raised For Family
11/8/2023 9:02 AM PT
GettyFormer NFL player Matt Ulrich -- who won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 -- has died, Jim Irsay announced Wednesday. He was 41 years old.
Details surrounding his death have not been revealed at this time.
Irsay shared his condolences on X just minutes ago ... saying even though the offensive guard was with the team for a short time, his presence was felt throughout the organization.
"I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich," Irsay said in a heartfelt post. "Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many."
"Great guy, I hear he was a great dad---and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family. 🙏"
Ulrich was a star athlete at Streamwood High School in Illinois ... receiving high honors in football and shot put before attending Northwestern.
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich. Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad---and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Cb21IkP1XT
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 8, 2023 @JimIrsayUlrich -- who went undrafted -- joined Indy in 2005 ... appearing in 10 games in his career, winning it all alongside Peyton Manning and Co. at Super Bowl XLI.
He started a fitness company in retirement ... and also ventured into business.
A fundraiser was set up to support Ulrich's family following the athlete's sudden death ... with nearly $30,000 being raised over the past 18 hours.
Tom McMakin -- the CEO of Profitable Ideas Exchange, where Ulrich worked -- donated $20k for the cause. TMZ Sports spoke with McMakin ... and he said Ulrich had the biggest heart in Montana.
"Matt had love and energy for everyone he met," McMakin said ... adding Ulrich was heavily involved in the community by coaching his kids' football teams and providing speed and strength training for young athletes.
GettyMcMakin also praised Ulrich's brain and leadership -- assisting on multiple boards for causes throughout the area and raved about his success in the office.
"An NFL lineman is usually scary ... but Matt immediately put you at ease," McMakin said. "He was a gentle giant."
Tom also commended Ulrich for continuing to focus on his health following his playing days ... pointing out the athlete had lost 40 pounds in recent years and was in "peak condition."
As for why he decided to make the substantial donation, McMakin said, "He helped build our company and he was the heart and soul to the business. It's the least we could do."
RIP
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Chad Johnson Joe Burrow Is The Best QB In The NFL ... When Healthy
11/8/2023 12:20 AM PT
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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECTMove over Patrick Mahomes -- Joe Burrow is actually the best quarterback in the NFL ... so says Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, who tells TMZ Sports the Cincinnati Bengals superstar deserves the title when he's 100% healthy.
Joey B has had his fair share of injuries in his short career -- he tore his ACL and MCL in his rookie season, forcing him to miss the final six games ... and, more recently, suffered a calf strain in July that continued to give him trouble early on in his 2023 campaign.
He's now proving he's back to his usual self after leading the Bengals to four straight wins ... and Ochocinco says this version of Burrow is all the evidence he needs to put him at the top of his QB list.
"A healthy Joe Burrow is the best quarterback in the NFL," 45-year-old Johnson -- who played for the Bengals from 2001 to 2010 -- said this week.
Getty"You can argue Patrick Mahomes, you can argue what other quarterbacks, but he just is."
Burrow has been balling out lately ... with big wins over San Francisco and Buffalo over the past two weeks as the Bengals find themselves in the contender conversation once again.
Since Burrow was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, he has led the Bengals to five postseason wins and a Super Bowl appearance ... something Johnson said shouldn't be ignored.
"What he's done for that franchise in such a short amount of time, I mean, how can he not be [the best]?"
GettySpeaking of Burrow, he appeared on this week's edition of "Inside the NFL" -- which airs Tuesdays on the CW -- and Johnson said he had a blast interviewing the Ohio product.
"It was a joy for me," Johnson said. "It was really, really dope."
.@ochocinco's got a million jobs, but being @JoeyB's nutrition specialist is not one of them. 😂
Catch @JoeyB on #InsideTheNFL tonight at 8/7c on @TheCW pic.twitter.com/gsE3CUiApx
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2023 @NFLAnd, since Johnson was a Bengals receiver, we asked if he would've liked to have played with Burrow during his time in Cincy ... and his answer is really interesting.
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