Brady’s Super Bowl jersey found in Mexico.
Stolen items turn up in Mexico
Tom Brady’s missing Super Bowl jersey has been found in Mexico six weeks after it vanished from the New England Patriots’ locker room — but the mystery isn’t over.
The National Football League said the jersey was found in “possession of a credentialed member of the international media,” and authorities were investigating Monday whether a former Mexican tabloid newspaper executive played a role in the theft.
It wasn’t the only piece of memorabilia recovered: Authorities found a Brady jersey that had gone missing after the Patriots’ 2015 Super Bowl win over the Seattle Seahawks. A helmet belonging to a Denver Broncos player was also discovered, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
The stolen jersey — and the investigation that stretched from Boston to the border — captivated Patriots fans and social media for several days after the Patriots’ 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons.
“If it shows up on eBay or something, somebody let me know,” Brady said after the game.
Houston police investigators relied on a tip from an informant to trace the jersey, estimated to be worth about $500,000, to Mexico.
U.S. and Mexican officials have not identified the suspect, but the name of a former newspaper director circulated widely in Mexican news media and on social networks.
A Mexican federal government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case, said the attorney general’s office participated in the investigation and obtained a search warrant. The jersey and other objects were found March 12, the official said.
The newspaper’s owner, Organizacion Editorial Mexicana, issued a statement saying the director resigned two days later for “personal reasons.”
Jets sign McCown: The New York Jets have turned to Josh McCown in their winter-long search for a quarterback.
A person familiar with the one-year contract it is for $6 million fully guaranteed. The deal includes a potential $7 million in additional incentives — including $2 million in playing bonuses ($125,000 for each game playing at least 50% of the snaps) and $5 million in playoff / Super Bowl bonuses.
The Jets had just the inexperienced Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg on their roster, and McCown provides a veteran presence who could potentially start and be a mentor to the youngsters.
McCown, who’ll turn 38 on July 4, played the past two seasons with Cleveland.
Smith joins Giants: The New York Giants signed former Jets quarterback Geno Smith.
A second-round draft choice out of West Virginia in 2013, Smith, 26, has been a bust after a good rookie season. He missed most of last season after surgery for an ACL injury in October.
“Geno has a great, positive attitude, and he’s looking forward to learning and competing in our QB room,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese said.