Seattle Seahawks training camp reached a boiling point on Wednesday, the final fully padded practice before their first preseason game, as a series of intense fights broke out. Among the most notable was a clash involving star receiver DK Metcalf, who found himself in a heated altercation with cornerback Tre Brown.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that the practice saw at least five separate skirmishes. The confrontation between Metcalf and Brown unfolded in front of an NFL Network crew, with cameras capturing much of the fracas. The incident led to an impromptu team meeting where head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the squad before practice resumed.
Training camp fights are not unusual, but the Seattle Seahawks could face a significant fine if similar incidents occur during their upcoming joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. The NFL recently handed out $200,000 fines to the New York Giants and Detroit Lions following multiple altercations in a joint practice session, highlighting the league’s stance on such behavior.
Despite the potential for financial penalties, players often view these scuffles as a normal part of the training camp grind. “Fights are a regular thing,” cornerback Artie Burns said in an interview with Bump and Stacy before Wednesday’s practice. “I think fights at camp are just a way that guys let each other know ‘hey, I’m here.’ I don’t think it’s anything personal. Most times guys brush it off and shake hands after that. But the fine is crazy.”
Burns, who had previously faced Baltimore’s dominant defense under now-Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, also shared his thoughts on the impact of Macdonald’s defensive schemes. Reflecting on a tough game against the Ravens last year, Burns said, “I think everyone on the sideline was in shock. The aggression they had, the swag they had, the whole scheme was so good. And it’s translating over here in Seattle, so I’m really excited to see how it works in a game when we can actually hit the quarterback and have an effect on the quarterback.”
While the Seahawks navigate these fiery moments and their implications, the focus remains on channeling this intensity into effective preparation for the season ahead.