It’s no surprise when the competitive juices flowing between gridiron giants results in fisticuffs. That’s why NFL training camps are so fun to watch — these men are fighting to solidify their place on their respective NFL team.
The recent fights involving Dez Bryant, and the Redskins and Texans prove that there’s more to the game than just reading playbooks and running routes. There’s pride on the line, and many players will be damned if they don’t leave their sweaty soul on that field. But, leaving it all on the field sometimes comes with a few instances of head-butting, choke-holding, and punch-throwing. Here’s a few times that the action on the training field turned ugly.
Dez Bryant vs. Tyler Patmon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtOOchL8rTU
This one almost looked like the opening round of a UFC fight, with both men throwing haymakers after tossing off their helmets.
Richard Sherman vs. Phil Bates and Doug Baldwin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP9-uOjxyTY
Richard Sherman had no problem getting into a few grappling exchanges with his teammates here, but he failed to shoot the double-leg takedown. Always go for the double-leg.
Zach Piller vs. Albert Haynesworth
Piller looked to get the better of Haynesworth in this exchange after a nice-looking judo toss worthy of Ronda Rousey.
Redskins vs. Texans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q02cG1VRLHs
With a shot at the WWE Championship possibly on the line at SummerSlam, the Redskins and Texans engaged in a wild Royal Rumble.
Packers vs. Themselves
A few scuffles broke out at this Packers scrimmage game, and it’s hard to tell who is fighting who, but it’s probably safe to say the Packers won.
Shawntae Spencer vs. Ahmad Brooks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj99kkIRSI4
This one isn’t as violent as the others, but it’s fun to watch what’s supposed to be a friendly tackle turn into a bit of head slapping.
LeGarrette Blount vs. Eric Bakhtiari
Blount, as we all remember, is no stranger to punching players on the field.
Brock Lesnar vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Following a nice tackle, “The Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar gets back-body-dropped by a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Shortly thereafter, The Undertaker appeared and choke-slammed him.
Cowboys vs. Raiders vs. A Fan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2B1DyNgcx4
“I’m going to hit this 300-pound football player in the head with a helmet,” said only this guy who decided it was a good day to play with fire.
Michael Westbrook vs. Stephen Davis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Phk4tX6EKg?t=1m2s
In a 1997 NFL training-camp incident, Michael Westbrook was caught on tape grounding and pounding Stephen Davis. The one-sided beatdown resulted in Westbrook receiving a $50,000 fine. The fight was apparently sparked when Davis said something inflammatory toward Westbrook.