The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles held a joint practice on Tuesday ahead of the preseason finale, but unfortunately, the practice was cut short after a massive brawl broke out.
According to multiple reports who were on the scene, the brawl started when Eagles center Jason Kelce laid out Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin with a ‘cheap shot.’ There was also another fight that included Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett and Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Kelce took ownership of his actions afterward, calling his hit on Franklin a “cheap shot.”
“We try and keep things civil on the field, and I pride myself on being a guy that sustains the emotions and level of play out there, and I let my emotions get the better of me,” Kelce said. “That certainly doesn’t belong out there on the field, and a little ashamed that it got to that level.”
Kelce said that he did not meet up with Franklin following practice to address the situation because “probably tensions are a little bit too high for that right now.”
“When you have joint practices against other organizations, sometimes your speed ain’t their speed,” said Franklin, a Philadelphia native. “People get offended — that’s life.
“Growing up in Philly, watching [Kelce] for a long time — lot of respect for him. Talked to him a little bit after we played them last year. I thought the OGs would at least look me in the eye before [hitting me], but it’s all good. I might get a chance to look him in the eye Thursday, so we’re going to be OK.”
The Eagles and Colts play each other Thursday night in the preseason finale for both clubs.
