Tempers flared during a joint practice on August 31, 2023, between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, resulting in multiple fights and one player being ejected. The two-hour session at the Packers’ training facility featured approximately a dozen skirmishes, some escalating into full-blown fights. Packers right tackle Zach Tom was removed from the practice after engaging in a physical altercation with Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Quarterback Jordan Love, who is recovering from left thumb surgery, observed the incidents and noted the intensity of the situation. “I think when you get both sidelines clearing, it’s tough,” he said. “Try your best to break it up and things like that, but it’s going to happen.”
The conflict reportedly began when Jones entered the Packers’ huddle, targeting a ball carrier despite previous tensions. Tom expressed his feelings about the situation, stating, “It’s already disrespectful that they’re in our huddle…got to have some pride, you know?” Reflecting on his ejection, he acknowledged the need for better control, stating, “I can only control what I can control.”
On-field Tensions and Aftermath
The practice continued to see confrontations, particularly during the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. At one point, a Packers defender swung at Seahawks right guard Anthony Bradford, illustrating the heightened emotions on the field. Although the final drills concluded without further incidents, tensions resurfaced after practice when players from both teams engaged verbally in the middle of the field.
Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams expressed his discontent with the conduct of the Packers players, stating, “I didn’t appreciate in general them coming to our sideline while practice was over.” He highlighted the challenges of joint practices, noting, “You don’t want it to happen but it happens.”
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the altercations during his post-practice media session. While he acknowledged the reality of fights in joint practices, he maintained a balanced perspective. “It’s hard to tell what happened, who said what,” he commented. “You want your guys to defend their teammates. There’s a line. Whether we go past the line, I don’t think we did, which is good.”
Players React to the Chaos
Love, who participated only in individual drills due to his injury, took a cautious approach during the confrontations. “I’m kind of just roaming around, making sure everybody’s straight and just seeing kind of what’s going on,” he remarked. “Especially right now with the injury, I’m not going to be getting into any scuffles.”
In a lighter moment, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold offered a humorous take on the situation. When asked how he responds during fights, he quipped, “I’m getting right in there, man. That’s my time to shine.”
As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, the incidents during this practice serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NFL, particularly during joint training sessions. With emotions running high, players and coaches alike must navigate the fine line between intensity and sportsmanship.
