Detroit Lions Pause Practice After 2 Star Players Fight

 
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell had to stop practice this week due to two star players getting into multiple fights.
NFL players on the same team are supposed to get along, but that’s not always the case. It’s not uncommon for fights to break out between players on the same team during practice, although it’s never a good thing. Now, the Detroit Lions are getting ready for their upcoming 2025-26 season, and unfortunately, some tensions have already flared up on the field.

The Detroit Lions brand is a tough one. The team is known for its grit, and the Motor City is known for being strong. So, fighting is on brand but should obviously still be avoided.

Well, on Thursday, July 24, a few fights broke out during the Lions’ training camp, and it got so heated that head coach Dan Campbell had to pause practice. It’s a moment that we hope doesn’t happen again as the Lions prep for their upcoming run.

 
Detroit Lions Fight Causes Dan Campbell to Pause Practice
According to reports, things got so heated at practice, that Campbell had to pause the whole thing. Players Giovanni Manu and Brodric Martin got into it during practice, but two higher profile players also got into a scuffle.

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch reportedly got into a tiff, and it was supposedly “pretty intense.” Let’s hope these guys can patch things up, because it only helps the team to have everybody playing nice.

According to a report from Kory Woods of MLive, “#Lions HC Dan Campbell had to stop practice again today, as the physicality was once again pretty intense. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch got into it a few times. Things also became a bit chippy between Giovanni Manu and Brodric Martin. Team will be in full pads Friday.”

Colton Pouncy of The Athletic added to that report, stating on X, “Dan Campbell stopped practice today after several scuffles broke out in the early portion. Brian Branch and Amon-Ra St. Brown went at it multiple times. Second day in a row practice was stopped. On Tuesday, it was for tackling in shorts. Pads go on tomorrow. They’re ready.”

Pouncy added that “to clarify, practice only stopped for a few minutes before resuming. It wasn’t cut short.” So, it’s good that the team was able to regroup and get on the field again.

“Maybe fighting each other and getting everyone hurt isn’t the best strategy for the first week of practice,” one follower noted.

 
The Lions Can’t Risk Stupid Injuries
Following the news of the Lions already having so many injuries, you really don’t want to see Branch and Brown risk hurting themselves to get into a little fight. This team needs all the healthy players they can get, and those players are superstars on the team. It could be really bad to see the injured, especially for a stupid reason like infighting.

Detroit’s offense has been their biggest asset, and there’s no reason these guys shouldn’t get along. They’re also veterans, and they have to set a good example for the rest of the team. Let’s hope the upcoming practices have a more positive vibe.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson