Eagles-Colts’ joint practice ends in sideline-clearing brawl sparked by Jason Kelce’s ‘cheap shot’ on Zaire Franklin

Philadelphia and Indianapolis got into a bit of turmoil during joint practice on Tuesday, so much so that practice had to be canceled ahead of Thursday’s preseason finale.

A fight during joint training is hardly surprising, but Jason Kelce as a fire starter is. The self-admitted “cheap shot” he delivered to Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin was the wow moment at the NovaCare Complex.

The usually affable Kelce objected to Franklin’s spirited hits on Kenneth Gainwell and – according to multiple reports – covered for Franklin, who was blinded, after he built up a blast of steam.

This led to a wider brawl, one of several skirmishes between the two organizations during training.

According to Josh Tolentino from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Kelce-Franklin moment resulted in “every player” standing on the field and punches being thrown.

“We try to keep things civil on the pitch, and I’m proud to be a man who keeps the emotions and the level of play alive, and I let my emotions get the better of me,” Kelce told the club after training. reporters.

“That certainly doesn’t belong on the field, and I’m a little embarrassed that it got to that level.”

Naturally, Franklin was also asked about the brawl by Colts reporters when the team’s PR staff brought it up.

“When you have joint practices against other organizations, sometimes your speed is not their speed,” Franklin said. “People get offended, that’s life.

“Growing up in Philly, watched Kelce for a long time, great respect for him. I spoke to him briefly after we played them last year.’

The Philadelphia native then added a little extra spice to Thursday night’s preseason finale for both teams at The Linc.

“I thought the OGs would at least look me in the eye, but it’s all good. I might get a chance to look him in the eye on Thursday, so I’ll be fine.”

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni didn’t seem to mind if Gainwell’s comments were to be taken into account.

Indianapolis linebacker Zaire Franklin got a blind shot from Kelce after a rough play

When asked what Sirianni said after the brawl – the practice was subsequently canceled – Gainwell told reporters the message was; “Just keep each other safe.

“You know, we’re a team and we don’t let anyone come into our house and take over. But you know, we will continue to work hard every day.

Gainwell then added; “But we punched them in the ass.”

If nothing else, there will be additional bragging rights for both organizations to play for on Thursday night.