Jason Kelce Admits Fault For Hit That Started a Brawl With the Colts
Today’s joint practice between the Eagles and the Colts got a bit chippy. Multiple fights were breaking out throughout the day. First AJ Brown took offense to a late hit from Colts Safety Julian Blackmon, leading to the two needing to be separated. Derek Barnett caused another scuffle, it is always him, when he broke the cardinal rule of camp and put his hands on the QB. That led to him being swarmed by Colts O-Linemen. But the 3rd incident, and the one that led to the joint practice being ended, came when Jason Kelce took a late cheap shot on Colts LB Zaire Franklin. Kelce took offense to consecutive late hits by Franklin on Kenny Gainwell.
To his credit, Jason Kelce took full blame for it when he spoke to the media afterward.
Jason Kelce takes blame for starting the scuffle at the end of practice. He says it shouldn’t have happened. pic.twitter.com/rCQAey3zx7
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) August 22, 2023
You can tell Kelce feels genuine remorse for his actions. He has never been known for being the hot head on the field. Kelce said he prides himself for being level-headed. But he just had a moment today where he felt the need to defend his teammate. And in his defense, the Colts were not innocent here. There were late hits piling up. And I am sure Kelce’s teammates appreciate him defending them, even if he went about it the wrong way. And taking a cheap blindside hit on Zaire Franklin is definitely the wrong way to go about it.
The two teams play this Thursday. As with most of the games so far, it is unlikely Jason Kelce or any of the Eagles starters will be out there much, if at all. Zaire Franklin in his own post-practice press conference spoke about hoping to look Kelce in the eyes later today. Though maybe he should look inwards like Kelce did and realize his own part in causing the scuffle.
Kelce was wrong for making the blindside hit. As he said, he cannot let his emotions get the better of him like that. But at the very least, he is man enough to get out there and accept the blame. Can’t say the same for many of the Colts players, who after practice were saying things like “62 is a bitch” or responding like Franklin did.
“I thought the OGs would at least look me in the eye before [hitting me]. But it’s all good. I’m might get a chance to look him in the eye on Thursday so we’re going to be OK.”
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 22, 2023
Colts LB Zaire Franklin on getting blindsided by Jason Kelce. pic.twitter.com/CrJ0bq2nzG
You may also enjoy:
G-O B-I-R-D-S! Meet the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders
