Steelers Training Camp Gets Heated After Another Explosive Practice Brawl

The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to physical training camp practices. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, even made a bet on who the first two players to fight would be. While Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick have not been involved in any major camp altercations yet, tensions boiled over between a rookie and a first year free agent signing on Wednesday. 

The fight broke out when the team ran 11-on-11 drills late into non-padded practice. Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson took a handoff and received a physical hit from defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo, prompting a response from the offense. 

Being taken to the ground on a tackle isn't typical for a non-padded practice, and some players took exception -- notably, McCormick and the offensive line. 

This isn't the first time that a scuffle has broken out in Latrobe in 2025, and it likely won't be the last. Last week, tight end Jonnu Smith and safety Juan Thornhill, both new additions to the Steelers, got into an altercation and had to be separated. The fight came after Smith made a leaping grab over Thornhill and threw the ball in his direction, prompting a response that lasted for the rest of practice. 

The rookie Johnson was also involved in another skirmish at the team's Friday Night Lights practice, during the famous Backs on Backers drill. The session involves a one-on-one duel between a running back and a linebacker, replicating a pass-blocking rep. Johnson got the better of linebacker Mark Robinson and let him know it, which led to a brawl among the position groups. Johnson is all of 6'1, 220 pounds and was known for a bruising playstyle coming out of Iowa. Meanwhile, Robinson's prowess is his ability to hit hard, especially on special teams. Robinson is fighting for a spot in a crowded linebacker room, while the rookie rusher looks to overtake Kenneth Gainwell as the second string running back soon.

The energy at Latrobe has carried a different weight this year, with record turnouts. Fans are eager to get their eyes on the new look Steelers, with significant additions made in the offseason. With pads coming on, and players battling for a spot on the initial final 53-man roster, the action gets closer to real game reps -- fights and all.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has An Interesting Philosophy On Training Camp Fights

There's no doubt that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has seen his share of training camp fights, and Rodgers gave fans a peek behind the curtain when he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show.

"He’s definitely not promoting fights," Rodgers said. "That’s one of the rules. No fighting, but if something starts, whip his a**."

While Tomlin preaches discipline and attention to detail, the Steelers are also known as a "tone-setting" team. There's no doubt that these spirited camp brawls lend themselves to the hard-hitting attitude that defines Pittsburgh Steelers football. 

Many would agree that fights at training camp aren't necessarily a bad thing, but rather the team playing with an edge and physicality that will be needed when the regular season comes. Either way, the Steelers will have a chance to showcase that physicality when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars for their first preseason action on Saturday, August 9th at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. With the heat being turned up and the regular season approaching, don't be surprised to see even more action in the coming weeks.

What do you think about fights going on at training camp? Let us know in the comments below!

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