Detroit Lions' 2024 camp erupts as Amon-Ra St. Brown & Brian Branch scuffle. Get the details on the intense July 29 practice and the team's fiery culture.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
If you were wondering if the Detroit Lions would rest on their laurels, Tuesday's practice provided a definitive, bone-rattling answer. The pads were on, the intensity was cranked to eleven, and the scuffles were plentiful. This wasn't just a practice; it was a statement. From the trenches to the secondary, players were flying around, competing, and making it clear that every single roster spot will be earned, not given.
I think we went three-for-three on the rookie shows, for sure.
The 'Grit' hats might as well have been hard hats on Tuesday, as at least four separate scuffles broke out during team drills. The battles weren't limited to the trenches, either. Star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and top defensive back Brian Branch got into a heated altercation, a clash of two of the team's most competitive players. Elsewhere, the massive duo of Brodric Martin and rookie Giovanni Manu tangled, showcasing the physicality Dan Campbell loves. While coaches usually preach discipline, this level of fire in late July is exactly what forges a tough team. As rookie guard Tate Ratledge, no stranger to intense practices from his days at Georgia, noted, it's all part of the process.
While the fights grabbed the headlines, a crucial transition was solidifying at the heart of the offense. Head Coach Dan Campbell confirmed that veteran Graham Glasgow has officially taken over at center following the retirement of All-Pro Frank Ragnow. 'We just finished two days with Graham back at center in pads, and it's looked pretty good,' Campbell told reporters. The team is also protecting its future, announcing that first-round DT Tyleik Williams and second-round OL Tate Ratledge will be held out of Thursday's Hall of Fame Game. The message is clear: the Lions have big plans for their top rookies and are prioritizing their readiness for the regular season over a preseason exhibition.
The high intensity came at a price. The Lions' secondary, a key area of focus this offseason, took a hit when rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold exited practice with a leg injury. The severity is not yet known, but any missed time for the first-round pick is a concern. Linebacker Derrick Barnes also left early with a hand injury. They join a growing list of sidelined players, including RB Sione Vaki (hamstring) and DL Roy Lopez (foot). Meanwhile, Taylor Decker remains on the PUP list, though his return is projected for after the Hall of Fame game.
After a day of clashing helmets, the rookies lightened the mood with the annual talent show. First-round pick Tyleik Williams showcased his vocal chops with a rendition of Keith Sweat's 'Nobody.' Not to be outdone, offensive lineman Tate Ratledge brought the house down with Jeezy's 'Jeezy The Snowman,' even removing his shirt for dramatic effect. It was a perfect display of the team's culture: ferocious competition on the field, followed by camaraderie and fun off it. As Williams confidently stated after, 'I think we went three-for-three on the rookie shows, for sure.'
Tuesday was a microcosm of the 2025 Detroit Lions: tough, talented, and teeming with personality. While the injury report is something to monitor, the palpable energy and competition are undeniable signs of a team ready to attack its lofty goals. As the team prepares for the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday—sans a few key rookies—the focus will shift to the players battling for the final roster spots. One thing is certain: practice might be intense, but this team is building a bond they hope will carry them deep into January.
