Chicago Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens the husband of seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles got into a skirmish with one of his teammates during practice
Tempers reached a boiling point at Chicago Bears training camp after defensive back Jonathan Owens whos married to Team USA star Simone Biles got into a scuffle with one of his teammates.
In recent days, several skirmishes have popped up at practices across the league as drills ramp up in physicality. On Wednesday, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was left bloodied while breaking up a fight in a scene that drew playful comparisons to President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, another NFL player has received a 12-game suspension after losing $7.95 million in salary.
One day prior, Bears training camp momentarily devolved into chaos due to a similar brawl. While running a short yardage drill, Owens attempted a late peanut punch on Roschon Johnson, who didnt take kindly to the strip attempt.
The running back swiftly threw the ball at Owens, prompting both players to get up in each others faces. Several light pushes ensued before Johnson tackled the defender to the turf. Players and coaches quickly dissolved the situation before it could escalate any further.
Speaking to reporters on the heels of the fiery practice, Johnson asserted that there was no bad blood between him and Owens. That’s just camp, football. High tempers flare, getting competitive, that’s all it was, he said.
Like I said, it’s football. When you compete at a high level, stuff like that is bound to happen.
Johnson acknowledged that the intensity level at practice was higher than usual from the jump, adding: Definitely one of the most [intense practices]. Like I said, it was one of those days. It was short yardage, goal line, and its a hat on the hat. So it was definitely an intense one for sure.
Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson expressed a similar sentiment, chiming in: I feel like thats what we should practice like everyday. Thats the message the team shot to us, the coaching staff and everybody.
“Thats what we need to see out of [everybody] everyday to be a championship defense and championship offense.
Johnson is far from the only running back in the league whos found himself at the heart of a skirmish this week. During a joint practice between the Patriots and Washington Commanders, TreVeyon Henderson dropped a defender to the turf during a blitz pickup drill.
As players from both teams began dogpiling, Vrabel jumped into the fray to help cool tensions. The 49-year-old didnt emerge unscathed, as blood could be seen trailing down his cheek moments later.
Thats what were trying to build, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said of Vrabels actions. I think, and it starts with the coach, starts with the head coach.
The intensity, bringing it every day, taking no c— when were out there on the field. But also, it comes to a time where, with our guys offensively, and getting over there and getting some tussles, and kind of having some penalties, and extra after the whistle can get us in trouble.
But for mentality, I like it. I think thats what you want. I mean, I almost got in there, but I think maybe another day, maybe. So, well see.
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