Tensions boiled over during a voluntary offseason practice for the New York Giants on Friday, resulting in a physical altercation that ultimately cut the session short. Four players, all linemen, were involved in the on-field scuffles that highlighted growing frustration and intensity just three months ahead of the 2025 NFL season kickoff.
The clashes took place during the final moments of practice, involving two separate skirmishes between defensive and offensive players. Star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux found himself engaged with offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, while newly acquired pass rusher Brian Burns squared off against offensive tackle James Hudson III. These heated exchanges disrupted what was meant to be a critical offseason workout focused on building chemistry and refining execution.
The first altercation occurred on the second-to-last play of the session, when Burns and Hudson removed their helmets and appeared poised to escalate the situation physically. Teammates quickly intervened to prevent the conflict from intensifying further. However, the situation escalated again on the very next play.
In the final rep of practice, Thibodeaux threw a punch that knocked Eluemunor’s helmet off, igniting a chain reaction. Hudson sprinted across the field and shoved Thibodeaux, prompting Burns to intervene. The two defenders ended up wrestling each other to the ground before order was finally restored. No video footage of the incidents has surfaced publicly.
Following the disruptions, head coach Brian Daboll made the decision to immediately end the practice. The media did have access to players afterward, and Brian Burns spoke briefly about the incident. He downplayed the severity of the fights, attributing them to the intensity of competition and the summer heat.
“It’s a violent sport we play, guys trying to get better,” Burns said. “Tensions raised a little high. It’s getting a little hot, so guys are getting a little agitated. But it ain’t that deep — we squashed it.”
Burns emphasized that his focus remains on personal and team improvement and stated that he doesn’t intend for fighting to become a recurring distraction during OTAs.
While practice altercations are not unheard of in the NFL, especially during joint team workouts, they are relatively rare during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which are typically more controlled environments. The fact that none of the players involved are longtime Giants further underscores the transitional phase the team is navigating as it looks to rebuild and return to playoff relevance in a highly competitive NFC East.
