Jason Kelce admitted 'cheap shot' sparks Eagles-Colts brawl - ESPN

PHILADELPHIA — A sideline-clearing brawl erupted between the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts at Tuesday's joint practice, cutting the session short.

The melee was sparked when Eagles center Jason Kelce blindsided Zaire Franklin at the end of a play, dropping the Colts linebacker to the ground. Kelce appeared to take umbrage with Franklin getting extra physical with running back Kenneth Gainwell on consecutive plays.

Kelce took ownership of his actions afterwards, calling his hit on Franklin a «cheap shot.»

«We try and keep things civil on the field, and I pride myself on being a guy that sustains the emotions and level of play out there, and I let my emotions get the better of me,» Kelce said. «That certainly doesn't belong out there on the field, and a little ashamed that it got to that level.»

Kelce said that he did not meet up with Franklin following practice to address the situation because «probably tensions are a little bit too high for that right now.»

«When you have joint practices against other organizations, sometimes your speed ain't their speed,» said Franklin, a Philadelphia native. «People get offended — that's life.

»Growing up in Philly, watching [Kelce] for a long time — lot of respect for him. Talked to him a little bit after we played them last year. I thought the OGs would at least look me in the eye before [hitting me], but it's all good. I might get a chance to look him in the eye Thursday, so we're going to be OK."

The Eagles and Colts play each other Thursday night in the preseason finale for both clubs.

The joint practice grew chippy as it wore on. A scuffle broke out near the Colts sideline when Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett knocked the ball out of hand of Colts rookie