Seahawks ‘go for it’ as multiple fights break out at training camp

RENTON, Wash. — At least five fights broke out during a Seattle Seahawks practice on Wednesday, including one in which star forward DK Metcalf threw a helmet at cornerback Tre Brown.

During what was the Seahawks’ most chaotic practice session in recent memory, the commotion continued even after new coach Mike Macdonald briefly halted the action to address the team.

“We came out and gave it our all,” Macdonald said afterward while appearing on NFL Network. “I’m proud of how we responded today. We came out and we were ready to practice. I don’t know what the numbers are, but we’ve been here, I don’t know, 14 of the last 16 days. I think we’re tired of playing each other, but the guys are motivated. We had a great practice and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”

The fight began when Brown and receiver Jake Bobo collided and exchanged blows late in an 11-on-11 game. Brown connected with one just after Bobo’s helmet came off, causing the receiver’s nose to bleed.

Minutes later, while an athletic trainer was tending to Bobo on the sideline, a brawl broke out between tight end Pharaoh Brown and linebacker Tyrel Dodson after Brown took offense to the hard hit Dodson threw at Ken Walker III as the running back crossed the goal line.

At the end of another play shortly thereafter, Brown and Metcalf went after each other in the end zone. As teammates tried to separate them, Metcalf grabbed Brown’s helmet and swung it at him, hitting safety K’Von Wallace. Brown’s helmet was equipped with a Guardian Cap.

Macdonald then turned off the music and paused the practice, after which the team gathered around him.

The battle continued with receiver Dee Eskridge and cornerback Carlton Johnson going head to head later in the same 11-on-11 period.

A few minutes later, as the forwards and defenders squared off one-on-one, edge rusher Derick Hall took offense to a late shove from guard Christian Haynes, sparking a brawl between the two teams that resulted in both players being ejected from practice.

Macdonald was asked on the NFL Network where the line is when it comes to fighting during practice.

“We’re in the thick of it right now, and I think the guys realize that,” he said. “‘Hey, let’s take care of each other.’ We definitely don’t want people out here fighting and stuff, especially our own teammates. DK gave a great message at the end of practice, to put it all in perspective. The guys finished the right way. Proud of our guys.”

The Seahawks open the preseason Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium