The Detroit Lions’ practice facility was the scene of some old-school intensity last season when defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad and All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell nearly came to blows during a drill, an incident that has only recently come to light with more detail. Far from a simple training camp tussle, the confrontation was reportedly fueled by a deliberate strategy from a player fighting for his roster spot.
Muhammad, a veteran who was on the practice squad at the time, revealed that his defensive line coach, Terrell Williams, had instructed him to practice with the mindset of actively trying to take someone’s spot on the team. Muhammad took that instruction to heart and set his sights on challenging the team’s best.
“I still get to do 1 on 1’s,” he told himself, viewing every practice rep as an “interview.” Muhammad chose the toughest competition available: the emerging star right tackle, Penei Sewell.
The flashpoint occurred when Muhammad decided to treat a routine practice rep like a high-stakes, Super Bowl play, going “100 miles per hour.” This level of aggression in a Friday practice was too much for Sewell, who is widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the league.
The two players immediately escalated from intense physical contact to a verbal altercation, which quickly brought them face-to-face and “came close” to punches being thrown.
The ensuing chaos required teammates to jump in and separate the two powerful players to prevent a significant escalation. Practice was reportedly stopped momentarily to allow things to cool down.
Despite the near-brawl, Muhammad insisted that there was no lasting animosity. He acknowledged the intensity, saying, “He understands. He gets it. And that’s my boy,” before adding, “But that’s what you want!”
This fierce competition, even if it boils over, is often seen by NFL coaches and players as a sign of a high-standard, hungry locker room.
Muhammad’s desperate push to make an impact against the team’s cornerstone tackle provided a vivid illustration of the “grit” and competitive fire that Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell has instilled in the franchise.
The incident highlights the high stakes even in mid-week practice, especially for veterans looking to cement their place on a playoff-contending team.
For the Lions, having their best defensive edge rusher candidate (Muhammad has been targeted as a complement to Aidan Hutchinson) relentlessly challenge their best offensive lineman is a double-edged sword: it forces both players to be at their absolute best, even if it means nearly trading fists.
