The Detroit Lions’ Wednesday practice session with the Miami Dolphins ended on a tense note when wide receiver Jameson Williams got into a brief altercation with an old teammate.
Detroit’s offense had dominated much of the day, capping the final series by marching down the field in just 54 seconds of simulated play. The drive ended on an incomplete pass aimed at Williams, but Miami was flagged for illegal contact elsewhere on the field. Rather than attempt the short, game-winning field goal, the Lions wrapped up the drill and began leaving the field.
Moments later, Williams was spotted throwing punches at Dolphins defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu — a player who spent his first three NFL seasons in Detroit. The scuffle was short-lived, with teammates quickly stepping in to separate them. No injuries were reported, though the flare-up stood out against an otherwise relatively controlled practice that had featured only minor shoving here and there.
Melifonwu declined formal media interviews but, while walking past reporters, brushed off the incident with a simple remark: “It’s football.”
Williams chose to share his perspective on Instagram instead. Fellow receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown admitted he didn’t see the start of the confrontation and doubted it was anything personal.
“I think it was just competition,” St. Brown said. “Maybe some words exchanged. Jamo probably just wanted to make that last catch.”
Drafted by Detroit in the third round in 2021, Melifonwu completed his rookie contract before signing a one-year, $3 million deal with Miami earlier this offseason.
