We’re only two weeks into the organized team activity (OTAs) portion of the Giants’ offseason program and tempers are already flaring.
Near the conclusion of Thursday’s practice — the second practice open to reporters this summer — a massive brawl broke out after edge rusher Brian Burns exchanged shoves with newly-signed offensive tackle James Hudson, who was filling in for the injured Andrew Thomas, during a routine 11-on-11 play.
Burns and Hudson were separated from each other and sidelined, but tensions remained high as edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jermaine Eluemunor then exchanged blows the very next play (Thibodeaux even landed a punch on Eluemunor at one point).
Hudson then sprinted onto the field to grab Thibodeaux, which sparked Burns to rush after Hudson to tackle him to the ground.
The sequence ended with a huge skirmish featuring most of the team at the 50-yard line. Coach Brian Daboll quickly called off practice — which was scheduled to last a few more periods.
The team met and spoke at-length afterward, but Thibodeaux was clearly still frustrated.
Burns spoke about the brawl after practice.
“It’s a violent sport we play,” Burns said after practice. “Guys are trying to get better. Tensions raise a little higher... Ain’t that deep. We squashed it.”
Not a great start to voluntary offseason activities for a team that went 3-14 last season and has to face the toughest schedule in the league in 2025.
The next Giants OTAs practice open to reporters is scheduled for June 12. Let’s see if tensions die down before then.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Ryan Novozinsky may be reached at rnovozinsky@njadvancemedia.com. You can follow him on X@ryannovoNFL