A big piece of why the Detroit Lions were able to survive last season's consistent injuries is an expected level of intensity. Whether it is the starter or the fourth option, Dan Campbell's teams have a level of fight that now defines Detroit football.
Predictably, this is going to result in skirmishes in training camp. While you never want to see things pushed too far, fighting is a positive sign. Genuine players who are engaged and fighting each other often serve as a sign of a roster expecting greatness. This is the situation the Lions found themselves in on Thursday as tempers flared.
Things got so chippy that Campbell opted to stop practice due to the level of intensity being reached. Giovanni Manu and Brodric Martin both got into it during the early camp practice. However, this isn't what fans will notice most with two star players going at it throughout practice.
#Lions HC Dan Campbell had to stop practice again today, as the physicality was once again pretty intense. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch got into it a few times.
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) July 24, 2025
Things also became a bit chippy between Giovanni Manu and Brodric Martin.
Team will be in full pads Friday.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch reportedly got into it more than once, helping set the tone of what was an incredible physical practice. It doesn't come as a surprise that these are the two stars involved in an early camp back-and-forth.
Lions Should Be Encouraged by Early Camp Skirmishes
Both players are noted for incredible physicality and playing with an edge that helps establish them as elite options. St. Brown has had a chip on his shoulder since stepping into the league, famously picking his number on the false belief of how many receivers were selected in front of him, and Branch turns back the clock as a hard-hitting physical defender that toes the line with the new NFL rules.
This attitude, especially being modelled by team leaders, will be vital to Detroit’s hopes of a Super Bowl run. This incident may generate some dramatic headlines, but it’s a sign that the Lions are already in fine form heading into the preseason.