'I’m a little bit ashamed': Jason Kelce apologizes for 'cheap shot' during Eagles-Colt practice
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 10: Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on August 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - It seems tensions were at an all-time high during an Eagles-Colts practice this week, enough to spark a reaction from one of the team's most beloved players.
Jason Kelce says he was defending a teammate he thought was the victim of a hard tackle when he leveled Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin.
The Eagles center admitted to the "cheap shot" that ignited a brawl between the teams and cut the joint practice short Tuesday morning.
"Tensions just got the better of me," Kelce said during a post-practice press conference. "We try and keep things civil on the field. I let my emotions get the better of me. That certainly doesn’t belong out there on the field. I’m a little bit ashamed that it got to that level."
MORE HEADLINES:
- Philadelphia Zoo becomes new home for two rescued, orphaned puma cubs
- Philly school district will pay parents to drive their kids to school to combat bus driver shortage
- Local lifeguards, small business collecting donations for victims of Maui wildfires
When push comes to shove, Kelce's teammates say they appreciate the Eagles veteran sticking up for his teammates.
"This is Kelce being Kelce being a professional and taking care of his brothers," running back Kenneth Gainwell said.
However, the target of Kelce's "cheap shot" doesn't exactly see eye-to-eye with his rival team.
"I thought the OG would at least look me in the eye," Franklin said. "But it’s all good. I’ll get a chance to look him in the eye on Thursday, so we’re going to be OK."
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field for the teams' last game of the preseason.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.