Jason Kelce Admits Fault For Hit That Started a Brawl With the Colts

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 21: Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after defeating the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on December 21, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Today's joint practice between the Eagles and the Colts got a bit chippy. Multiple fights were breaking out throughout the day. First AJ Brown took offense to a late hit from Colts Safety Julian Blackmon, leading to the two needing to be separated. Derek Barnett caused another scuffle, it is always him, when he broke the cardinal rule of camp and put his hands on the QB. That led to him being swarmed by Colts O-Linemen. But the 3rd incident, and the one that led to the joint practice being ended, came when Jason Kelce took a late cheap shot on Colts LB Zaire Franklin. Kelce took offense to consecutive late hits by Franklin on Kenny Gainwell.

To his credit, Jason Kelce took full blame for it when he spoke to the media afterward.

You can tell Kelce feels genuine remorse for his actions. He has never been known for being the hot head on the field. Kelce said he prides himself for being level-headed. But he just had a moment today where he felt the need to defend his teammate. And in his defense, the Colts were not innocent here. There were late hits piling up. And I am sure Kelce's teammates appreciate him defending them, even if he went about it the wrong way. And taking a cheap blindside hit on Zaire Franklin is definitely the wrong way to go about it.

The two teams play this Thursday. As with most of the games so far, it is unlikely Jason Kelce or any of the Eagles starters will be out there much, if at all. Zaire Franklin in his own post-practice press conference spoke about hoping to look Kelce in the eyes later today. Though maybe he should look inwards like Kelce did and realize his own part in causing the scuffle.

Kelce was wrong for making the blindside hit. As he said, he cannot let his emotions get the better of him like that. But at the very least, he is man enough to get out there and accept the blame. Can't say the same for many of the Colts players, who after practice were saying things like "62 is a bitch" or responding like Franklin did.

G-O B-I-R-D-S! Meet the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders

The Philadelphia Eagles revealed the 33 members of the 2023 Eagles Cheerleader roster. The announcement came with a series of epic photo shoots.

One of which shows off the Kelly Green throwback uniform.

This year's squad includes eight new members and 25 returning veterans. The occupations of team members span a wide range of fields. There are two 1^st Gade Teachers and an Adjunct Professor of Biology and Physical Therapy. There is an Analytical Chemist and a Registered Nurse Specializing in Chemotherapy Infusion.

“As brand ambassadors for the organization, the Eagles Cheerleaders take great pride in giving back to the community and have a unique platform to engage with Eagles fans everywhere through their involvement in goodwill military tours, humanitarian efforts, and community outreach.” Jen Kavanagh, Senior Vice President of Media and Marketing, shared in a press release. She continued, “They bring the energy and passion of the Eagles brand to life, and we look forward to the positive impact they will make this season.”

Look for the full team debut on Sunday, August 6th at the Philadelphia Eagles Public Practice at Lincoln Financial Field.

Barbara Zaun, Director of Entertainment Teams, pointed out the team’s excitement as “they will also take part in celebrating the return of the classic Kelly Green throwback uniforms alongside our fans."

Those uniforms will roll out on October 22 when the team hosts the Miami Dolphins and again on November 26 against the Buffalo Bills.

Without further adieu meet your 2023 Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders: