Fights could be diminishing the value of NFL joint practices

Meanwhile, two-time Super Bowl champion and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody recently called fighting in joint practices "stupid and a waste of time" while sharing a cautionary tale for today's players about breaking his hand during an on-field spat.  

While most of the NFL has embraced joint practices, some have decided, for one reason or another, to sit them out in 2023, including the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks. Some, like Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, have never adopted joint practices, wanting to keep his "secrets" close to the vest. 

Logically, the decision to pass on joint practice likely comes down to control. Football comes with inherent risks, whether in a game or practice. Yet, during training camp, coaches manage what happens, for the most part. And while mix-ups happen even between teammates, clubs give up some authority during joint practices, leading to unpredictable events that sometimes get out of hand. 

It's easy to argue the benefits of taking on an unfamiliar opponent. However, the real question is whether joint practices still accomplish their goal or if they've become nothing more than babysitting sessions. Ultimately, teams must crack down on extracurricular activities or face the consequences when a player inevitably gets hurt in one of these on-field disagreements.