Detroit Lions defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad recently opened up about a heated practice altercation with teammate Penei Sewell, where the two nearly came to blows. The incident occurred during a intense practice session, where Muhammad was determined to prove himself ¹.

The Altercation

According to Muhammad, he was going “100 miles per hour” during the practice, treating every rep like a critical game situation. Sewell, one of the top right tackles in the league, was initially taken aback by Muhammad’s intensity. The situation escalated to the point where words were exchanged, and the practice had to be stopped momentarily to prevent things from getting out of hand. Fortunately, the two players were able to squash their differences and the incident didn’t have any negative impact on their relationship ¹.

Muhammad’s Mindset

Muhammad’s intensity during practice is driven by his desire to prove himself and make a significant impact on the team. He believes that every rep is an opportunity to showcase his skills and make a difference in the game. Muhammad’s former position coach, Terrell Williams, encouraged him to adopt this mindset, instructing him to practice like he’s trying to take someone’s spot ².

Impact on the Team

The altercation between Muhammad and Sewell highlights the competitive nature of the Lions’ locker room. Coach Dan Campbell has built a culture that encourages players to compete and push each other to be their best. This intensity has translated to the field, where the Lions have shown significant improvement on defense ¹.

Muhammad’s Role

Muhammad has been a key contributor to the Lions’ defense, providing pressure on the quarterback and disrupting plays in the backfield. His re-signing was a significant move for the team, demonstrating their commitment to building a strong defensive line. With injuries to other defensive players, Muhammad’s role is expected to continue growing, and he’ll be relied upon to make big plays ³ ⁴.