General
Jonnu Smith and Juan Thornhill were caught in two separate fights at the training camp.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp took a rather wild turn Thursday after tensions brewed and boiled over between two recently acquired players. Tight end Jonnu Smith and safety Juan Thornhill got into two separate fights during practice.
Instead of focusing on execution, the spotlight has now shifted to discipline and locker room dynamics – already raising early questions about how well this new-look roster will mesh heading into the 2025 NFL season. Both players just joined the Steelers this offseason – Thornhill on a one-year deal signed in March, and Smith via trade in June.
General Two training camp fights raise concern as The Pittsburgh Steelers’ teammates clash on the field
The first altercation reportedly happened during a one-on-one drill. Smith beat Thornhill in coverage but what happened next stunned everyone: Smith threw the football directly at Thornhill.
The safety didn’t take it lightly. He got up, rushed at Smith and the two grabbed at each other before teammates and staff ran in to separate them. But before that could happen, Smith ripped Thornhill’s helmet off – a moment that left nearby fans shocked and quickly went viral on social media.Later in the day, tensions sparked once again. A second video from camp surfaced, this time showing Thornhill getting the upper hand on Smith.
After the play, he pushed the ball into Smith’s chest. As they walked off, the two exchanged words, then started shoving. Smith looked as though he was going to throw a punch, sparking yet another physical scuffle. This time, teammates broke it up before things escalated.
General Aaron Rodgers joins The Pittsburgh Steelers but has rocky first throw with new team
While the Smith-Thornhill fights dominated the headlines, the Steelers also welcomed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to training camp for his first practice in Pittsburgh.
The 41-year-old signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal following his release from the New York Jets and this season could be his last after more than 20 years in the league.Rodgers didn’t exactly get off to a hot start. His first pass in a Steelers uniform was intercepted. But the four-time MVP took it in stride and told reporters: “It’s good to get that out the way.”Also read: Antonio Gates skipped Travis Kelce’s TEU—and missed the Taylor Swift moment that had his daughter fumingWhile training camp scuffles aren’t uncommon but with two fights in one day between newly signed players, fans are already wondering if something deeper is bubbling under the surface.