Trouble in training at Cincinnati Bengals. After rookie Shemar Stewart hits quarterback Joe Burrow, the situation escalates.

During a Cincinnati Bengals training session, a pack of players got into a brawl with each other.

The trigger was – of all people – rookie Shemar Stewart.

Oh Boy: Bengals rookie DE Shemar Stewart HIT Joe Burrow at practice today, causing an all-out brawl.pic.twitter.com/FoXc0kzBW9

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 13, 2025

The first-round pick, who only recently joined the team after long and tough contract negotiations with management, got cocky during a scrimmage.

His victim: quarterback Joe Burrow. The result: trouble.

Cincinnati Bengals: Stewart hits Burrow

After NFL superstar Burrow threw the ball, he was hit in the middle of the body by Stewart. This is unusual, as harder hits or tackles are normally frowned upon in training. The risk of injury is too great.

Typically, the “opponent” would be tapped or lightly touched to let them know that they are out. But Stewart hit Burrow. What’s more, he was almost a little late, as the ball was already on its way to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

He caught the ball, but broke off the play. Both teams had their eyes on Burrow and Stewart, as the QB had clearly been hit.

A scuffle broke out between the players.

First real scuffle of training camp just broke out during team 11-on-11, first team offense/defense.Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/51gitfiBiR

— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) August 13, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals: O-Line justifies itself

Offensive lineman Lucas Patrick was the catalyst when he confronted Stewart about his behavior. Stewart responded by swinging at Patrick’s helmet. Both players were then separated by the rest of the team. Things got heated.

Reporters on site report that the mood between the defensive and offensive lines was already very heated. Stewart’s action was the last straw.

Despite the escalation, center Ted Karras is at least proud of his unit:

“I think we were a little scattered as an O-line today. Then a few things happened that called for a reaction. And Lucas provided that. I think we handled it well overall. The scuffle wasn’t so bad that we had to stop practice. And it was probably just time for something like that to happen.”