Indiana Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin and Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams were involved in a Twitter trash talk following their joint practice in the preseason. The two were arguing about who was the best between them in a session, which was also filmed by HBO for their feature program, Hard Knocks.
Franklin and Williams were taking one-on-one pass blocking session and coverage reps, while the rest of their teammates were divided for individual drills. Williams seemed to dominate Franklin in that session and that’s where the heat started.
Franklin teased Williams in a tweet that also mentioned about Lions’ performance in the NFL.
“Only in the League can a bum lose 3 reps in a row and still yell like he won hope you ready to cry about another losing season champ,” he tweeted.
Williams came up with his own argument, breaking down some moments when he outplayed Franklin in the session.
“Sir I literally made you look stupid in team period when you missed an open field tackle and I ran you and the safety for a touchdown during team period pls go bout your business you not bout that when it’s go time,” Williams said.
Earlier on August 18, Williams said that the joint training between the two teams has a positive impact. For him, the only focus here is just to help his team win the games.
“This (is) just competing really, just competing and then knowing when it’s over with,” he said.
“During the whistle go crazy, after the whistle let it go, you know what I mean? Because there’s nothing worse than you losing during the play and then after the play now you want to fight.
Williams added that maintaining the winning mentality would help him to keep his head in the game.
“There’s nothing you can do about it, just come back next play and try harder,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s just all about just showing your effort, being the hammer not the nail and just go out there and make plays.”
Sports writer Max DeMara wrote that Williams is one of the best when it comes to motivating other players. The running back is known for his self-confidence and outstanding impact on his team.
Set eyes on the new season
Prior to the new season, Williams said that he would put his best effort to help the Lions win the game.
“Put me in opportunities, I’m going to get loose no matter what it is,” he said. “I’m going to route run, I’m going to take some ankles. I’m going to bully as usual.
“People think they understand what type of football player I am, they don’t have no clue what I can do. I literally can take anybody’s ankles. I ain’t scared of nobody.”
Only in the League can a bum lose 3 reps in a row and still yell like he won 🤣🤣 hope you ready to cry about another losing season champ https://t.co/9jAGSChsB5
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) August 19, 2022
With all the attributes he has, Williams is confident to contribute positively to his team. He said that knowing what he is capable of was important to guide him in the game.
“Route running, running the ball, blocking,” Williams said. “I can do it all. I have no problem having confidence in myself because I know what type of player I am. I know what type of work I put in. I ain’t scared of nothing.”