NFL joint practices are combustible settings that need strict adult supervision or else things tend to go kablooey.
Right, Shaun Hill?
"Well, I just remember a Chiefs coach down around [Jim] Kleinsasser's ankles during one of the brawls," the Vikings backup quarterback said. "I thought that was kind of interesting. Bodies were flying around that day for sure."
Hill is in his 15th NFL season and second stint with the Vikings. He's the only current Viking who played for Mike Tice, the tough-talking coach who always pushed the envelope on what was acceptable physicality. He's also the only current Viking who was teammates with Brock Lesnar, the professional wrestler-turned-defensive tackle who incited, to Tice's delight, the WWE-style melees during those infamous joint practices with Kansas City in Mankato 12 years ago.
Hill will be in Cincinnati on Wednesday for his first joint practice as a Viking since Summer Slam '04. The Vikings and Bengals will practice Wednesday and Thursday and play a preseason opener at Paul Brown Stadium on Friday. Hill said he looks forward to the fresh competition and laughed when asked if it will be as, um, interesting as the last one.
"Different situation," he said.
Indeed.
Well aware of the ugly brawls that have marred many a joint NFL practice over the years, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said the only reason he's doing this one is the trust and respect he and Bengals coach Marvin Lewis have for one another. Zimmer was Lewis' defensive coordinator for six seasons before getting the Vikings job in 2014.
"I'm honestly not worried about [brawls] because I know our guys and I know their guys," said Zimmer, looking ahead to the Vikings' first joint practice since 2008 against Kansas City. "I think their guys respect me. … I don't think there will be an issue, but we're going to address it beforehand with both teams anyway."