Louis Riddick has little patience for the fighting that was seen before the 2026 NFL season. The ESPN analyst strongly criticized the behavior after several fights broke out between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.
The teams’ August 18 practice featured multiple altercations, including punches, helmet removals and a body slam. The chaos became difficult to control, with Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku eventually ejected.
Speaking on ESPN First Take, Riddick contrasted today’s preseason fights with the physicality he saw during his playing career.
“I played with some of the baddest dudes that this game has ever seen,” Riddick said. “Some of the toughest guys this game has ever seen.”
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Riddick named former stars including Jesse Tuggle, Scott Case, Eric Turner, Pepper Johnson and Carl Banks. He said those players delivered their toughness during actual games.
“Dudes who, when the game was being played in between the white lines, would absolutely knock your teeth out of your mouth,” Riddick said.
His criticism centered on the lack of discipline behind joint-practice fights. Riddick said players have enough opportunities to play physically within the rules.
“The game of football provides you plenty of opportunity to kick the living you-know-what out of someone within the context of the rules,” he said.
Louis Riddick wants players to show toughness differentlyCharlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (41) warms up at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Riddick also referenced his time with the San Francisco 49ers after entering the NFL in 1991. He said veteran stars did not need preseason fights to establish their reputations.
“When I was drafted there as a rookie in 1991, I don’t remember anybody talking to me about Ronnie Lott pulling off people’s helmets,” Riddick said.
That distinction matters for teams preparing for the regular season. Joint practices should create competitive repetitions against unfamiliar opponents, not create unnecessary injuries or lost practice time.
The Cowboys and Saints reportedly had several separate fights during their session. Coaches had to manage the situation while trying to preserve valuable preseason work.
Riddick said that the behavior does little for players or teams. “This kind of stuff means nothing,” he said. “Quite honestly, I have no tolerance for it. I hate it.”
His argument also carries a deep meaning. Teams need disciplined players who can handle emotional situations without hurting teammates or disrupting preparation.
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For Dallas and New Orleans, the focus now shifts back toward evaluation. The preseason provides limited opportunities to develop chemistry, making every productive practice important.
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