INDIANAPOLIS COLTS' MICHAEL PITTMAN JR. BLASTS ROOKIE FOR WALKING OUT OF TRAINING CAMP AFTER LEARNING LATER PICK EARNS BIGGER CONTRACT

Pittsford, NY – Indianapolis Colts training camp saw an unexpected flare-up today when a rookie abruptly walked off the field during practice, leaving teammates and coaches questioning his commitment. The incident happened midway through a red-zone period, halting momentum for the second-team offense and drawing immediate sideline discussions. Sources say the walkout was triggered by news of a contract disparity with another rookie on the roster.

The player involved was fifth-round tight end Jackson Hawes, who reportedly left after discovering that sixth-round cornerback Dorian Strong had signed a four-year, $4.8 million deal with a $400,000 signing bonus and $900,000 guaranteed — exceeding Hawes’ four-year, $4.25 million contract with a $325,000 bonus and $810,000 guaranteed.

Veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. did not hold back when asked about the situation. “Walking out of practice just because of a contract issue? In Indianapolis, we stay on the field, bleed blue and gold, and prove we belong. We’ve turned down bigger contracts just to keep wearing blue and gold — if you walk away, you’re only letting someone else take your spot,” Pittman Jr. said.

Hawes’ departure left the tight end rotation short for the remainder of the day, with more reps falling to undrafted rookie tryouts and practice squad hopefuls. The disruption also forced offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter to adjust personnel groupings on the fly. While rookie contracts are determined by draft slot and positional value, the perception of being out-earned by a later pick can sting for players still trying to secure a long-term role.

Head coach Shane Steichen addressed the matter briefly, emphasizing that “mentality is everything” and that the team values players who “embrace competition without letting distractions take them off the field.” Strong, who has impressed early with his coverage skills, participated fully in practice and did not comment publicly on the situation. He remains in the mix for a special teams role and backup cornerback snaps.

With preseason games looming, the Colts are hoping to refocus on preparation — but this contract drama has already cast a shadow over the week’s practices.