ALLEN PARK — Post-practice fisticuffs with an ex-teammate probably weren’t the homecoming Ifeatu Melifonwu expected in his return to Allen Park. But that’s precisely what happened.
Following Wednesday’s joint practice with the Lions, Melifonwu — now with the Miami Dolphins — got into a brief scuffle with Jameson Williams after exchanging words at the final horn as both teams began walking off the field.
While it was unclear at first who initiated the altercation, he alluded to Williams being the culprit.
“(Jameson) does talk a lot. I don’t mind talking, but (if) you’re going to try to hit me first, then (you) see what’s going to happen,” Melifonwu told reporters on Thursday.
Aside from that, all appeared well for Melifonwu in his return to a place that had been his professional home for the previous four seasons.
Melifonwu bolted Detroit in the offseason to sign a one-year, $4 million contract with the Dolphins.
Known around the Lions’ practice facility as “Iffy,” the 26-year-old defender said he connected with Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold and Brian Branch. After Thursday’s practice, Melifonwu briefly dapped Jared Goff before having an extended conversation with Joseph and Arnold.
He also mentioned a short exchange with Lions coach Dan Campbell on the sideline on Wednesday.
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While being back in Allen Park in a different uniform is a “weird” feeling for Melifonwu, he said that practicing against the Lions in a joint setting felt familiar.
“To be honest, it’s pretty much the same,” Melifonwu said. “Our practices in Detroit were pretty intense anyway. We had live tackles and live tackling practices and everything, so it’s pretty much the same thing.”
Having practiced against this offense for the past four years, Melifonwu said he didn’t see many changes in philosophy or execution, but he did note one adjustment.
“I feel like they probably use (Jahmyr) Gibbs a little more,” Melifonwu said, “but in terms of differences, not really. They’ve got main guys that do things well, so those guys are going to do the things they do well.”
Melifonwu was referring to the Lions’ increased usage of Gibbs, who lined up often as a receiver during Wednesday’s practice and was heavily featured in the rushing attack, where he had several successful runs.
A 2021 third-round pick by the Lions, Melifonwu will continue his return tour Saturday at Ford Field when the Lions host the Dolphins in Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
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