The Cleveland Browns got a glimpse of the competitive edge they want from rookie left tackle Spencer Fano during a heated training camp fight with defensive end Jared Verse.
Rather than viewing the altercation as a problem, Verse believes it showed exactly what the Browns need from their players as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season.
Jared Verse Opens Up on Fight With Spencer Fano
The incident happened during an intense 11-on-11 practice in Berea. After a physical rep between Verse and Fano, things escalated quickly.
Verse, who joined Cleveland along with three draft picks in the offseason trade that sent Myles Garrett away to the Rams, ripped off Fano’s helmet before the two went to the ground.
Fano responded and managed to reverse Verse before teammates stepped in to separate them.
While tempers may have been running high at the moment, there doesn’t appear to be any lingering animosity between the two players. Verse actually praised Fano for refusing to back down against one of the league’s top edge rushers.
“I don’t think he goes over the edge at all. I think fighting is necessary in football. You have to have that edge. I talk crazy. I’m very disrespectful when it comes to the way I compete, especially when I try to drive my teammates to another level. So I wouldn’t expect him any less than to retaliate because that’s the type of player he is,” Verse said.
Verse also explained that Fano’s improvement throughout camp has made their battles increasingly competitive. “Going against him, he’s gotten so much better these past couple weeks,” he said.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
The veteran pass rusher added that the rookie’s development has forced him to improve as well, particularly as both players learn each other’s tendencies.
What impressed Verse most was Fano’s mentality. “A lot of rookies would go against me, against top edges in the league, and back down, be a little nervous, be a little timid, but he’s never shown that,” Verse added.
That attitude appears to have earned Fano plenty of respect inside the Browns organization.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
The 21-year-old Utah native will be playing his first season for a franchise with a top-notch defense, even without Garrett. The Browns ranked No.7 on PFSN’s Defense Impact Rankings with an impact score of 84.7.
Head coach Todd Monken also praised the rookie for standing his ground. “Don’t you want to see a player, especially on the O-line, not back down?” Monken asked.
For Monken, the fight was less about the altercation itself and more about what it revealed about Fano’s competitive mindset.
Training camp fights can easily become distractions, but Cleveland appears to have taken something positive from this one. Fano’s willingness to stand up to Verse showed the toughness and confidence Cleveland wants from its starting left tackle.
Their heated battles could also help both players improve, giving the Browns the competitive edge they need heading into 2026.
