Lamar Jackson apologizes after shoving fan who slapped his helmet during Ravens' loss
Quarterback said 'Just chill next time' at practice; fan was ejected during the game and later banned from NFL stadiums
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson apologized Wednesday for shoving a fan who slapped his helmet after a touchdown during Sunday night’s 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Jackson said at Ravens practice that he regretted the reaction and directed a message at the spectator: “Just chill next time. You can talk trash and stuff but keep your hands to yourself.” He told reporters he was surprised when he was hit and offered an apology to the fan for responding physically.
The sequence occurred after wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins scored a one-handed touchdown and began celebrating when a fan slapped the helmets of both Hopkins and Jackson. Hopkins did not retaliate; Jackson pushed the spectator. Stadium security ejected the person during the game, and the NFL later announced the fan has been banned indefinitely from all NFL stadiums, according to team and league reports.
Jackson said he has not heard from the league about any potential discipline stemming from his response but confirmed he has discussed the incident with Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh. "As far as I can tell, we’re at a real good spot with that," Harbaugh said when asked about Jackson’s standing with the team.
The incident came in the first half of a close, back-and-forth contest at Highmark Stadium. Baltimore appeared headed to victory until the Bills rallied in the fourth quarter and earned the win on a walk-off field goal. Jackson completed 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards and two touchdown passes, and he rushed six times for 70 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Fox News and team accounts noted the fan was removed during the game and that the league’s ban became public on Monday. The episode was one of multiple fan-related incidents reported during the Bills’ home opener; another account said a frozen water bottle was thrown and narrowly missed Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry after a 46-yard touchdown.
The Ravens and Bills opened the 2025 regular season with contrasting moments: Baltimore’s offense, led by Jackson and Hopkins, produced big plays and early scoring, while Buffalo’s late comeback relied on quarterback Josh Allen and special teams to close the game.
Jackson’s apology and the league’s action against the spectator underscore ongoing concerns about fan conduct and player safety in stadiums. Teams and the NFL have repeatedly said they will remove and ban fans who cross physical boundaries or endanger players. Jackson’s discussions with team leadership and Harbaugh’s public comments suggest the organization considers the matter contained for now, while the league’s final determination on any discipline for the player remains unreported.
Jackson finished practice Wednesday and returned to team activities, saying the moment was spontaneous and his priority was to move forward. The NFL and the Ravens did not announce any additional measures involving Jackson by the end of the week.