Lamar Jackson shoves Bills fan after DeAndre Hopkins’ one-handed touchdown in Ravens’ opener
NBC broadcast showed a fan striking Hopkins’ helmet and then Jackson before the quarterback shoved the spectator; no penalty was assessed and it was unclear if the fan was removed
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson shoved a Buffalo Bills fan after the fan struck receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the helmet following Hopkins’ one-handed touchdown late in the third quarter of Baltimore’s season opener on Sunday night.
NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast showed footage of the fan reaching over the wall in the corner of the end zone and making contact with Hopkins’ helmet immediately after Jackson connected with him on a 29-yard pass that Hopkins pulled in with one hand, landing in the end zone to put the Ravens ahead 34-19 with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter.
The broadcast showed the fan — wearing Bills colors — striking Hopkins’ helmet and then making contact with Jackson as he walked by the wall separating the field from the stands. Jackson immediately shoved the fan backward. Play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico said on air the fan “wasn’t celebrating at all” when he hit the two players on their helmets.
No penalty was assessed against Jackson for the retaliatory shove, and broadcasters did not report whether stadium security ejected the fan. Video of the incident circulated on social media following the play. The incident occurred as players walked toward the end zone wall and fans in the front row.
The play and ensuing altercation marked a tense moment in the Sunday night matchup between the AFC East rivals. Hopkins’ catch drew immediate attention for its difficulty, while the sideline contact and Jackson’s response drew scrutiny during the broadcast and on social platforms.
Rosters and game officials did not immediately provide additional comment on whether the fan remained in the stadium or faced any consequences. The NFL has in past seasons reiterated policies regarding fan conduct and security near the field; however, league officials had not released a statement about this specific incident as of the end of the broadcast.
The incident did not result in an on-field penalty and play resumed. Further comment or disciplinary action from the teams or the league could be reported after review of broadcast and stadium video or statements from the involved parties.