Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson issued an apology to a Buffalo Bills fan whom he shoved during a game on March 26, 2023. Following the Ravens’ narrow defeat to the Bills, Jackson addressed the incident, suggesting that fans should “just chill next time” while engaging with players on the field.
During the high-stakes game at Highmark Stadium, Jackson celebrated a late third-quarter touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins. A fan in a red Bills jersey initially struck Hopkins on the helmet and then made contact with Jackson, prompting the player to respond with a two-handed push that sent the fan backward. Jackson later reflected, “It just happened. I got pushed. I’m like, what? I wasn’t even thinking about me being out there on the field. My apologies to him.”
After the game, Jackson confirmed that he had not yet received any communication from the NFL regarding potential disciplinary action related to the incident. The league has not commented on the matter. Following the altercation, the fan was ejected from the game and has been “indefinitely banned from Bills and NFL stadiums,” according to a team official who spoke to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In a related incident, Ravens running back Derrick Henry faced a near miss with a frozen water bottle after scoring a touchdown. Jackson expressed his concerns about fan behavior, stating, “Stuff like that shouldn’t be happening. It’s not WWE. We’re playing football out here.” He urged fans to contain their interactions to verbal exchanges rather than physical contact or throwing objects.
Jackson also had discussions with Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh regarding the incident. Harbaugh noted, “As far as I can tell, we’re at a real good spot with that,” indicating a focus on maintaining player safety and sportsmanship during games.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fan conduct in sports and the responsibilities of both players and spectators in maintaining a respectful environment during games. As the Ravens prepare for their next matchup, Jackson’s comments serve as a reminder of the fine line between spirited competition and personal boundaries.
