Lamar Jackson Apologizes After Heated Fan Incident During Ravens’ Week 1 Loss to Bills
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has issued an apology to the fan he pushed during the team’s Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, calling the incident a “heat of the moment” reaction.
The altercation happened in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, shortly after DeAndre Hopkins scored a touchdown. As Ravens players celebrated in the back of the end zone, a Bills fan reached over the railing and shoved Hopkins’ helmet. Moments later, the same fan appeared to push Jackson, prompting the two-time NFL MVP to respond by shoving the fan in the chest.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Jackson, 28, admitted he let the situation get the better of him.
“Everyone saw what happened. I wasn’t trying to push back, it just happened,” Jackson said. “I got pushed in the head, and I reacted. I thought I was outside the field for a second. My apologies to that person, whoever it was. You can talk trash all day, but keep your hands to yourself.”
When asked about possible NFL discipline, Jackson confirmed he has not been informed of any suspension or fine. “I talked to Eric [DeCosta]. The league spoke with him, and he spoke with me,” Jackson said.
Head coach John Harbaugh also downplayed the situation, saying: “As far as I know, there won’t be any punishment. We’re in a good spot with that.” An NFL spokesman later confirmed the league would take no further action, while the fan involved has reportedly been banned from attending future Bills games.
The incident wasn’t the only controversy on Sunday. After Derrick Henry scored a fourth-quarter touchdown, a water bottle was thrown onto the field near the Ravens’ players. Jackson strongly condemned the behavior.
“That’s crazy. This isn’t WWE — we’re playing football,” he said. “I’ve never seen Ravens fans do something like that to another team. Keep it to football. Talk trash if you want, but don’t throw things and don’t put your hands on players.”
Despite leading by 15 points with less than four minutes left, Baltimore suffered a heartbreaking 41-40 defeat as Buffalo staged a dramatic late comeback.
Looking ahead, the Ravens will host the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 as they search for their first win of the season. Harbaugh emphasized resilience and improvement moving forward.
“Losses happen in this league, and it doesn’t matter how you lose — only that you do,” Harbaugh said. “The challenge is to respond, learn, and get better the next week. Disappointment sharpens your focus, and that’s what we’re taking from this.”