Lamar Jackson Pushes Fan After Helmet Incident in Ravens’ Loss
During a dramatic game on March 10, 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson pushed a fan following an altercation that occurred after a touchdown celebration. The Ravens faced a narrow defeat against the Buffalo Bills, ending the game with a score of 41-40 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
The incident unfolded in the third quarter, shortly after Jackson connected with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 29-yard touchdown pass. As the two celebrated near the front row, a fan wearing a red Bills jersey struck Hopkins on the helmet before targeting Jackson. Reacting swiftly, Jackson delivered a two-handed push, causing the fan to fall backward. Following the altercation, the fan was ejected from the stadium.
Reflecting on the incident, Jackson stated, “He slapped me, and he was talking — so I just forgot where I was for a little bit. You have to think in those situations. You have security out there; let security handle it, but I just let my emotions get the best of me. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again. I learned from that.”
Despite the tension of the moment, Jackson affirmed that the incident would not deter him from interacting with fans during games. “I’ve never seen our fans do that,” he noted, adding, “So, I’ll probably do it again when we score a touchdown. It’s not nothing against the fans. I’m just celebrating when my teammates get a touchdown.”
The Ravens appeared to be in control of the game, leading 34-19 after Hopkins’ touchdown with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter. However, the Bills mounted a stunning comeback, outscoring Baltimore 22-6 in the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing the victory.
As a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, Jackson’s actions during the game have sparked conversations about player-fan interactions and the emotional intensity of professional sports. The Ravens and their fans will hope for a more composed approach in future celebrations as they reflect on this closely contested match.
The report includes contributions from ESPN staff writer Alaina Getzenberg.
