The NFL preseason brings with it joint practices, and those joint practices bring with them brawls. Joint practices are always fiery affairs, with players eager to prove they have the fight and the talent to make their team’s final 53-man roster.
With careers on the line, not to mention pride, it’s never a surprise when things escalate into physical altercations. That was the case during a recent practice between the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts, with one Ravens star being ordered to leave.
Ravens Star Kicked Out of Joint Practice with Colts Following Brawl
Things got heated between the Ravens and the Colts when a brawl broke out during a punt drill. The altercation resulted in one player being removed from the practice after rushing in from the sidelines to get involved.
The player in question was Ravens defensive back Nate Wiggins, who started six games for the team last season after being drafted with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The cornerback is reported to have been throwing punches during the scuffle and clearly crossed a line.
Nate Wiggins is crashing out pic.twitter.com/CLdZpebkfT
— Logan (@SconnieColt) August 5, 2025
It’s unclear who ordered Wiggins to leave, but the ugly incident was his last involvement on the day. Wiggins would have been hoping to take a step forward this year, but the offseason additions of Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander have only increased his competition.
It was also reported, less than an hour before the incident, that Wiggins was torched by Colts receiver Adonai Mitchell on a deep ball. Wiggins’s speed was his calling card entering the NFL, so getting shown up by a Colts depth receiver could well have riled him up.
John Harbaugh Relaxed After Practice Scuffle
Following the incident, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is said to have joked with Colts head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. Harbaugh reportedly commented that it’s always special teams that start the brawls.
John Harbaugh joked with the Colts’ Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard afterward that it’s “always special teams” that sparks fights.
Harbaugh said the scuffle “should be a learning experience for our team,” particularly Nate Wiggins, who got ejected. pic.twitter.com/aubCqbyI7U
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 5, 2025
Regardless, it’s never a good look to have to leave a practice field. Football is an aggressive sport, but the top teams know how to harness that aggression, rather than let it get the better of them.
The Ravens are looking to take the next step in the playoffs this season, with a Super Bowl a very real possibility. To do that, they must find a way to overcome the best teams in their conference when it matters most. That will take a more mature temperament than Wiggins displayed, but the 21-year-old has plenty of time to work on that.
