While it was just an NFL preseason game, tempers still ran high Friday night between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers. Browns’ safety Rayshawn Jenkins and Panthers’ wide receiver Xavier Legette were ejected after throwing punches.
The fight broke out in a scoreless game. Legette and Jenkins tangled after a play, and officials wasted no time tossing them out after seeing some haymakers land.
What Happened Between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers Players?
ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi reported on Friday night with a post on X about the situation on the field.
Browns S Rayshawn Jenkins and Panthers WR Xavier Legette have been ejected for exchanging blows after that last play.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 8, 2025
On the play in question, Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard carried the ball and was stopped at the offensive line after a short gain. Cameras panned quickly into the Panthers’ backfield, where Jenkins and Legette were mixing it up.
Jenkins ended up ripping Legette’s helmet off his head. As the referees blew whistles and tried to get things under control, Jenkins was seen clapping his hands, continuing to taunt Legette. Browns players pulled Jenkins away, hoping to keep him from getting ejected.
Cameras also caught Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski possibly looking up at the scoreboard, trying to see what happened on the field.
Xavier Legette and Rayshawn Jenkins have been ejected after fighting in a preseason game.pic.twitter.com/fnocZynbRs
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 8, 2025
Would the NFL possibly suspend Legette for his participation in the fight? Probably not.
Will Xavier Legette Or Rayshawn Jenkins Face Repercussions For the Fight?
Don’t be surprised if the league brings down fines on both players. It’s also possible that Legette won’t play anymore for the Panthers in the preseason. As for Jenkins, he might face the same situation. It’s not a good look for either team.
Nah Xavier Legette was really out there throwing HAYMAKERS 💀pic.twitter.com/2iMWbUoc8p
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) August 8, 2025
The Browns entered the game fueled with a lot of hope as Shedeur Sanders was getting the start at quarterback. In the first quarter, Sanders went 5-for-10 passing for 33 yards and no touchdowns. As the second quarter started, Sanders hit wide receiver Kaden Davis for a seven-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7 at that point.
For Carolina, Hubbard had three carries for 11 yards. He is trying to make the team as a backup.
Legette was a first-round draft pick for the Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had 49 receptions for 497 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season.
