NFL preseason games are not supposed to be heated affairs. It’s a chance for young players to get the feel for the league or to win roster spots.
Yet, in the first quarter of a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers, tensions boiled over.
On the Panthers’ second offensive drive, Carolina second-year receiver Xavier Legette and Browns nine-year veteran Rayshawn Jenkins started throwing hands in the middle of the game.
The two tussled for quite some time before their teammates ran over and broke up the altercation.
Penalty flags flew from officials and, after some discussion, both players were ejected from the game.
After the game ended, Legette addressed the brawl on social media.
Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette (17) and Cleveland Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins (28) squared up in a brawl during a preseason NFL game on Friday evening
The pair fought for some time before their teammates came in and broke things up. Both players were ejected for their actions.
Legette apologized for his actions after the game in a post to his social media accounts
‘Panthers nation I apologize It want [sic] happen again [exclamation mark emojis] i appreCiate youu all,’ the receiver posted.
The game was well attended as it served as the debut of Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders, the quarterback who took a surprise fall down the draft board, overcame early jitters to toss two touchdowns and lead the Browns to a 30-10 victory.
Shedeur, the son of Deion Sanders, completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards before being replaced in the third quarter.
