Xavier Legette, Rayshawn Jenkins Ejected for Fight in Panthers-Browns Preseason Opener

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette and Cleveland Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins were ejected for a fight that occurred in their teams' preseason opener on Friday.

The scrap happened with just under seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard got stuffed at the line of scrimmage on a 2nd-and-4 rush before attention turned toward action ahead the play.

Both players threw punches, and Jenkins ripped Legette's helmet off. Sheena Quick of FOX Sports Radio1340 provided more context.

The drive ended with Panthers quarterback Bryce Young finding wide receiver Jalen Coker with a five-yard touchdown pass.

Legette apologized to Panthers fans after the fight.

The 24-year-old Legette, the No. 32 overall pick (first round) in the 2024 NFL draft, caught 49 passes for 497 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games last season. The former South Carolina star finished first on the Panthers in catches and second in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Legette was also first on the team in targets (84).

Legette figures to play a major role in the pass game yet again. The Panthers added another wide receiver in the first round this year in Tetairoa McMillan (No. 8 overall), and those two plus veteran Adam Thielen are set to be Carolina's top three wideouts.

The 31-year-old Jenkins has played eight NFL seasons for the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks. Last year, Jenkins started nine of 13 games, amassing 53 tackles (34 solo). He also returned a fumble 102 yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants.

Jenkins is currently listed as the backup to strong safety Grant Delpit on the unofficial depth chart.