Tensions Boil Over as Nate Wiggins Ejected From Ravens-Colts Joint Practice: What Really Happened and What It Means Going Forward

The NFL preseason is meant to be a time for preparation, chemistry building, and competition. But on Tuesday, a joint practice between the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts spiraled into chaos when second-year Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins was ejected following a heated sideline altercation.

What should have been a routine day of controlled scrimmaging quickly devolved into a full-blown scuffle that left both coaching staffs frustrated and fans wondering whether discipline and maturity are keeping pace with talent across the league. In this case, all eyes turned to Nate Wiggins — a rising defensive star — and the fire that ignited the controversy.

How the Fight Started

According to multiple eyewitness reports, including those from ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, the incident occurred midway through a competitive portion of the practice. The spark? A late push delivered by Ravens backup cornerback Keyon Martin on Colts running back Tyler Goodson after a play had clearly ended.

That push, viewed by the Colts as unnecessary and perhaps even provocative, prompted a swift reaction. Colts players responded verbally and physically — escalating tensions almost immediately. But it wasn’t Martin who took things to the next level.

It was Nate Wiggins.

Ravens-Colts joint practice (Photo via WMAR 2 News)

Wiggins, who had not been involved in the initial push, reportedly came sprinting down the sideline, weaving through teammates and opponents, and launched himself into the fray. According to Hensley, Wiggins didn’t just enter the altercation — he ignited it further by throwing what he described as “several uppercuts.” Punches were clearly landed.

Sidelines emptied. Coaches and staff scrambled to separate players. What began as a minor altercation quickly turned into a scene resembling a hockey brawl more than an NFL practice.

Immediate Consequences

Wiggins was immediately escorted off the field by Ravens staff. He did not return to the field for the remainder of the joint practice and was kept inside the team’s training facility.

While no official statement was issued by the Ravens regarding disciplinary action, sources close to the organization say head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Zach Orr were visibly displeased with the outburst. Wiggins’ actions — though perhaps rooted in loyalty to a teammate — crossed a line that the team is determined not to tolerate.

Even so, it appears unlikely that Wiggins will face a suspension or miss any preseason games. The league has traditionally left joint practice discipline to the discretion of individual teams unless there is a serious injury or blatant violation of conduct rules. In this case, no players were reported injured in the fight.

Still, the NFL continues to express concern over the growing number of joint practice altercations each offseason. The league office may raise the incident in upcoming meetings, using it as an example of how fast things can escalate when tempers flare — especially among young players.

Wiggins’ Background and Rise

The 2024 first-round pick had a strong rookie season in Baltimore. Playing in 15 games, Wiggins quickly became a fixture in the Ravens’ defensive rotation. His stat line was impressive for a rookie: 33 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and a memorable pick-six that showcased his speed and football IQ.

Throughout the season, Wiggins was praised for his physical play style and mental resilience. Coaches noted significant progress in his tackling form and his willingness to challenge veteran receivers at the line of scrimmage. By the end of the year, it was clear the Ravens had landed a potential defensive cornerstone.

But as with many young players, the challenge of year two is not just performance — it’s maturity. Teams want to see growth not just in technique and endurance, but in emotional discipline, leadership, and composure under pressure.

Tuesday’s outburst raised questions about that maturity.

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)

A Teammate’s Defense

In the aftermath of the incident, some expected a full-scale condemnation of Wiggins’ behavior. Instead, Colts safety Cam Bynum offered a surprisingly measured — even sympathetic — perspective.

“That’s joint practice, you know. No matter what, you can’t get out of a joint practice without a fight,” Bynum said, according to The Athletic. “You gotta stand up for your teammates.”

Bynum’s comments reflect a common sentiment among NFL players. Joint practices are notoriously intense. They lack the formality and rules of actual games, but carry the same emotional weight — especially when it’s a first- or second-year player trying to prove they belong. The competitiveness can spill over.

Still, while Bynum’s comments may validate the spirit of loyalty Wiggins displayed, they do little to excuse the method. Throwing punches in a professional environment — even one as high-stakes as an NFL joint practice — is unacceptable and dangerous.

Harbaugh’s Likely Response

Head coach John Harbaugh is no stranger to managing fiery young talent. Over his tenure in Baltimore, he’s dealt with locker room personalities ranging from Terrell Suggs to Marcus Peters. He’s learned when to support, when to discipline, and when to deliver tough love.

Though Harbaugh has yet to issue a public statement, sources within the organization suggest that he met with Wiggins privately after practice to address the incident. The message, insiders believe, was clear: this team wants intensity — but not recklessness.

The Ravens have built a culture on defense that emphasizes aggression paired with intelligence. Linebackers like Roquan Smith and defensive backs like Kyle Hamilton are known for walking that fine line. Now, Wiggins must prove he can walk it too.

What Happens Next?

For now, there’s no official indication that Wiggins will miss any preseason action. The Ravens are scheduled to play the Colts this Thursday in a preseason matchup that will now carry a little extra narrative heat. Fans will be watching to see if tensions remain — and how the coaches manage the emotion on both sidelines.

Will Wiggins suit up? All signs point to yes. The team wants him to continue getting reps and preparing for the regular season. But it’s also expected that Harbaugh will talk to referees before kickoff, perhaps requesting tighter control over physicality and taunting.

More broadly, the team is likely to emphasize a message to all its players over the next week: passion is good. Punches are not.

A Teachable Moment

In some ways, this incident might become a pivotal moment in Wiggins’ career — not because of the fight itself, but because of how he responds.

Plenty of elite defenders have fiery personalities. Ray Lewis, one of the greatest Ravens of all time, played with unmatched emotional intensity. But Lewis also learned — over time — how to channel that energy into leadership rather than impulse.

If Wiggins wants to become a cornerstone of the Ravens defense for years to come, he’ll have to do the same. His physical skills are undeniable. His rookie season proved that. But as the NFL has shown time and time again, talent without discipline rarely leads to long-term success.

Conclusion

Nate Wiggins is not the first NFL player to lose his cool during a joint practice. He certainly won’t be the last. But the attention surrounding his outburst is both a reflection of his rising profile — and a reminder that leadership and maturity are just as crucial as stats and highlight plays.

As the Ravens prepare for their preseason clash with the Colts, all eyes will be on No. 21. Will he show that he’s learned from Tuesday’s chaos? Or will the heat of the moment continue to overshadow his undeniable talent?

One thing is clear: in the high-stakes world of the NFL, how you fight — and how you recover from the fight — can define your legacy just as much as how you play.