GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers Running back Josh Jacobs was fined $45,020 for using his helmet illegally during the team’s 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans last week.
The league has cracked down on running backs lowering their helmets during contact with defensive players. On a run in the fourth quarter, Jacobs lowered his head and drove it into the chest of safety Quandre Diggs.
Jacobs’ fine, which falls into the category of unnecessary profanity, was considerable as it is not the first time he has been fined for this offense.
According to the NFL fine schedule, unauthorized helmet use/throwing is punishable by a fine of $22,511 for a first offense and a fine of $45,020 for a second offense.
Jacobs was fined consecutive weeks last year while with the Las Vegas Raiders for unauthorized helmet use. He was fined on November 10 in a game against the New York Giants and on November 17 in a game against the New York Jets.
Since this is his third offense, he will be fined a higher amount.
Jacobs can appeal the fine and have it reduced if an NFL appeals officer rules in his favor.
The $45,020 represents about two-thirds of Jacobs’ $66,667 weekly salary under his four-year, $48 million contract. His base salary is $1.2 million and his weekly salary is calculated over 18 weeks (17 games and one bye).
Jacobs ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing with 278 yards on 62 carries.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Packers running back Josh Jacobs fined by NFL
