Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was fined $45,020 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness related to the lowering of his helmet during the third week of the 2024 season.
The play came with 5:16 left in the fourth quarter of the Packers’ win over the Tennessee Titans. No penalty was issued on the field, but video review of the play in question resulted in the fine.
Why is the fine so high to begin with? Jacobs is a repeat offender; he was fined twice more than $21,000 for the same offense while with the Las Vegas Raiders last season.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has video of the latest incident involving Jacobs:
https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1840121883485954524
At the end of the race, Jacobs appears to lower his head and initiate contact with the defender. It’s a play seen hundreds of times over the decades of professional football, but the NFL banned it in an attempt to protect players.
Jacobs is the first Packers player to be fined by the NFL under game liability rules this season.
The league publishes all fines and actions from the previous week on Saturdays this season.
From the NFL: “Players subject to accountability measures receive a letter informing them of what they did, a video of the play in question, why they are being fined and how much it will cost them. They also receive information on how to appeal the fine. If they choose not to appeal, the fine is deducted from their next game check.”
All appeals are handled by appeals agents Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae and Jordy Nelson, four former players appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. Fines are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation.
Packers Wire will track on-field penalties and resulting fines in recurring posts each week.
Week 3: RB Josh Jacobs, $45,020 (unnecessary roughness)