For better or worse, the modern NFL game has changed. And whether you agree with it or not, the focus is on player safety.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the NFL laid down a hefty fine on Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander. The 29-year-old linebacker, who recently signed with the AFC North side after spending the 2022 season with the New York Jets, was fined $43,709 for unnecessary roughness in last week’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
You can see the hit in question below:
The NFL fined #Steelers LB Kwon Alexander $43,709 for unnecessary roughness in last week’s preseason game against Tampa Bay.
These types of hits with the head lowered are a point of emphasis this season. Alexander was fined for the same offense in 2022.pic.twitter.com/hY9en1qB4R
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 19, 2023
Per Pelissero, the NFL is cracking down on these types of hits. Any hit with the head lowered will be a point of emphasis going forward, as Alexander was flagged and fined for lowering his head on this tackle against his former team. As Pelissero mentioned Alexander was fined for the same offense in 2022, back when he was with the Jets.
While Alexander’s fine seems hefty, it should be noted that the $43,709 fine is standard for a second offense. And Alexander is now a multiple-time offender for the illegal use of his helmet whilst lowering his head to make a tackle.
The NFL world was quick to react to Alexander’s hefty fine.
Ain’t no way I could play now days, I’d be playing for free with all my fines lol https://t.co/zJAPkUNqaB
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) August 19, 2023
That’s a lot of money for a preseason hit… https://t.co/ws9OWGjQRX
— Michael Beck (@MichaelBeck56) August 19, 2023
https://t.co/sB8clOhrN4 pic.twitter.com/MZsrepqUAQ
— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) August 19, 2023
This is a clean hit. I refuse to hear arguments otherwise.
Bias? What's that? https://t.co/ytCvsZzANH
— Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) August 19, 2023
I need to see slow-mo because this looks like a clean hit https://t.co/c0ZjhOVHGK
— Leger Douzable (@LegerDouzable) August 19, 2023
I’m sorry, he got fined for … this? https://t.co/CRCScIj9Gx
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 19, 2023
FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND dollars for a hit in a PRESEASON game… https://t.co/kjfDYooqJL
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) August 19, 2023
If that hit results in a fine, the NFL and its players may be in for a rude awakening in 2023.
[Tom Pelissero on Twitter]