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Commanders veteran receives early lump of coal from NFL days before Christmas

Originally posted on A to Z Sports
By Mauricio Rodriguez | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 7:09 PM ET

Washington Commanders linebacker Mykal Walker is getting an early gift from the NFL ahead of Christmas. The bad news? It's a good ol' lump of coal.

The NFL is fining Walker $6,250 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) during a play from the Commanders' win over the New Orleans Saints. There was no foul called on the field.

The play in question was a kickoff, in which Walker (No. 32) lowers his helmet before making the tackle.

Commanders LB Mykal Walker fined $6,250 for unnecessary roughness (use of helmet) during this play. pic.twitter.com/vBtlA0hYEW
— Mauricio Rodríguez (@MauNFL) December 21, 2024

The NFL has attempted to hammer down on such plays even if penalties are not called on gameday in an effort to reduce head-related injuries. Unfortunately for Walker, he'll have to pay up for a play that in all likelihood had no ill-intent behind it.

This will go down as Walker's second career fine, as he was fined as a Pittsburgh Steeler in 2023 for a horse collar tackle.

Every Saturday, the NFL is announcing its league-wide fines and amounts for penalties committed the previous week. The money collected by the league through player fines is "donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game."

Walker and the Commanders have a big game ahead in Week 16 as they take on the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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