Cowboys’ Defender Slammed With Severe NFL Punishment

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku has been fined $11,941 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness after a facemask penalty against the New York Giants in last Sunday’s Week 1 loss, via NFL.com.

The league posted the discipline Saturday on its official Football Operations accountability page.

The report lists Ezeiruaku’s infraction at the 2:10 mark of the fourth quarter and classifies it as unnecessary roughness for a facemask. That dollar figure matches the NFL’s first-offense schedule for the violation.

The play came late in a 28-20 Giants win at MetLife Stadium. With New York protecting the lead, quarterback Jaxson Dart kept the ball on a scramble. Ezeiruaku grabbed Dart’s facemask and brought him down.

Officials flagged the personal foul, adding 15 yards and an automatic first down that moved the Giants to the Dallas 31-yard line and helped New York run out the clock.

NFL rules prohibit twisting, turning, pushing, pulling, or controlling an opponent’s mask or helmet opening. A defensive facemask is a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. Flagrant versions can lead to ejection.

Ezeiruaku was not ejected, but the league’s postgame film review still produced a hefty five-figure fine.

The penalty was one of several self-inflicted wounds for Dallas. The Cowboys were flagged eight times for 85 yards in the opener.

Two other Dallas players were also fined from the same game: linebacker DeMarvion Overshown received a $9,527 fine for a late hit, and running back Javonte Williams was docked $11,941 for unsportsmanlike conduct after a taunting penalty on a touchdown.

Williams’ celebration pushed Brandon Aubrey’s extra-point attempt back, and Aubrey missed.

Ezeiruaku, a 2025 second-round pick out of Boston College, has already shown he can affect games as a rusher. In this one he also forced a fumble that New York recovered and shared a sack.

The facemask call, though, was the play the league chose to punish. Players typically receive a letter, video of the play, and an explanation of the amount. They can appeal.

Under 2026 policy, a single offense in an eligible safety category can be refunded at season’s end if the player does not repeat the violation. A second facemask would jump the fine to $17,911.

Fine money from accountability cases is directed toward player-assistance and foundation programs that support health, safety, and former players.

For Ezeiruaku and the Cowboys, the more immediate concern is discipline on the field. One grab of the mask turned a scramble into extra yards, extra clock, and an $11,941 bill to start the season.