Jets defensive star receives two pieces of news he didn't want to hear at once ahead of Dolphins game

The NFL is not joking to make the game safer. Almost 1% of the plays this year have generated fines, and interior defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was the ultimate example of that this week. The New York Jets' defensive star was fined twice for two different penalties during the 29-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday.

Both plays were under the unnecessary roughness umbrella. The first one was a facemask in the first quarter, and then a hip drop tackle in the third.

Combining both punishments, Williams was fined $28,982. No other player had to pay heavier fines this week around the league.

Last year, the Jets were the team with the most fines throughout the season. Now, the coaching staff is different, led by Aaron Glenn, but some situations will still happen.

Quinnen Williams is playing under a four-year, $96 million extension he signed back in 2023. The defender is under contract through 2027, and this year he's making $16.75 million. In perspective, the fines don't mean that much, but it's also uncomfortable to lose money—which incentivizes players to be more careful during games. The defensive tackle was the third overall pick back in 2019, after quarterback Kyler Murray and edge rusher Nick Bosa.

NFL fines

While it’s tough to see football players losing money like that for normal plays, at least it goes to a good cause. The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support legends in need.

Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. Appeals officers and former NFL players, such as Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, and Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA, hear cases. The decisions made are final and binding.

The potential violations include offenses against game officials, player safety rules or flagrant personal fouls, fighting, sportsmanship, uniform rules, and gang signing.