Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Punishment Decision After Jared Goff Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 4:20 PM ET

Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions dropped to 8-7 after falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-24 in Week 16. It came down to the last play after a Lions touchdown with eight seconds remaining was nullified for offensive pass interference.

Goff had a solid game, completing 34-of-54 passes for 364 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 101.2 passer rating. However, he was sacked three times for a loss of 18 yards.

On first-and-10 with 1:24 left in the game, he was sacked by Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith for a loss of 10 yards. However, the play was wiped out after Highsmith was flagged for a tripping penalty on Goff.

It gave the Lions 15 yards of field position and an automatic first down. Later on in the drive, Detroit had two touchdowns nullified from penalties, including that final play.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Despite Highsmith's penalty not aiding in a Lions touchdown drive, it meant he was eligible for a different kind of punishment. The NFL rulebook states that players can be fined $12,172 for tripping and $17,968 for a second violation in the same season.

On Saturday, the NFL announced its Week 16 gameday accountability report, holding the official ruling for Highsmith's penalty on Goff. Unfortunately for him, he wound up receiving a $12,172 fine. This is the third in his NFL career, with the total now rising to $35,058.

Up next for him and the 9-6 Steelers is a Week 17 matchup against the 3-12 Cleveland Browns. They can clinch an AFC North title with a win, or if the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers.

Meanwhile, since losing to the Steelers, Goff and the Lions suffered another defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas. They've been eliminated from playoff contention with one more regular-season game against the Chicago Bears.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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