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NFL Announces Punishment For Seahawks CB Riq Woolen

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 31, 2026 4:04 PM ET

Riq Woolen and the Seattle Seahawks secured their first conference title since the 2014 NFL season after taking down Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game. Woolen had another solid game for Seattle's secondary, tallying two tackles and knocking down two of Stafford's pass attempts.

Now, the Seahawks have moved on to Santa Clara, California, where they will face Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. This marks a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, when Russell Wilson famously threw the game-losing interception in the end zone.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) against the Arizona Cardinals© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With 2:20 remaining in the second quarter, Stafford attempted a deep throw to wide receiver Puka Nacua before Woolen broke it up. After the play, the Pro Bowl cornerback turned toward the Los Angeles bench and exchanged words with Sean McVay and other members of the team.

The officials ended up calling taunting on Woolen for his actions, giving the Rams a free 15 yards and a first down. Los Angeles would go on to score on the very next play, as Stafford hit Nacua for a 34-yard touchdown with Woolen in coverage once again.

With his taunt, the NFL reviewed Woolen's play for potential further punishment. The league can fine players up to $11,593 for a first taunting offense, which can increase to $17,389 upon a second violation.

And since Woolen already had two taunting fines during the 2025 season, the NFL charged him $17,398 ahead of the Super Bowl.

Woolen gets a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct and gets the Rams a 1st down on a 4th and 12 pic.twitter.com/Pb5SJ78N4O
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 26, 2026

Woolen’s first taunting fine came after Seattle’s Week 9 win over the Washington Commanders, when he was fined $11,593. His second came after the Week 14 win over the Atlanta Falcons, when he was charged $17,389.

Woolen and the Seahawks will face the Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

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

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