NFL Makes Final Decision on Packers Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 7:52 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers’ season ended in the wild card round courtesy of the Chicago Bears. Jordan Love and Co. put up a good fight against the NFC North rivals, but they still came up short. The Bears escaped with a 31-27 victory to secure their spot in the divisional round, only to lose to the Los Angeles Rams.

There was no shortage of action in the rivalry matchup between the Packers and the Bears. One of the more contentious moments in the game involved Green Bay star cornerback Keisean Nixon. The two-time first-team All-Pro CB was flagged for an unnecessary roughness violation during the game, prompting a review by the NFL.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) walks to the blue medical tent against the Minnesota Vikings.© Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Nixon, who played through a neck injury against Chicago, was called for a personal foul with 6:32 left in the second quarter. He was flagged for unnecessary roughness after jumping into the pile late as the Packers stopped a rushing attack by the Bears.

Nixon’s violation resulted in a 15-yard penalty in favor of Chicago.

Keisean Nixon got the dumbest penalty I’ve ever seen.

He just jumped over the pile, didn’t shove anyone, punch anyone, fight anyone.

This is suspicious pic.twitter.com/bWP7QvxIdu
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 11, 2026

The NFL Officiating Department reviews every play from every game, and this infraction from Nixon warranted some extra attention. The good news for the Packers star is that the league decided not to fine him for his personal foul against the Bears. The NFL announced the penalties from the wild card round on Saturday, and Nixon’s name was not on the list.

For context, six incidents of unnecessary roughness were fined in the wild card round. The most substantial penalty was on Bears defensive lineman Austin Booker, who was fined $46,371 for use of the helmet against Love in the second quarter.

Nixon, who has never been fined in his seven years in the NFL, just completed his fourth season with the Packers. He played all 17 games in the regular season, registering one interception, 17 passes defended and one fumble recovery. The former South Carolina Gamecocks standout also logged 72 combined tackles (58 solo), three tackles for loss and one quarterback hit.

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

More must-reads: