Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Jordan Love Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 4:51 PM ET

Quarterback Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers were eliminated from the playoffs by the rival Chicago Bears 31-27 in the wild-card round. The Packers ended the season on a five-game losing streak.

Despite the loss, Love performed well. He completed 24 of 46 passes for 323 yards, four touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 103.8 passer rating. He was also sacked just one time.

It came in the second quarter with 9 minutes, 40 seconds left on the clock. Bears defensive end Austin Booker brought the quarterback down for a loss of one yard. However, it was a controversial hit due to helmet-to-helmet contact.

The play didn't keep the Packers from the end zone. Green Bay finished the drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Love to wide receiver Jayden Reed to put the Packers ahead 14-3. Green Bay would take a 21-3 lead into halftime before Chicago rallied.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) and Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94).Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The NFL rulebook states that players can be fined $23,186 for impermissible use of the helmet. The punishment can increase to $46,371 for a second offense in the same season. That means Booker could receive a hefty fine.

It wouldn't be his first of the season. He has been fined three times, including impermissible use of the helmet against the New York Giants in Week 10. The other two were for roughing the passer against the Packers in Week 16.

The NFL announced its wild-card round gameday accountability report on Saturday. Unfortunately for Booker, he did pop up, receiving a $46,371 fine for his hit on Love.

While receiving a fine isn't ideal, Booker and the Bears move on with a divisional round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff is Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Soldier Field, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Meanwhile, Love and the Packers enter the offseason. This is the second straight season Green Bay was knocked out in the wild-card round.

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

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