Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

NFL Punishes Lions Player Involved in Cowboys Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 6:37 PM ET

The Detroit Lions' 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys in NFL 's Week 14 edition of "Thursday Night Football" was very eventful for Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone.

Anzalone was involved in one of the most controversial plays of the game in the fourth quarter. Dallas was trying to mount a comeback, facing 3rd and 3 from the Detroit 11-yard line while trailing 37-27.

Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson was flagged for offensive pass interference on the third down play, and Dallas ended up settling for a field goal. Some fans thought it should have been called the other way when the replay showed Anzalone in coverage making some contact with Ferguson.

This was called offensive pass interference on Jake Ferguson on 3rd and 3 with under 4 minutes left in the game
pic.twitter.com/RlHLhYySFP
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) December 5, 2025

Anzalone joked on social media about the play, but frustrated fans did not see the humor in his comments.

The 31-year-old linebacker was not laughing on Saturday when the NFL announced its fines from Week 14 and Anzalone was punished for a separate incident in the game.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) and linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) tackle Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) during the first half at Ford Field.Junfu Han-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Anzalone received a $17,968 fine for "Striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing," which falls under the category of unnecessary roughness in the NFL's weekly gameday accountability report.

The infraction occurred with 6:28 remaining in the second quarter on a play by the Cowboys offense that ended in a fumble by Ferguson. It happened away from the ball and was identified in a review by the NFL, as Anzalone was not in on the tackle or the recovery.

It was Anzalone's second fine this season, but the first also caused a stir. He appealed a $12,172 fine he received for an incidental trip against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 received. The appeal reduced the fine by $2,434, but Anzalone expressed his frustration on X that he still had to pay the remainder.

Admitting it was incidental but still a $9k fine??? I just don’t understand pic.twitter.com/XgdlduAJDS
— Alex Anzalone (@AlexAnzalone34) November 5, 2025

Because it was upheld, his infraction against the Cowboys for "Striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing" was a second-time offense. In accordance with NFL rules, his fine rose to the whopping $17,968. He will have the opportunity to appeal this one as well.

The Lions will be back in action against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, while the Cowboys will face the Minnesota Vikings on "Sunday Night Football."

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

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