NFL Star Awaiting Punishment Decision After Shedeur Sanders Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 3:24 PM ET

Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns looked to snap a four-game skid in Week 17 as they hosted Cameron Heyward and the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC North showdown. While the Browns had already been eliminated from playoff contention, the matchup carried significant implications for Pittsburgh, which entered the game seeking to clinch a division championship. Cleveland ended up winning 13-6, thwarting a last-second drive by Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, to set up a winner-take-all game between Pittsburgh and the Baltimore Ravens next week.

With 10 minutes, 53 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Sanders and the Browns looked to extend their four-point lead but were backed up deep in their own territory. On second-and-14, the rookie quarterback attempted to connect with tight end Brendan Bates, but the pass fell incomplete. As Sanders released the ball, Heyward drove him to the turf, appearing to use his full body weight to bring the quarterback down.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks to throw against the Pittsburgh Steelers.Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The officials ended up throwing a flag for roughing the passer, granting Cleveland 15 yards and a free first down. And with his hit on Sanders, Heyward could have a fine coming his way. According to NFL Football Operations, players can be fined up to $17,389 for a first roughing-the-passer offense, which can increase to $23,186 upon a second violation.

This would not be the first time Heyward has been fined during the 2025 NFL season. The defensive tackle was charged $11,593 for taunting in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Still, Heyward has largely avoided discipline over the course of his lengthy five-time All-Pro NFL career, receiving just three total fines totaling $39,430.

Heyward would also not be the first Pittsburgh player to be fined for roughing the passer in 2025. Linebacker Patrick Queen was fined $17,389 for an illegal hit on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in Week 2, before being fined another $23,186 for a second violation against Cleveland's Dillon Gabriel in Week 6.