Steelers safety DeShon Elliott takes issue with the NFL after getting hit with a big loss during his bye week

This is nothing new for the NFL. Players have been fined for having the wrong colored cleats and socks, or writing things on undershirts. The league has often been dubbed the "No Fun League," by many who wish for less restrictive rules.

Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. Appeals officers and former NFL players, such as Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, and Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA, hear cases. The decisions made are final and binding.

The potential violations include offenses against game officials, player safety rules or flagrant personal fouls, fighting, sportsmanship, uniform rules, and gang signing. Obviously, a towel doesn't fall under any of these circumstances, and the fine is relatively light compared to many that the NFL hands down every week.

Either way, Elliott is upset, but that may help the Steelers. He was re-signed this offseason after trailing only Patrick Queen in tackles in 2024. I don't think it was a coincidence that he returned, and the Vikings struggled to run the ball. He plays with an intensity that no one else in the secondary rivals, yet he is always under control and in the right position, which then leads to interceptions.

So perhaps the more motivated and upset Elliott is, the better the Steelers' defense and team as a whole will be in 2025.