Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander has been fined $43,709 by the NFL for an illegal use of his helmet in the team’s preseason game last week against the Buccaneers, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The amount, while glaring at first glance, is the league’s standard fine for a second offense.
Alexander was flagged during the game for what appears to be a form tackle on Tampa Bay running back Chase Edmonds, but it was still rather shocking to see him slapped with a fine for the play. Pelissero noted that the NFL is continuing to put an emphasis on defenders lowering the crown of their helmet on tackles, but it’s hard to understand what exactly Alexander did wrong on the play.
The NFL fined #Steelers LB Kwon Alexander $43,709 for unnecessary roughness in last week’s preseason game against Tampa Bay.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 19, 2023
These types of hits with the head lowered are a point of emphasis this season. Alexander was fined for the same offense in 2022.pic.twitter.com/hY9en1qB4R
Former players such as Shawne Merriman, Leger Douzable and Matt Chatman, as well as media members and fans, weighed in, struggling to comprehend the fine for a seemingly beautiful tackle.
Ain’t no way I could play now days, I’d be playing for free with all my fines lol https://t.co/zJAPkUNqaB
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) August 19, 2023
I need to see slow-mo because this looks like a clean hit https://t.co/c0ZjhOVHGK
— Leger Douzable (@LegerDouzable) August 19, 2023
Wow, Kwon got fined $43,709 for this hit. ????♂️ #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/OTFTNfkVvr
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) August 19, 2023
Explain to me how this is an illegal hit.. https://t.co/BjwZSrUvcP
— Sports And Stuff (@SportsStuff2023) August 19, 2023
Beautiful hit. Crazy stuff to be fined for that https://t.co/eZMLasfI1D
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) August 19, 2023
Insane https://t.co/UdrJ5uAmyR
— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) August 19, 2023
Near 50k for a routine tackle he was literally taught to make https://t.co/5OgJobtwpl
— Visions (@yVisionssss) August 19, 2023
The 29-year-old linebacker, who enjoyed a solid 2022 with the Jets, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on July 30th after spending eight seasons in the NFL with the Jets, Buccaneers, 49ers and Saints.
