Steelers RB Jaylen Warren Appeals Hefty Fine for Non-Flagged Play

PITTSBURGH — Steelers running back Jaylen Warren will appeal the fine levied by the NFL on him for a non-flagged hit against the Cleveland Browns during their 26-22 Monday night win. Warren was fined $48,333 for illegal use of helmet against the Browns, according to the NFL’s gameday accountability weekly update.

Warren lowered his helmet and hit Browns free safety Juan Thornhill at the end of a 30-yard catch-and-run early in the second quarter Monday night. The play didn’t draw a flag in the game.  That is the entire week’s worth of pay for Warren. However, Warren said that it becomes more like two-game checks after taxes. He even joked that he would ‘play for the love of the game’ the next two weeks. The NFL has a system to lower those fines for guys like Warren, but it remains a hefty fine for a play that was not penalized on the field.

Jaylen Warren got fined $48,333 for this “illegal use of the helmet”, although no penalty was called in the game.

Do you think the fine was justified?
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— Dylan Powell (@PowellAnalytics) September 23, 2023

“We appealed it yesterday,” Warren said. “I don’t know, I guess I’ll pay for the love of the game these next two weeks.”

Warren saw some help from teammates, who offered to help pick up some of the slack for the former undrafted free agent. It would not be as tough of a blow for someone making millions, but it’s a significant hit to Warren at this stage in his career with his contract. He expects to determine if he wins the appeal and has a reduced fine in the coming days. The Steelers have quickly racked up some impressive fine numbers, with week two being a significant factor in that boon.

Steelers players were fined $154,106 in the win against the Browns. Warren is the most high-profile of those fines due to the amount of money he makes compared to the fine number. One Steelers player has won an appeal already this year. During the preseason, Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander was fined $43,709 for lowering his helmet against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Chase Edmunds in a preseason game. Still, he appealed the fine and it was rescinded. Last year, the Steelers were the most fined team in the NFL.