When the NFL fines players during the preseason, when they aren’t receiving their regular paychecks, the fines are typically for lower amounts. But Browns offensive lineman Tytus Howard got a fairly substantial preseason fine.
The NFL fined Howard $12,537 for what it deemed unnecessary roughness during the first quarter of the first preseason game. Howard got a 15-yard penalty for tripping on the play.
The $12,537 fine was the biggest fine the NFL has announced for the 2026 preseason, although the league has not yet announced any fines for the third and final week of the preseason.
The league’s ability to fine players is established in the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the players’ union. The NFL’s officiating department reviews plays and refers potential fines to the football operations staff, which then examines the plays in question to determine whether a fine is in order. Players who get fined are sent a letter informing them of the fine and a video of the play in question. Players who don’t appeal have the money withheld from their next game check. Players who do appeal fines get a hearing with an appeals officer who is jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. This season, the appeals officers are Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson and James Thrash. The appeals officer has final say.
Fine money is donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which supports former players in need, and the NFL Foundation, which supports health and safety initiatives in football from youth leagues to the professional level.
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