Pittsburgh Steelers Dec 4, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; The helmet of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the field during warm up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
NFLBy Sam Neumann on

For better or worse, the modern NFL game has changed. And whether you agree with it or not, the focus is on player safety.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the NFL laid down a hefty fine on Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander. The 29-year-old linebacker, who recently signed with the AFC North side after spending the 2022 season with the New York Jets, was fined $43,709 for unnecessary roughness in last week’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

You can see the hit in question below:

Per Pelissero, the NFL is cracking down on these types of hits. Any hit with the head lowered will be a point of emphasis going forward, as Alexander was flagged and fined for lowering his head on this tackle against his former team. As Pelissero mentioned Alexander was fined for the same offense in 2022, back when he was with the Jets.

While Alexander’s fine seems hefty, it should be noted that the $43,709 fine is standard for a second offense. And Alexander is now a multiple-time offender for the illegal use of his helmet whilst lowering his head to make a tackle.

The NFL world was quick to react to Alexander’s hefty fine.

If that hit results in a fine, the NFL and its players may be in for a rude awakening in 2023.

[Tom Pelissero on Twitter]

About Sam Neumann

Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.

View all posts by Sam Neumann