The NFL is cracking down on players using their helmets during tackles and no one is immune. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is the latest offensive player to be fined for the use of his helmet. Years ago, defensive players were the only ones targeted for these types of fines. However, in the past few years, the NFL has cracked down on offensive players who lower their heads into defenders. The result is fines like this one on Jacobs.
Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs Fined
NFL insider Tom Pelissero posted the video of the play that caused the fine. In the fourth quarter, Josh Jacobs lowered his head into the chest of safety Quandre Diggs. To any football fan, this seemed like a normal play. It was not flagged in real-time, but the NFL reviews play like this throughout the week and can hand out fines afterward. The league determined this was “impermissible use of the helmet/launching” and fined the Green Bay Packers running back.
This isn’t the first time Jacobs has been fined for this offense. He was fined consecutive weeks last year, so the fine is just over $45,000. According to the NFL’s fine schedule, it is a $22,511 fine for a first offense and a $45,020 fine for a second offense. Any player has the right to appeal the fine. This is notable because if the NFL keeps finding Jacobs guilty of this offense, it could warrant a suspension for repeat offenders.
An Interesting Decision
Looking at the play, there doesn’t seem to be anything malicious behind Josh Jacobs’ actions. It is a tough finish to a run. These types of situations happen throughout many games. While he did lower his helmet, there does not seem to be any intent to injure someone. However, the NFL is putting a huge emphasis on player safety. The use of the helmet for anything other than keeping the cranium safe is strictly forbidden. Like it or not, it is the nature of today’s NFL. However, at some point, we all have to understand that football is a violent game. Hits like these will happen whether we want them to or not.
It will be interesting to see if Josh Jacobs appeals the fine. It is about two-thirds of his game check, so recouping some of the money would not hurt. The Green Bay Packers simply want to keep him on the field. In the past two weeks, he has been essential to the team’s offense with Jordan Love out. He is sixth in the NFL in rushing right now, with 278 yards total on 62 carries. He might be more careful running against the Minnesota Vikings this week.
