Jets' Quincy Williams receives $45,020 fine after Steelers game

New York Jets All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams is excited for Haason Reddick to join the team when New York takes on the New England Patriots in Week 8. However, Williams is decidedly less excited about the league’s decision to fine him for a hit in last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Williams was fined $45,020 for unnecessary roughness on a play in which he lowered his helmet to hit Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on X.

The league is cracking down on players initiating contact with their helmets. Each Saturday, players white knuckle it through the day, hoping to avoid a costly fine for their actions the previous week. Many times the hits that have drawn fines weren’t flagged in the game. The plays often go unnoticed by officials, announcers and fans alike.

While Williams represents a fine on the defensive side of the ball, the NFL seems to be focusing primarily on offensive players who lead with their helmets. Running backs Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Zach Charbonnet have all been fined for similar plays. The league has been consistent this season. Just as Saturday is “fine day,” the going rate for an unnecessary roughness helmet-related infraction is $45,020.

Jets LB Quincy Williams took a hit to the wallet from the NFL

The NFL isn’t limited to issuing fines on hits. Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league are enforcing rules that ban gun-themed celebrations. While the NFL has a long-standing policy against the dreaded finger guns, it’s levying fines for such celebrations at an unprecedented pace this season.

Williams has been a key member of New York’s defense since joining the team in 2021. The Jets signed Williams to a three-year, $18 million contract prior to the 2023 season. The sixth-year veteran had his best season last year, racking up 139 combined tackles and earning first-team All-Pro honors.