NFL World Couldn’t Believe Large Fine for Steelers’ Alexander Over Preseason Tackle

Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander has been fined $43,709 by the NFL for an illegal use of his helmet in the team’s preseason game last week against the Buccaneers, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. 

The amount, while glaring at first glance, is the league’s standard fine for a second offense.

Alexander was flagged during the game for what appears to be a form tackle on Tampa Bay running back Chase Edmonds, but it was still rather shocking to see him slapped with a fine for the play. Pelissero noted that the NFL is continuing to put an emphasis on defenders lowering the crown of their helmet on tackles, but it’s hard to understand what exactly Alexander did wrong on the play.

Former players such as Shawne Merriman, Leger Douzable and Matt Chatman, as well as media members and fans, weighed in, struggling to comprehend the fine for a seemingly beautiful tackle.

The 29-year-old linebacker, who enjoyed a solid 2022 with the Jets, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on July 30th after spending eight seasons in the NFL with the Jets, Buccaneers, 49ers and Saints.