NFL Whacks Jets' Jordan Whitehead for $21.8K Fine

Strong safety charged with unnecessary roughness for second-quarter hit on Cowboys' WR

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Sep 23, 2023 9:34 PM EDT

In this story:

The New York Jets' 30-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was a costly one for veteran strong safety Jordan Whitehead.

The National Football League has reportedly imposed a $21,855 fine on Whitehead for unnecessary roughness on a second-quarter play in the redzone. There was no penalty assessed for a late hit on the field and Dallas proceeded to settle for a field goal one play later.

With the Cowboys facing a 3rd-and-7 from the Jets' 20-yard line, quarterback Dak Prescott hit receiver Michael Gallup for a three-yard gain out on the left flank. Jets' cornerback D.J. Reed wrapped Gallup up by the legs at the 17-yard line and began wrestling the pass-catcher to the ground.

Meanwhile, Whitehead came flying in from centerfield to help finish off the tackle. The defensive back attempted to lead with his shoulder, but apparently made helmet-to-helmet contact to warrant the postgame financial penalty.

The costly play happened with 9:56 remaining in the first half.

Whitehead attempted to defend his actions on the social media site formerly known as Twitter. Using his @jwhite_333 X account, the battle-tested ballhawk re-posted a video of the hit with a message that said, "Look at the back view u can see me use my shoulder … I can’t help he tried to get down at the last minute."

The 26-year-old Whitehead finished with a game-high nine tackles at Dallas. In the season-opening victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Jets' safety intercepted quarterback Josh Allen three times.

The NFL did not fine Jets' defensive end John Franklin-Myers for the roughing the passer penalty that he allegedly committed on a third-down incompletion in the red zone late in the second quarter. After receiving a new set of downs, the Cowboys proceeded to cash in a touchdown that boosted their lead to 18-7.

The Jets asked for clarification on Franklin-Myers's supposed infraction and the NFL reportedly admitted to an officiating error.