Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown received a $12,172 fine for an unnecessary-roughness call during Detroit’s Week 10 game against the Commanders, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Detroit’s victory came with an unusual subplot. After reaching the end zone in Washington, St. Brown broke into a dance that mirrors a viral move tied to former President Donald Trump, who happened to be at the game.
The celebration sparked attention online, prompting St. Brown to address it on his podcast later in the week. He explained that he would have imitated any president’s signature gesture if they were present, and he apologized while redirecting the conversation toward the team’s performance and the offense’s resurgence under Dan Campbell’s direction.
Pelissero reported that the league’s fine stemmed not from the celebration but from St. Brown striking Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne in the facemask. Payne retaliated moments later with a punch that led to his ejection and a subsequent one-game suspension.
The penalty highlights how aggressively the NFL is enforcing rules around conduct after the whistle, particularly during emotionally charged moments following touchdowns or sideline scrums.
For Detroit, St. Brown’s edge is part of what energizes its passing attack, but the team can’t risk giving away yardage or potentially losing its No. 1 receiver to discipline. Coaches are expected to stress composure in heated situations, especially with a critical matchup against the Eagles approaching and the NFC playoff picture tightening.
From an offensive standpoint, Detroit’s broader adjustments continue to trend upward. Campbell taking over play-calling duties resulted in smoother rhythm, better handling of pressure, and a more decisive version of Jared Goff.
Explosive plays reappeared, and both St. Brown and Jameson Williams delivered big moments while the balanced run-pass mix forced Washington to defend the entire field.
St. Brown and offensive coordinator John Morton were open about how the division of labor works: Morton remains heavily involved in the weekly game plan while Campbell makes the live decisions on game day. The Lions opened with scoring drives on eight consecutive possessions—a strong indication that the structure is functioning exactly as intended.
If Detroit maintains this clarity and cohesion on offense, it can continue to push for playoff positioning without relying too heavily on its defense to carry the load.
