Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has been fined $10,128 for the seventh time this season. This latest fine comes after the NFL judged a tackle he made on San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle in Detroit’s 40-34 win on Monday night as unnecessary roughness (use of helmet), despite no penalty being called during the game. As a result, Branch holds the record for the most fines in the NFL this season, surpassing Philadelphia Eagles safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who has been fined six times.
The NFL announced fines for Week 17 on Saturday, with 35 players receiving penalties. Among them were three players from Alabama high schools and colleges. Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (Alabama) was fined $11,817 for unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing). Arnold was not penalized during the game for the action that led to the fine.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (Hoover) received a $10,231 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct (removal of the helmet). Although Pickens was penalized during the game for a false start, it was not related to the fine. With his fifth fine of the season, Pickens ranks third in the league for fines in 2024.
Carolina Panthers defensive end A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama) was fined $16,883 for roughing the passer after making contact below the knee area during a 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robinson was also penalized for this action.
