The NFL continues to crack down on players for illegal helmet use, even when no flags are thrown during the game. One of the most recent and controversial fines involved Steelers running back Jaylen Warren, who was penalized a large sum of money for illegal use of his helmet following Pittsburgh’s Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Though no flags were thrown during the game, the NFL later reviewed the play and decided to fine Warren for lowering his helmet on purpose. The fine caused quite the stir, and many fans and analysts alike questioned whether or not the punishment fit the crime.
Here’s everything you need to know about Steelers running back Jaylen Warren fined for helmet use, including why he was fined, how the helmet rule works, and what it means for players in the future.
Jaylen Warren Was Fined After Week 2 Win Over Browns
The Week 2 game between the Steelers and Browns took place in September 2023.
During the second quarter, quarterback Kenny Pickett threw a pass to Jaylen Warren, who was running a route along the sideline. As Browns safety Juan Thornhill came to make the tackle, Warren lowered his helmet and initiated contact.
Though officials did not call the play, the NFL later reviewed the footage and determined that Warren had committed illegal helmet use. As a result, he was fined $48,333 for the Week 2 win over Cleveland.
Why Was Jaylen Warren Fined?
According to the NFL’s Game Day Accountability Report, Jaylen Warren was fined for violating the NFL’s impermissible use of the helmet rule.
The NFL prohibits players from doing any of the following:
Lowering the head before contact
Initiating contact with the crown of the helmet
Creating avoidable helmet-to-helmet collisions
Using the helmet as the primary point of contact
Officials determined that Warren had lowered his helmet into Thornhill, creating an avoidable helmet-to-helmet collision. Despite no flags being thrown during the game, the league felt that the play warranted a fine.
The Play Wasn’t Penalized During the Game
One of the main reasons why fans were upset about the fine is because no flags were thrown during the game.
Some fans argued that if officials felt the play was legal during the game, then the NFL should not have penalized Warren for it days later. However, others felt that the NFL’s player safety rules should be strictly enforced, even if that meant reviewing and penalizing plays that occurred during regular season games
How Much Was the Fine?
Jaylen Warren was fined $48,333 for the helmet-to-helmet collision with Browns safety Juan Thornhill. The fine was one of the largest penalties issued that week for illegal use of the helmet. For an undrafted rookie free agent, this was a massive fine. Warren’s agent immediately responded by saying that they would appeal the fine, claiming that it was an unfair punishment for the play.
Why the NFL is Strict About Helmet Contact
Over the last decade, the NFL has implemented several rule changes to reduce the risk of head trauma and concussions.
With research showing that head trauma can cause long-term neurological issues, the league has taken a much harder stance on helmet-to-helmet collisions.
The NFL’s current helmet rules prohibit players from:
Spearing with the crown of the helmet
Launching into opponents
Leading with the crown of the helmet
Initiating avoidable helmet-to-helmet collisions
These rules apply to both offensive and defensive players.
Jaylen Warren’s Physical Running Style
Jaylen Warren has always been a physical running back.
Whereas most backs tend to avoid contact, Warren looks to lower his shoulder and initiate contact to make defenders miss. This type of contact-heavy style of football has made him a fan-favorite in Pittsburgh, as he always looks to finish runs hard and make defenders miss. However, it has also put him in hot water with the NFL, as the league has cracked down much harder on helmet-to-helmet collisions.
Steelers Players Have Been Fined Multiple Times
Warren was not the only Steelers player fined following the Browns game.
The NFL also fined several Steelers defenders for unnecessary roughness and other player safety violations. It seems that the NFL is especially strict about helmet-to-helmet collisions following the Browns game, as several players were fined for rough contact following the physical AFC North showdown.
Warren Later Won an Appeal in a Separate Helmet Fine
Later this season, Warren was also fined a large sum of money for a helmet use violation during a pass-protection block. He was able to successfully appeal the fine, which shows that the NFL’s helmet rules can be appealed.
Fan Reaction to the Fine
The fine caused quite the stir among Steelers fans, as many felt that the NFL was unfairly targeting running backs.
Some fans argued that:
The hit looked dangerous
The NFL should protect players
Offensive players should be held to the same standard as defenders
Other fans countered that:
The collision was incidental
No flags were thrown during the game
The fine was too large for a running back
Running backs shouldn’t be penalized for lowering their pads to make defenders miss
The NFL’s Player Safety Rules
Every week, the NFL reviews every game for potential player safety violations.
Some of the infractions they look for include:
Helmet-to-helmet collisions
Late hits
Roughing the passer
Taunting
Unnecessary roughness
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Players can be fined even if no flags were thrown during the game if the NFL determines that a player safety violation occurred.
What This Means for Running Backs
It’s becoming much harder to be a running back in today’s NFL.
While players are encouraged to make defenders miss and lower their shoulder to finish runs, they must also be careful not to initiate helmet-to-helmet collisions. Coaches have to teach their players the proper technique to lower their pads and make contact with defenders without initiating a helmet-to-helmet collision. This can be a difficult balance for running backs to achieve, especially when they’re trying to make defenders miss.
Jaylen Warren’s Value to the Steelers
Despite the fine, Jaylen Warren has become a very valuable player for the Steelers. Known for his hard-hitting style of play and physical running, he has become one of the most reliable offensive weapons for Pittsburgh. He has the ability to be a workhorse running back, as well as a third-down back, and he can also contribute in pass protection and special teams. His versatility and hard-nosed style of play have made him a fan-favorite in Pittsburgh, and he looks to continue being a big part of the Steelers’ offense in the future.
The story of Steelers running back Jaylen Warren fined for helmet use shows just how hard the NFL is cracking down on helmet-to-helmet collisions. Though no flags were thrown during the game, the NFL later reviewed the play and penalized Warren for lowering his helmet. While some fans felt the fine was unfair, others argued that the NFL should enforce player safety rules no matter what. Ultimately, it’s up to the league to determine what is and isn’t a helmet-to-helmet collision, and they will continue to penalize players for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jaylen Warren fined?
He was fined for illegal use of the helmet after lowering his head during contact with Browns safety Juan Thornhill.
How much was Jaylen Warren fined?
The NFL fined Warren $48,333 following the Steelers’ Week 2 win over the Browns.
Was Jaylen Warren penalized during the game?
No. Officials did not throw a flag on the play, but the NFL later reviewed the video and issued a fine.
Can NFL players appeal fines?
Yes. Players have the right to appeal league-issued fines, and some penalties have been reduced or rescinded after review.
What rule did Warren violate?
The NFL determined he violated the rule prohibiting impermissible use of the helmet, which is designed to reduce dangerous head-first contact.
