Retired NFL star JJ Watt is not happy about a fine leveled against Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. On Sunday morning, he made his feelings known.
Warren was penalized for a block against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht during Week 7’s game between the two teams.
On Saturday, Nick Farabaugh, who covers the Steelers for Steelersnow.com, tweeted out video of the play with the caption, “This play is what Jaylen Warren was fined $48, 556 for from the NFL.” On Sunday morning, Watt responded.
“This is literally stealing money from a guy,” Watt said. “I mean what are we doing here? I don’t care how much money you make, $48,556 is a LOT of money (it’s Jaylen Warren’s entire game check) and we’re taking it away from him for this? Really? This is horrendous.”
In writing about the fine, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk noted that “Warren did initiate contact with the crown of his helmet, which is against the rules, but the officials didn’t flag it and it didn’t look particularly egregious. Hoecht wasn’t injured.”
Others in the NFL world also seemed to agree with Watt’s take, as his commentary was well-received.
The most damning thing is that, if I didn't know who Jaylen Warren was and what position he played, it would take looking at this at least twice before picking out someone who's even in a conversation for a fineable offense https://t.co/wzigkpfqhN
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) October 29, 2023
[JJ Watt, Nick Farabaugh, Michael David Smith]