Overview
- The NFL fined Cleveland offensive tackle Tytus Howard $12,537 for unnecessary roughness for a tripping play, marking his first career fine after seven NFL seasons.
- The tripping call occurred during Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15 when officials flagged Howard for a 15-yard personal foul.
- League reviews by the officiating department led to the fine, and Howard may appeal under CBA procedures that give players hearings with jointly appointed officers including Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson and James Thrash.
- Howard joined the Browns in March via trade from Houston and signed a two-year, $45 million extension, so the fine is a modest financial hit but draws attention as he settles into a rebuilt Browns offensive line tasked with protecting the team's quarterbacks.
- The fine is notable in the preseason context because 25 players were fined totaling $163,513 with only two fines above $10,000, and the NFL donates all fine proceeds to the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation.