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NFL schedule of fines for 2017 season

A list of disciplinary fines established by the NFL as set in the players’ collective bargaining agreement.

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The NFL fines for the 2017 season are subject to an automatic 5% increase from the previous season, according to the provision of the collective bargaining agreement with the players union and the league. Update: The NFL and NFLPA agreed to keep the minimum fines at 2016 levels, and the post below is revised to reflect that.

Offenses against game officials

  Rule Violation First Offense Second Offense
12-3-1 (g) Physical contact with official $30,387 $60,775
12-3-1 (b) Verbal or other non-physical offense against official $24,309 $48,620

Player safety rules and/or flagrant personal fouls

Including the following, without limitation. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation (fines listed are minimums).

Starting in 2017, there is a point of emphasis on “egregious” hits, according to executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. This means particularly violent hits can be subject to ejection or suspension on a first offense in addition to the monetary penalties.

  Rule Violation First Offense Second Offense
12-2-12 Striking/kicking/kneeing $9,115 $18,231
12-2-6 (j), 12-2-14 Face mask
12-2-6 (f) Late hit
8-4-5, 12-2-5   Low block
12-2-3 Chop block
12-2-15 Horse-collar tackle $18,231 $36,464
12-2-6 (a) Leg whip
12-2-9 (a-e) Roughing the passer
12-2-6 (l) Spearing $24,309 $48,620
12-2-6 (l),
12-2-8,
12-2-16
Impermissible use of the helmet (including illegal launching)
12-2-7 Hit on defenseless player
12-2-7 (a) (10) Blindside block

Fighting

Rule   Violation First Offense Second Offense
12-2-12 Fighting $30,387 $60,775
Conduct policy Unnecessarily entering fight area (active involvement) $6,076 $12,154
Conduct policy Unnecessarily entering fight area (no active involvement) $3,037 $9,115

Sportsmanship

Rule   Violation First Offense Second Offense
12-3-1 Excessive profanity; other unsportsmanlike conduct* $12,154 $24,309
12-3-1 (b) Taunting $9,115 $12,154
Conduct policy Football into stands† $6,076 $12,154

*Conduct directed toward opponents, game personnel, fans, etc.
†Fines assessed when a player deliberately throws or kicks a ball into the stands. If the player hands the ball to a specific fan or a designated person, this is not a fine, as it does not create a fan-safety issue.

Uniform

Additional fines may be imposed on team management and coaching staffs for condoning or permitting violations in this area.

Rule   Violation First Offense Second Offense
5-4-4 (1) Foreign substances on body/uniform $9,115 $18,231
5-4-3 (1)   Chin strap violations $9,115 $12,154
5-4-8   Personal messages‡ $6,076 $12,154
5-4-9 Other uniform/equipment violations

‡Except those that are advertising, which is an on-field commercial logo violation.

On-field commercial logo violation

[5-4-7] Considered violation of official league licensing agreements. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation.

Gang signing

[12-3-1 (b, d)] Considered conduct detrimental to the league licensing agreements. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation.

Ben Austro is the editor and founder of Football Zebras and the author of So You Think You Know Football?: The Armchair Ref's Guide to the Official Rules (on sale now)

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