Pro Bowler Fined Twice for Infractions against Cleveland

Quinnen Williams, the defensive tackle for the New York Jets, received positive news initially as the NFL named him to the Pro Bowl Games for the second consecutive year on Thursday evening. However, just two days later, the league imposed two fines on the Jets’ standout in connection with their Week 17 primetime loss to the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old Williams is facing a total loss of $27,318 due to two roughing infractions.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the league imposed a $16,391 monetary penalty on Williams for roughing Browns’ quarterback Joe Flacco during a second-quarter play that resulted in a touchdown. While pressuring Flacco late in the first half, Williams unintentionally swiped across Flacco’s facemask, causing the quarterback’s head to turn. Despite this, officials did not penalize Williams during the play.

In the earlier part of the second quarter, Williams received a penalty for a personal foul face mask infraction, costing the Jets 15 yards on a three-yard first-down run by Kareem Hunt. For this second-quarter transgression, the All-Pro defensive tackle incurred a $10,927 fine.

Despite the fines, Williams made three stops, including 1.0 tackle for loss, during the 37-20 defeat. He has excelled in both pass and run situations, contributing significantly with 51 tackles on rushing plays and leading the team with 18 hits on the opposing passer this season. Having signed a substantial four-year contract extension in July, Williams joined Jets’ defensive line legends Joe Klecko and John Abraham as the only three in team history to secure consecutive Pro Bowl selections. Williams, having played every game this season, is set to lead the Jets (6-10) in their final matchup against the New England Patriots (4-12) on January 7.