Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt fined $25k for doing his job vs. Ravens

As is customary every Saturday during the season, the NFL fined players for what they deem unnecessary infractions. Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt was one of the lucky ones, fined $25,132 on two separate violations: Unsportsmanlike conduct ($13,659) for removing his helmet after a game-sealing sack celebration and unnecessary roughness ($11,473) for striking receiver Zay Flowers.

The NFL fined #Steelers star T.J. Watt $25,132 for unsportsmanlike conduct — removing his helmet after a game-sealing sack of Lamar Jackson — and unnecessary roughness for a hit on Zay Flowers in last week’s win over the #Ravens. pic.twitter.com/41FfqtCnll

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 14, 2023

As a defender, Watt had to presume Flowers would make an easy catch, and his job was to knock it out. Only the rookie receiver heard footsteps and didn’t come down with it.

It’s an absurd reason to fine a player, but the helmet infraction dates back two decades-plus. It’s a clear rule that Watt was aware of (and didn’t care), especially after a flag was thrown for it.

Watt did all of the above with a dislocated finger. Dude is an alien.