Every year, the NFL will have a questionable rule that it decides to enforce with more power. The referees go crazy for five, six weeks, and then it gets back to normal. Meanwhile, fans will see some weird decisions. Taunting is the ruledu jour for the NFL now.
Fine for Xavier McKinney
In Week 1, Green Bay Packers All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney was called for a 15-yard taunting penalty. Looking at the play, it’s hard to find a reasonable explanation for it. Nevertheless, players received a comprehensive video of all the things they could be fined for in regards to taunting.
But OK, let’s say the league is trying to send a message. Now, however, it has gone a step further. On Saturday, the NFL announced the fines for plays that happened in Week 1, and McKinney was punished with an $11,593 fine. Compared to what McKinney makes as one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL, the amount might not mean much, but it’s still an uncomfortable situation for players — it wasn’t even a significant taunting instance.
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While it’s tough to see football players losing money like that for normal plays, at least it goes to a good cause. The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support legends in need.
Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding.
Last year, the Packers were among the least penalized teams in football in this area. In 2024, 543 plays resulted in fines, or 1.16% of all plays in the season.
The potential violations include offenses against game officials, player safety rules or flagrant personal fouls, fighting, sportsmanship, uniform rules, and gang signing.
A top free agent last year, McKinney signed a four-year, $67 million contract with the Packers. In his first year in Green Bay, McKinney was named a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.