The NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, ratified in 2020, outlines all procedures for player punishment, including how fines are determined and where that money goes.
The CBA even accounts for inflation, with the minimum fines automatically rising 3% each league year.
After every Monday during the 2024 regular season, NFL compliance officer for player accountability Jon Runyan and league assistants pore over game film for potential rule violations before using CBA guidelines to determine subsequent disciplinary action. Then, the NFL notifies players of its decisions and makes the results of its findings public, typically the following Saturday afternoon. Players hold the right to appeal their punishments.
The NFL assesses fines for six categories of misconduct:
- Offense against a game official
- Player safety rules
- Fighting
- Sportsmanship
- Uniform
- Gang signing
There are specified dollar amount baselines associated with most violations—though those are reduced if they represent more than 10% of a player’s weekly earnings. (The minimum season long salary in 2024 is $795,000—roughly $47,000 per game.)
Throwing a football into the stands during a celebration, for example, is deemed a sportsmanship issue and comes with a minimum first-offense fine of $7,878. Game-related punishments are determined with the help of preset baselines that show minimum fines for any violation. A full list of those is on the NFL website.
Where does NFL fine money go?
The CBA says that 50% of all fines should go to the Players Assistance Trust, which is an NFLPA-run program to help retired players acclimate to life after football and provide supplemental health care benefits such as cognitive evaluations.
The other 50% is earmarked for “charitable organizations jointly determined by the NFL and the NFLPA.” Currently, the NFL’s official website lists the NFL Foundation as the preferred charity. The NFL Foundation is a non-profit with a stated mission to “support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game.”
Players have paid about $4 million in fines per season since 2011, according to the league.
Who decides NFL fine amounts?
The CBA states that a person appointed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell determines game day- related fines, including unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct on the playing field with respect to opposing players, and uniform violations. Right now, that appointee is former player Jon Runyan, per the league’s website.
For fines of more than $50,000, Goodell or one of his deputies must consult with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell to finalize a ruling.
How do NFL players learn they were fined?
The NFL sends a virtual written notice to the player, with a copy sent to the NFLPA, that also include video of the alleged violation. The player, or the NFLPA with his approval, then has three days to appeal in writing to Goodell.
What is the appeal process?
Players can appeal the basis of the fine, arguing they didn’t do what they were alleged to have done. They can also ask for a fine reduction, claiming the original amount was “excessive” compared with how much they make in a season or resulted from “incidental contact,” according to the CBA.
Appeals are heard by one of Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae or Jordy Nelson—officers who have been jointly appointed and paid by the NFL and NFLPA. The four appeals officers receive cases at random. Once an officer is put in charge, they examine the incident and seek comment from the NFL and the player.
According to the CBA, the officer’s decision is final, and the ruling is binding.
