The fines are back in the NFL, with the league announcing penalties assessed during the preseason. Three Bills players received fines, all of whom are still early in their careers and working to establish themselves in the league.
Landon Jackson received the largest fine, $8,190, for unnecessary roughness. The infraction was described as striking/kicking/tripping/knee, and it occurred in the second quarter of Buffalo’s first preseason game, a 29-14 win over the Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium.
Chase Lundt was fined $5,868 for unsportsmanlike conduct due to taunting. This penalty happened in the fourth quarter of Buffalo’s 31-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 of the preseason.
Jalon Kilgore, a fifth-round rookie safety, was fined $5,560 for unnecessary roughness due to use of the helmet. The penalty came in the second quarter of the Bills’ 28-27 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third preseason game.
Fines issued by the NFL go toward causes that support players and the broader football community. The league states that penalties are meant to uphold safety and sportsmanship standards and are reviewed through the officiating and Football Operations Compliance processes.
Proceeds from fines are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation, supporting legends in need, player health and safety initiatives, youth football programs, and the communities that back the game. Since 2011, roughly $4 million annually has been directed to these causes.
For the Bills, the ongoing concern is that repeated violations could lead to suspensions later in the season.
