Where Does The Money From NFL Player Fines Go?

Ever wondered what happens to the money NFL players pay in fines? It’s not just disappearing into thin air or padding the league’s pockets- it has a purpose, and the NFL’s 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) lays out the entire process in detail.

Here’s everything you need to know about where those fines go, how they’re calculated, and what players can do if they disagree with them.

How Are NFL Player Fines Determined?

The NFL’s CBA is the ultimate playbook for determining fines. It outlines six categories of misconduct that can result in penalties:

Offense against a game official
Player safety violations
Fighting
Sportsmanship issues
Uniform violations
Gang signing

Each violation comes with a baseline fine amount. For example, celebrating by throwing a football into the stands counts as unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in a minimum $7,878 fine for a first offense. However, players can have the fine reduced if it exceeds 10% of their weekly earnings.

With the 2024 minimum salary set at $795,000 (about $47,000 per game), the NFL automatically adjusts minimum fines by 3% annually to account for inflation.

The NFL fined Jalen Hurts $5,628 for violating the league’s uniform policy by wearing mismatched green cleats.. Jordan paid for the fine “You can’t ban greatness” pic.twitter.com/QI0WhU4lJ8

— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) December 20, 2024

Who Decides The Fine Amounts?

Jon Runyan, the NFL’s compliance officer for player accountability, reviews game footage every Monday of the regular season with a team of league assistants. Using CBA guidelines, they identify violations and determine fines.

For game-day issues like unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, or uniform infractions, Runyan has the final say. However, fines exceeding $50,000 require consultation with NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell before Commissioner Roger Goodell or one of his deputies signs off.

Where Does The Money Go?

The NFL CBA mandates that all player fine money serves a greater purpose:

Players Assistance Trust:
Half of all fine revenue supports this NFLPA-managed program, which helps retired players adjust to life after football. The funds cover supplemental healthcare benefits, including cognitive evaluations for former players.
Charitable Causes:
The other half goes to charitable organizations chosen jointly by the NFL and NFLPA. Currently, the NFL Foundation- a nonprofit focused on the health, safety, and wellness of athletes and their communities- is the primary recipient.

On average, players collectively pay about $4 million in fines each season.

Also Read: How Much Did NFL Fine Marlon Humphrey For Hit on Josh Allen? A Look At The Recent League Penalties

How Do Players Learn They’ve Been Fined?

The NFL notifies players through a virtual written notice, which includes details of the violation, a video clip of the incident, and a copy sent to the NFLPA. Players can appeal within three days of receiving the notice.

What’s The Appeal Process Like?

Players have the right to challenge the fine on two grounds:

**Disputing the...