The NFL has fined Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone following an incident during the team’s Week 14 home victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

The league announced Saturday that Anzalone was fined $17,968 for unnecessary roughness, citing a violation described as “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing,” a broad safety rule that covers blows delivered with a limb. The play occurred with 6:28 remaining in the second quarter, with Detroit holding a 10-6 lead.

How the Incident Happened

On a 3rd-and-21 play, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott checked the ball down to tight end Jake Ferguson, who gained four yards before being tackled by Amik Robertson and Jack Campbell.

While Ferguson remained upright, Campbell punched the ball loose, allowing Lions safety Brian Branch to recover the fumble near midfield. As Lions players celebrated the turnover, Anzalone ran in and threw his arms into the air, with his right arm making contact with Cowboys rookie offensive guard Tyler Booker.

No flag was thrown during the game, but video replays show Booker appearing to ask officials for a penalty after the contact.

Anzalone’s History With NFL Fines

According to Spotrac, this marks the sixth fine of Anzalone’s NFL career and his second fine during the 2024 season. He was previously fined $12,172 in Week 6 for fighting during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

In total, Anzalone has now accumulated $93,190 in career fines.

Despite the fine, the veteran linebacker played a solid game, recording seven total tackles, including four solo, in the Lions’ 44-30 win over Dallas.

Other Players Fined From Lions vs. Cowboys

Although Anzalone was the only Lions player fined, several Cowboys players also received penalties from the league:

Hunter Luepke – $8,537 for unnecessary roughness (use of helmet) on the opening kickoff

George Pickens – $11,593 for unnecessary roughness (facemask) with 1:25 left before halftime

James Houston – $5,722 for a hit on Jared Goff, ruled a blow to the head/neck area

Houston, now with Dallas, was originally drafted by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Final Takeaway

While the play did not draw a penalty during the game, the NFL’s postgame review resulted in a costly fine for Alex Anzalone, adding to his growing list of disciplinary actions. The Lions, however,