The NFL and the NFL Players Association collectively bargain an on-field code of conduct for all players. The result: a well-defined schedule of infractions and fines.

The NFL uses the fine schedule to outline the league’s and the union’s expectations for players to conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, themselves, their fellow players, the fans and the league. The rules are intended to protect the players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety and emphasize sportsmanship and respect of teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and fans.

Player infractions may come to the league’s attention in a variety of ways. The league may respond to an official’s call during a game or to a specific play that a team submits for review. The NFL Officiating Department also reviews every play from every game and refers potential violations to the Football Operations compliance team.

League staff members examine the plays identified as having potential infractions to determine whether there is cause for additional review.

Players subject to accountability measures receive a letter informing them of what they did, a video of the play in question, why they are being fined and how much it will cost them. They also receive information on how to appeal the fine. If they choose not to appeal, the fine is withheld from their next game check.

Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of policy and rules administration

Runyan, a Pro Bowler in 2002, played for Houston/Tennessee, Philadelphia and San Diego during his 14 years in the NFL. After his playing career, Runyan served New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011–15.

In his role with NFL Football Operations, Runyan, inducted to the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 2021, oversees club and game-related initiatives related to players. He serves as Commissioner Roger Goodell’s designee for on-field discipline and supervises the uniform and protective equipment inspection program. Runyan’s approach to decreasing on-field violations emphasizes communication, consistent application of the rules and player education.

“It was my life’s dream to play in the NFL and I am incredibly grateful for the experience those 14 seasons gave me,” Runyan said. “I am thrilled to once again be a part of the NFL family and give back to the game that gave me so much."

Runyan works closely with groups across the league, including the Competition Committee, Player Safety Advisory Panel, head coaches and team equipment managers.

“Jon’s breadth of experience from the gridiron to the halls of Congress to the NFL offices brings a unique perspective shaped by leadership as a player and in public service,” said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent.

If a player protests a ruling, he schedules a hearing with the NFL, and his case is assigned to one of the league’s current appeals officers, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. Cases are assigned randomly, so neither side in the appeals process knows who will hear a case. The officer assigned reviews the play and hears the league’s case and the player’s defense. The officer’s decision is final, and the ruling is binding.

If the discipline is upheld, the league withholds the amount of the fine from the player’s next check. If the player’s fine is rescinded, he will receive notification of the decision, and no money will be taken from his check.

The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.

Since 2011, about $4 million a year has been used to support these worthy causes.

Physical Contact with Official

First Offense $40,686

Second Offense $81,374

Verbal or other Non-Physical Offense Against Official

First Offense $32,547

Second Offense $65,100

Striking/Kicking/Tripping/Kneeing

First Offense $12,172

Second Offense $17,968

Horse Collar Tackle

First Offense $17,389

Second Offense $23,186

Hip Drop Tackle

First Offense $17,389

Second Offense $23,186

Face Mask

First Offense $11,593

Second Offense $17,389

Leg Whip

First Offense $17,389

Second Offense $23,186

Late Hit

First Offense $11,593

Second Offense $17,389

Impermissible Use of the Helmet/Launching

First Offense $23,186

Second Offense $46,371

Hit on Defenseless Player

First Offense $17,389

Second Offense $23,186

Blindside Block

First Offense $17,389

Second Offense $23,186

Roughing the Passer

First Offense $17,389

Second Offense $23,186

Low Block

First Offense $12,172

Second Offense $17,968

Chop Block

First Offense $12,172

Second Offense $17,968

Fighting

First Offense $40,686

Second Offense $81,374

Leaving Bench Area During a Fight

First Offense $12,172

Second Offense $17,968

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

First Offense $14,491

Second Offense $20,288

Taunting

First Offense $11,593

Second Offense $17,389

Football Into Stands

First Offense $8,114

Second Offense $13,911

Foreign Substances on Body/Uniform

First Offense $5,797

Second Offense $11,593

Chin Straps/Shoulder Pads/ Thigh, Knee Pads/ Over Built Facemask

First Offense $5,797

Second Offense $11,593

Unapproved Visor Tint or Lack of Brand Marks

First Offense $5,797

Second Offense $11,593

Personal Messages

First Offense $11,593

Second Offense $17,389

Unauthorized Logo/ Branding or Intellectual Property

First Offense $11,593

Second Offense $23,186

Uniform Violations (Socks, Jersey, Undergarments etc.)

First Offense $5,797

Second Offense $17,389

Gang Signing

Considered conduct detrimental to the League; suspension or fine; severity to be determined in accordance with provisions of the Personal Conduct Policy.