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NFL Fines Bears’ Austin Booker $46,371 for Helmet-to-Helmet Hit on Jordan Love

The penalty reflects the NFL’s escalating fines for repeat helmet-to-helmet violations this season.

Overview

  • The hit occurred with 9:40 left in the second quarter of the wild-card game and drew a 15-yard penalty for illegal contact.
  • The fine was listed on the league’s game-day accountability page and was the largest issued across the NFL this week.
  • Under the rulebook, a second helmet-to-helmet offense in the same season doubles to $46,371, and Booker had multiple violations, including two December hits on Love.
  • Booker was not suspended, retains the right to appeal, and remains eligible for Sunday’s divisional-round game against the Rams.
  • Booker logged six tackles, a sack and two QB hits in Chicago’s 31–27 win, and his second-year production has risen, according to Pro Football Focus.