Tytus Howard of the Cleveland Browns became the recipient of the highest fine assessed by the NFL during the 2026 season following an incident in a preseason contest. The $12,537 penalty stemmed from Howard’s actions during the first quarter of Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15, which the Browns lost 34-10. Howard was cited for unnecessary roughness and was initially penalized 15 yards for tripping during the opening play of Cleveland’s second offensive possession, though the Browns subsequently scored on that drive with a 50-yard field goal from kicker Andre Szmyt.
Howard’s fine stands out as significantly larger than typical preseason penalties assessed during the current season. Among 25 players who have received fines through this point in the preseason, only two have exceeded $10,000 in total penalties. The only other player in that category is Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo, who was fined $10,625 for a face mask penalty. The collective fines issued to the 25 players totaled $163,513, resulting in an average fine of $6,541 per player.
Revenue generated from NFL fines is directed toward charitable purposes. According to Pro Football Talk, the league donates fine money to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which provides assistance to former players facing hardship, and the NFL Foundation, which funds health and safety initiatives across football at all competitive levels from youth organizations through the professional ranks.
Howard, 30, joined the Browns following a trade from Houston in March on a two-year contract worth $45 million. The veteran offensive lineman was selected 23rd overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and has maintained a starting position throughout his professional career, having appeared in 97 regular-season games including postseason play. Over the past two seasons, he has started in 20 games each year, which included four playoff contests.
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