WATCH: Atlanta Falcons FB Keith Smith Gets Fined $87,000 for Non-Penalty Hit
The age-old saying is that NFL games can't be won on the first play - but evidently, $87,418 can be lost.
That's the story for Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith, who was given a hefty fine for unnecessary roughness on the opening kickoff in last Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Smith wasn't flagged for the play, but the NFL noticed his use of the helmet on a block against Lions running back Zonovan Knights and opted to cash in.
Here's a look at the play, with Smith standing in the middle of the screen at the 17-yard line ...
Smith wasn't the only Falcon fined for unnecessary roughness, as starting linebacker Kaden Elliss lost $16,391.
Since signing with Atlanta prior to the 2019 season, Smith has played in every game, drawing 28 starts in 69 contests. He's yet to receive a carry or been targeted in the passing game this season.
Keith Smith joined the Falcons in 2019.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The 31-year-old Smith has played in 37 offensive snaps and 55 special teams snaps, which is 18 and 69 percent of Atlanta's season totals.
A steady presence as a run blocker for the Falcons offense, Smith played 10 snaps on offense against Detroit and 20 on special teams.
In March, Smith signed a one-year, $2.35 million contract to stay in Atlanta for his 10th professional season and fifth with the Dirty Birds. Smith's fine for the hit against Knight is 3.7 percent of his base contract.
The Falcons - with Smith poised to play a role in two phases - return to action Sunday in London with a 9:30 a.m. kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
