NFL Whacks Jets' Jordan Whitehead for $21.8K Fine

Strong safety charged with unnecessary roughness for second-quarter hit on Cowboys' WR
NFL Whacks Jets' Jordan Whitehead for $21.8K Fine
NFL Whacks Jets' Jordan Whitehead for $21.8K Fine /
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The New York Jets' 30-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was a costly one for veteran strong safety Jordan Whitehead

The National Football League has reportedly imposed a $21,855 fine on Whitehead for unnecessary roughness on a second-quarter play in the redzone. There was no penalty assessed for a late hit on the field and Dallas proceeded to settle for a field goal one play later. 

With the Cowboys facing a 3rd-and-7 from the Jets' 20-yard line, quarterback Dak Prescott hit receiver Michael Gallup for a three-yard gain out on the left flank. Jets' cornerback D.J. Reed wrapped Gallup up by the legs at the 17-yard line and began wrestling the pass-catcher to the ground. 

Meanwhile, Whitehead came flying in from centerfield to help finish off the tackle. The defensive back attempted to lead with his shoulder, but apparently made helmet-to-helmet contact to warrant the postgame financial penalty.

The costly play happened with 9:56 remaining in the first half.

Whitehead attempted to defend his actions on the social media site formerly known as Twitter. Using his @jwhite_333 X account, the battle-tested ballhawk re-posted a video of the hit with a message that said, "Look at the back view u can see me use my shoulder … I can’t help he tried to get down at the last minute."

The 26-year-old Whitehead finished with a game-high nine tackles at Dallas. In the season-opening victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Jets' safety intercepted quarterback Josh Allen three times.

The NFL did not fine Jets' defensive end John Franklin-Myers for the roughing the passer penalty that he allegedly committed on a third-down incompletion in the red zone late in the second quarter. After receiving a new set of downs, the Cowboys proceeded to cash in a touchdown that boosted their lead to 18-7. 

The Jets asked for clarification on Franklin-Myers's supposed infraction and the NFL reportedly admitted to an officiating error.

Jets' safety Jordan Whitehead pulls down Cowboys' RB Tony Pollard
Jets' SS Jordan Whitehead pulls down Cowboys' RB Tony Pollard / © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.