The NFL has indeed come after Chicago Bears wide receiver Jahdae Walker. The league announced on October 24 that it fined Walker not once but twice over infractions that he committed during the Bears’ win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6.
Walker’s first infraction occurred during the third quarter.
Officials flagged him for “roughing the kicker,” meaning he made contact with the plant (non-kicking) leg of Falcons punter Jake Bailey. The NFL docked Walker $5,620 for the incident.
Jahdae Walker Punished Two Times Over Bears Game
NFL Fines Bears WR Jahdae Walker Twice
Walker’s other infraction drew more attention but an identical $5,620 fine for “unnecessary roughness” over impermissible “use of the helmet” after he headbutted Falcons receiver Chris Blair in the fourth quarter.’
That offense got Walker ejected from the contest.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson and special teams coordinator Richard Hightower both spoke about how remorseful Walker was.
The former undrafted free agent has spoken at length multiple times about how much he relishes his work on special teams. The effort he shows in that phase has earned him a roster spot and a role in the offense.
There is no listed standard fine for roughing the kicker.
Walker’s fine is notably less than the $6,164 that Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Cedric Johnson received in Week 3.
Moreover, Walker got off lightly with his use of the helmet infraction, too. Impermissible use of the helmet can garner fines as high as $23,882 for first-time infractions and up to $47,762 thereafter, per the NFL.
Bears Have Been Down Similar Road Before
Walker’s incident was reminiscent of former Bears players Anthony Miller and Javon Wims past incidents, albeit more mild in comparison.
Wims threw a punch at C.J. Gardner-Johnson, former Bears safety who was then of the New Orleans Saints, during a game in 2020. The Saints won that contest 26-23, and Wims was ejected and suspended two games.
Miller’s incident occurred the following season.
He also threw a punch at Gardner-Johnson–despite receiving warnings about the future Bear like Wims did–during the NFC Wild Card Playoffs, which the Bears lost 21-9.
NFL Fines Falcons Player Over Bears Game
In addition to Walker, the NFL also went after Blair over an infraction committed during the Bears’ win over the Falcons, fining him $5,972. It was for an illegal “blindside block” against Walker during kickoff in the first quarter, perhaps helping explain the latter’s later actions.
That, like Walker’s fines, is lower than the standard amount for such infractions.
All blindside blocks are illegal and can incur fines as high as $17,911 the first time and up to $23,882 after that.
Notably, the NFL did not fine Falcons defensive lineman LaCale London for his roughing the passer on Caleb Williams during the second quarter of the contest. The Bears failed to cash in on that, missing the field goal a few plays later, but they still emerged victorious.
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