The game of football is complex. With schemes, blitzes, protection schemes and things the common fan doesn’t know about, playing the game on Sundays is harder than it looks. But if fans have trouble deciphering the second level of the game, try figuring out the world of fines.
The NFL’s player discipline system normally has no rhyme or reason. Whether it comes to criticizing officials, use of the helmet or excessive and violent celebrations, the long arm of the law usually comes down when players least expect it.
The Houston Texans know this feeling as two players were fined for criticizing officials during their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. While one won his appeal on Tuesday another got the last laugh over the league on Wednesday morning.
Texans Star Will Anderson Jr. Wins Appeal Over NFL For Criticizing Officials
According to multiple reports, including KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the NFL has rescinded a fine that was issued to Will Anderson Jr. after the playoff loss to the Chiefs.
#Texans standout defensive end Will Anderson Jr. $25,000 fine overturned by #NFL hearing officer with successful appeal, per a league source @KPRC2 https://t.co/CfLjlmQ3Gt
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 18, 2025
Anderson was penalized on a third-and-8 in the first quarter for a hit on Patrick Mahomes. The unnecessary roughness penalty on Anderson gave the Chiefs a first down and Kansas City cashed in with a field goal to take an early 6-3 lead, which produced a critique of officials after the game.
“We knew it was going to be us against the refs going into this game,” Anderson said via Jared Bush of FOX 4 in Kansas City.
Anderson’s hit was one of multiple penalties that lit social media on fire during the divisional round loss. ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman voiced his opinion after a second unnecessary roughness penalty for a hit on Mahomes later in the game and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and running back Joe Mixon both muttered comments about the officiating after the game.
While there was no specific reason why Anderson’s fine was rescinded, it could be the NFL admitting another error in the game. Anderson was penalized, he wasn’t fined for the hit and perhaps it’s the league’s form of an apology for two calls that went against Houston in that game.
Regardless, Anderson will get to keep his money as the Texans look to get past the Chiefs and the rest of the AFC in 2025.