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Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season resulted in $398,507 in fines across 25 penalties — the highest total of the year — and none of that money goes toward league profits. According to the NFL’s Gameday Accountability update released Saturday, 25 fines were issued across 2,206 total snaps — a sharp rise from just 10 fines in Week 8, continuing a midseason trend that has fluctuated between low double-digit and mid-20s totals. The list spans from standard unsportsmanlike conduct fines in the $5,000-$8,000 range to a hefty six-figure penalty issued to Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu for repeated violations involving the controversial hip-drop tackle. After being hit with a one-game ban for a third hip-drop violation, Luvu successfully appealed; the suspension was converted to a $100,000 fine, allowing him to play while providing a high-profile marker for how repeat safety violations are handled. However, with nearly $400,000 in fines coming from Week 9 alone, it begs the question: where does all of that money go? Read More: NFL Penalizes Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey for Actions During Colts Game A view of the NFL logo on a goal post prior to the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Read More: Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Receive Big Injury Update Before Patriots Game The answer is important and often misunderstood — the NFL does not keep those dollars. According to league operations, collected fines are donated to programs that support former players — the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation are named recipients, which fund player-assistance grants and youth football programs. Importantly, the fine schedule and discipline process are collectively bargained between the NFL and the NFLPA and include a formal appeals path; players can challenge punishments and, in some cases, suspensions are converted to fines, which changes both who misses games and when the money is remitted to charity. Since about 2011, the league has reported roughly $4 million a year flowing from fines into those relief and wellness programs, rather than into league operating revenue. While fans might see limited immediate change (players miss a game or pay fines and return), the cumulative total contributes meaningfully to programs that assist retired players and promote health, safety, and wellness.
