New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick plans to appeal an NFL fine stemming from a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland Browns receiver KC Concepcion during the Week 5 game that the Jets won 17-12. Fitzpatrick confirmed the fine to reporters on Thursday but did not disclose the amount.
The incident occurred in the first quarter when Concepcion went up for a deep pass from Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Fitzpatrick delivered a hard hit as Concepcion caught the ball, drawing two official flags and a 15-yard penalty against the Jets safety. Concepcion remained on the ground for several minutes before trainers helped him up and escorted him to the locker room. He was ruled out for the rest of the game.
Video angles showed Concepcion’s eyes rolled back momentarily after the collision, and his head struck the MetLife Stadium turf with his neck bending forward. The severity of the hit raised concerns, though Concepcion has since returned to practice on a limited basis while remaining in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Fitzpatrick described the play as “a football play, in my opinion.” He acknowledged the penalty was for hitting a defenseless player, not for targeting or helmet-to-helmet contact specifically. “I understand why I got the penalty,” Fitzpatrick said. “It wasn’t for targeting or hitting him in the head. It was for hitting a defenseless player. In my opinion, when a receiver has the ball, you have every right to hit him as long as you are not hitting him in the head.”
Jets fans will recall Fitzpatrick also drew criticism from Browns supporters for a hit on running back Nick Chubb in 2023, when Fitzpatrick was playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That hit caused a season-ending knee injury for Chubb, who never fully recovered before retiring before the 2026 season. Fitzpatrick was not fined for that play and has maintained he is not a dirty player.
Browns coach Todd Monken referred to Fitzpatrick’s recent hit on Concepcion as “a bang-bang play” and said he did not believe the safety acted with malicious intent.
Fitzpatrick’s fine results from the NFL’s rules against “impermissible use of the helmet/launching.” According to the NFL website, a first offense typically carries a fine of $23,882, while a second offense can reach $47,762. Fitzpatrick did not specify which level of fine he received.
Earlier in the same game, Fitzpatrick was flagged for a facemask penalty on Concepcion, which resulted in the receiver’s helmet being ripped off. Fitzpatrick did not indicate whether he was fined for that infraction.
Concepcion’s return to practice is a positive sign, but he remains limited as he continues through the concussion protocol. Fitzpatrick’s appeal process is pending, with no new developments announced beyond his intent to challenge the fine.
According to Yahoo Sports.
