Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

New York Jets’ Breece Hall Slams NFL After $43,000 Fine for Hit on AJ Terrell

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 12/10/23

New York Jets running back Breece Hall couldn’t believe the hefty fine that the NFL slapped him with for his hit on Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell in their Week 13 showdown.

For those who missed it, Hall was slapped with a $43,709 for the hit on Terrell that the league deemed as unnecessary roughness. In the said play that occurred in the first quarter of the game, Hall lowered his head after catching the ball as he prepared himself to power through the oncoming Terrell.

As the two players collided, Terrell fell hard on the field as he appeared to be hurt. The Falcons CB eventually ended on the concussion protocol as a result, which played a role in the NFL’s decision to fine Hall with such a massive amount.

The fine is actually the most expensive punishment of the week, further highlighting how strict the NFL is becoming on unnecessary roughness and dangerous plays that affect the safety of other players.

Hall, for his part, couldn’t help but fire back at the NFL for the decision. He made his thoughts clear on social media as he expressed his disappointment on the matter.

“I’m supposed to just let him hit me?” Hall sarcastically asked as he defended his actions on X, formerly Twitter. He accompanied the post with the video of the play and the announcement of his fine.

In a follow-up post, he wrote: “I’ll just let him dive at my knees next time I guess? Not like I tore my ACL or anything lol,” referencing his injury in 2022 that limited him to just seven games that campaign.

It’s hard not to feel for Breece Hall in this case, especially since what he did seemed to be a normal football play. Besides, the sport is already highly physical as it is, and Hall does make a great point about making a play to protect himself.

Had he been the one tackled normally in that play and got injured, it’s definitely worth thinking about if the NFL would have done anything.

Breece Hall’s Ex-New York Jets Teammates Defend Him

Breece Hall isn’t the only one unhappy about the fine. His former New York Jets teammate Zonovan Knight couldn’t believe that he was fined for the play as he shared the same sentiments as his fellow runningback.

The now-Detroit Lions RB shared, “No way they doing him like that! DB was going for straight kneecaps. … No choice but to lower your pads.”

Hall shared the post from Knight as he doubled down on his argument.

It remains to be seen if Hall will appeal the fine, but for someone who is still in his rookie contract and makes $61,931 a week, it won’t be a surprise if he does.

The Jets return to action on Sunday in Week 14 where they play the red-hot Houston Texans.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: