The NFL sure knows how to keep fans guessing. One minute, they’re hyping someone on social media. The next, they’re fining the same person over $5,000 for breaking rules that they hyped. ‘What is this all about?’ One may wonder. Easter egg: It involves Jalen Hurts.

Hurts’ mismatched cleats have caused him $5,628 in fines. Hurts rocked two cleats during the Eagles’ win against the Steelers. One midnight green and one Kelly green. The NFL labeled the look a violation of “constitutional team colors.” Umm… That’s rich, considering their social accounts called him “Jalen Two Shoes” and shared photos of the now-controversial cleats.

Adding fuel to the fire, Hurts wasn’t the only Eagle hit with a fine. Defensive stars Darius Slay, Jalen Carter, and others also racked up penalties. It’s a fine frenzy, with fans questioning whether the NFL’s priorities lie in protecting players or enforcing arbitrary fashion rules.

This week’s fines followed a pattern. Out of 2,578 plays during Week 15, just 34 resulted in penalties for on-field infractions. While fines make up only 1.32% of plays, these high-profile penalties spark bigger debates about the league’s inconsistencies. With Hurts gearing up for Sunday, the big question lingers: Will his cleats make another bold statement?

Uniform violations are nothing new, but the Eagles seem to have a target on their backs this season. Besides Hurts, fines were issued for hits, gestures, and even helmet use, bringing the team’s Week 15 tally to a whopping $55,000. Yet the league often brushes off player safety concerns in favor of what some call optics over integrity.

And if that isn’t enough, Jordan Brand stepped in to cover the fine, turning the NFL’s move into a head-scratcher.

Jordan: A statement beyond style

“We’re paying the fine.” Nike’s Jordan Brand didn’t just pay Hurts’ fine; they made a statement. “You can’t ban greatness,” they responded, doubling down on their support for the star QB. This bold move highlights the evolving relationship between athletes and their sponsors. While the NFL’s move exposes glaring contradictions in their messaging.

The move also solidifies Jordan Brand’s identity in sports culture. For Hurts, it’s more than financial support. It’s a validation of his growing influence both on and off the field. On the other hand, the NFL and NFLPA agree on these rules. But fans are losing patience with their enforcement.

Promoting Jalen Hurts’ cleats only to fine him days later seems something more than ironic. Fans on social media called out the league’s inconsistency, with one writing, “You can‘t ban the innocent, you can only slow their path to greatness. I’m truly sorry.” According to league stats, fines occur in just over 1% of plays. Still, high-profile penalties like Hurts’ stir up debate about the league’s priorities. And it doesn’t help that the fines fund charitable causes.

While commendable, this practice leaves fans wondering if fines are about discipline or dollars. As the Eagles prepare for their next game, the cleat controversy underscores bigger issues. The NFL’s inconsistent fines and messaging continue to overshadow the sport itself. For now, though, Hurts and his mismatched cleats are stealing the spotlight—one fine at a time.