Well, folks, it looks like CeeDee Lamb’s wallet just got a whole lot lighter. The Dallas Cowboys’ star receiver, known for his slick moves on the field, just made a $22,511 mistake that’s got everyone talking. And let me tell you, this ain’t your average oopsie-daisy.

Tom Pelissero dropped the bomb on September 28, 2024, reporting that the NFL slapped Lamb with a hefty fine for unnecessary roughness. The kicker? No flag was thrown on the play. Talk about a delayed penalty!

Now, here’s where things get interesting. This fine isn’t just making a significant dent in Lamb’s wallet – it’s snapping a three-year streak of clean play faster than a cornerback jumping a route. The last time Lamb got hit with a fine was way back in 2021. Remember those days? When Lamb was racking up fines like they were fantasy points?

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Back in 2021, Lamb was the NFL’s favorite piggy bank. According to ESPN, he got fined five times in the first six games of the season. We’re talking $46,865 worth of fines, folks. For what, you ask? Everything from having his jersey untucked to waving goodbye to a Patriots defender on a walk-off touchdown. The man was a walking violation.

But here’s the real head-scratcher. Lamb’s been on fire this season. In Week 4 against the Giants, he hauled in seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. He’s already racked up 20 receptions, 316 yards, and two touchdowns in just four games. That’s a pace that would make Jerry Rice sit up and take notice. So why risk it all with a dangerous hit?

Ceedee Lamb learns the hard way

Let’s break down what got Lamb in hot water this time. According to the league, Lamb lowered his head and delivered a blow to the chest of Ravens‘ safety Kyle Hamilton.

But here’s the thing – the NFL ain’t playing around when it comes to head-related contact. They’re cracking down harder than a mom who just found out you didn’t do your homework. And Lamb’s not the only one feeling the heat. Packers running back Josh Jacobs also got hit with a similar fine this week.

It’s part of the NFL’s push toward player safety. They’re aiming to decrease concussions and other head injuries faster than you can say “CTE.” However, there has been some controversy over this administration. If the NFL thinks this type of hit is so dangerous, then why isn’t this kind of thing called during the game by referees?

There’s no simple answer either way. On one hand, all of us want to see our favorite players stay healthy; but football is a physical sport. Finding a balance is tough!

For Lamb, this fine is likely more of an annoyance than a financial hardship. He just signed a four-year, $136 million contract extension. That’s the kind of money that can ‘buy your island.’ Still, it serves as a reminder that even star players do not stand above the rules.

As we look forward to the Cowboys‘ Week 5 game against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football, It will be interesting to note what kind of impact this fine may have on him. Will it make him think twice before dropping his head down? Or maybe it will have no impact at all, he will keep playing with the same intensity that has made him Dak Prescott’s favorite target.