Steelers’ Jaylen Warren Stands Firm Despite Fines: “I Try to Enforce the Hitting”
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is not backing down despite incurring a second massive fine for unnecessary roughness this season. Warren, who signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2022, remains steadfast in his approach to blocking.
“I mean, it sucks because that’s so much money,” Warren said. “But I don’t let it alter my play. If … I don’t know if I should say this, but if I was in the same situation, I’m still doing what I’m going to do. It’s what got me on the team.”
Warren’s latest fine came after he blocked Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Michael Hoecht in pass protection, resulting in a $48,556 penalty. Despite facing fines last year as well, Warren is determined to continue his style of play.
“I got two fines last year, and I’m still doing it this year,” Warren explained. He also mentioned that the NFL takes into account his past discipline when calculating fines for this year. “OK. And I mean, it’s kind of hard. I don’t know how I’m supposed to hit dudes that’s like 350 pounds and 2 feet taller than me. I can’t stand my ground and kind of punch ’em. They’re going to run me over. So I try to enforce the hitting, again to the point where it’s costing me.”
Warren, who stands at 5-8 and weighs 215 pounds, faces the challenge of blocking players significantly larger than him. Hoecht, for example, is listed at 6-5 and 310 pounds. The fines have had a significant impact on Warren’s finances, as they have cost him nearly two game checks.
“That’s hella money,” Warren expressed. “That’s so much money. If I got fined $2,000, I’d be pissed, too. But $50,000 is crazy. That’s a whole car. That’s money I could be giving my family.”
In light of his financial losses, Warren supports the idea of a fine structure that takes into account players’ salaries. He believes that fines should be based on a percentage of salaries to prevent players from losing such a significant amount of their earnings.
“I was talking to one of the coaches, and they’re saying the same thing,” Warren shared. “I get fined the same that dudes like T.J. [Watt] would get fined. I get fined the same amount of money.”
Earlier this season, Warren was fined the same amount for unnecessary roughness after illegally using his helmet to fend off Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill and gain extra yards at the end of a run. Although he appealed the fine and had it reduced by $9,000, Warren still considers it a loss.
“I mean, it got reduced down to from $48,000 to $39,000, if you want to call that a win. I call that a loss.”
Warren’s determination to enforce hard hits and protect his teammates is commendable. However, it remains to be seen whether the NFL will consider adjusting its fine structure to account for players’ salaries and the physical challenges they face on the field.
As Warren continues to play his aggressive style of football, he remains hopeful that his fines will be reduced or eliminated altogether. In the meantime, he remains focused on doing what he believes is necessary to contribute to the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers.