Steelers' Kwon Alexander Voices Massive Displeasure With NFL Over Ridiculous 43k Fine

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for always being one of the most physical teams in the NFL. When the league started cracking down on hits, the Steelers players started becoming subject to several fines. Linebacker James Harrison is the most notable example of this, as he compiled over $200,000 in fines in his 16-year career. Physicality has dropped off quite a bit around the league as a result. 

This includes in Pittsburgh, as the team hasn’t possessed that same kind of ferocity over the past few years. Well, they recently signed a guy that would’ve fit the mold of the late-2000s squads. That would be linebacker Kwon Alexander, who has been known as a thumper in his eight-year NFL career. He spent the 2022 campaign with the New York Jets and went viral for a massive hit in a 2022 preseason contest against the New York Giants. 

Alexander is arguably the team’s biggest hitter since Vince Williams retired after the 2020 season. In his first game as a Steeler, the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he enforced his will. Alexander made several timely hits against his former team, most notably one that took place on running back, Chase Edmonds. Fast forward to this week, and he was fined $43,709 for the hit. In a slew of quotes said to the media, the veteran linebacker made it clear that he’s not happy with commissioner Roger Goodell. 

"I can’t do nothing about it. You know how the league is nowadays. You can’t even hit too hard right now. You barely can touch him. I still just got to play my game. I can’t let that take away from my game. That’s how I play.”

We feel the pain. The NFL described the hit as Alexander “leading with the crown of his helmet.” Alexander isn't exactly making a ton of money in NFL terms either, as the Steelers signed him to a one-year, $1.3 million deal earlier this offseason. While he quite clearly doesn't agree with the verdict from the league, it won't change how he approaches tackles throughout the 2023 season.

The Steelers hosted the veteran linebacker for a visit earlier this summer, but a deal was never reached. Weeks went by, and it seemed like the connection between the two sides wouldn't come to fruition. Not so fast, as General Manager Omar Khan swooped in and signed the hard-hitter just ahead of the preseason opener. Since then, Alexander has been able to quickly establish himself in Pittsburgh.

Did Steelers linebacker get wrongly fined?

Off-ball linebacker has been one of the team's biggest concerns throughout the offseason, and he has been able to bolster the depth there. In fact, he's arguably the team's best linebacker already, as he's been seeing reps with the first team in practice. Regardless of if he starts or not, Alexander will see a lot of playing time this season. Despite this weak fine from the league, it's clear that the talented veteran won't change his play style in Pittsburgh.

Amongst 81 qualifying off-ball linebackers in 2022, Alexander ranked 44th with a 63.0 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus. For reference, that was notably better than former Steelers linebacker Devin Bush, along with offseason acquisition Elandon Roberts. For now, Alexander is listed as the backup to Cole Holcomb. If he continues to impress though, perhaps we will see more of Holcomb and Alexander out there together.

Do you agree with the league's harsh fine on Alexander? Do you think players should avoid fines in preseason games? What are your thoughts on the NFL's policy on hard hits in the modern era? As always,