By Moses Joshua 
League hands down nearly $30,000 in penalties after heated holiday clash in Detroit
Thanksgiving football in Detroit delivered plenty of intensity, emotion, and hard hits — and now, a few days later, it has delivered some expensive consequences, too. The NFL has officially fined two Detroit Lions for separate infractions during their holiday matchup with the Green Bay Packers, reminding everyone that even on a national stage steeped in tradition, discipline still matters.
Together, linebacker Jack Campbell and wide receiver Jameson Williams were fined nearly $30,000 for penalties that stood out in a fiercely contested game. While neither fine impacts future availability, both carry a clear message from the league.
Jack Campbell Pays for a Costly Mistake
The first fine landed on second-year linebacker Jack Campbell, who was flagged during the third quarter for a facemask violation on Packers tight end Josh Whyle. The play drew an immediate penalty on the field, and the league followed up with an $11,593 fine.
For Campbell, it was an uncharacteristic lapse in what has been an otherwise steady season. Known for his physical but controlled style of play, the infraction stood out precisely because it’s not a regular part of his game. The fine stings financially, but it doesn’t change Detroit’s confidence in him as a central piece of their defensive core.
Jameson Williams’ Celebration Comes at a Price
The larger fine of the two went to wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was docked $17,389 for taunting late in the fourth quarter. The moment came during an emotionally charged stretch of the game, with momentum swinging and tensions running high.
Williams plays the game with visible fire — and that edge has often fueled his recent surge in production. But the league made it clear that there is a line between passion and excess. The celebration may have ignited the crowd, but it also sparked a fine that won’t be easy to forget.
Detroit wants Williams to keep playing fast and confident. They just don’t want that energy turning into extra checks written to the NFL.
Fines Don’t Dim Detroit’s Rising Momentum
Despite the financial penalties, neither fine overshadows the bigger picture for the Lions. Detroit responded to the Thanksgiving disappointment with a massive statement win over the Cowboys, reigniting belief in the locker room and around the fan base.
Campbell remains a tone-setter on defense. Williams continues to evolve into one of the offense’s most dangerous playmakers. The fines are bumps in the road — uncomfortable ones — but not roadblocks.
If anything, they serve as reminders of how thin the margins are in the NFL: one grab too high, one moment too animated, and the league is ready with a receipt.
As Detroit pushes deeper into the playoff race, discipline will matter just as much as toughness and swagger. The Lions clearly still have all three. They’ll just be hoping that next week’s highlights don’t come with invoices attached.