A former Detroit Lions pass rusher is feeling the NFL’s disciplinary wrath after a rough hit on Jared Goff during a recent Detroit game. James Houston, who once flashed elite pass‑rush potential in Detroit before moving on, was fined $5,722 by the league for roughing the passer in the fourth quarter of a matchup that helped fuel a big Lions win.
📉 What Happened
In the fourth quarter of last week’s Lions vs. Cowboys game, Houston delivered a late hit on Lions quarterback Jared Goff after a 29‑yard completion. The hit drew a roughing the passer penalty, pushing the Lions into ideal scoring position just before they punched it in — a drive Detroit would carry to victory.
The NFL’s gameday accountability report confirmed the fine, which stemmed from contact deemed unnecessary and potentially dangerous — the league continuing its effort to protect quarterbacks from risky hits.
💸 Why It Matters
Fan reactions vary: Some fans say the fine was overdue, others feel the whistle and discipline are too strict — especially given how the game is evolving around QB safety.
Impact on Houston: Though no suspension was imposed, the fine marks the first discipline of his season and adds another chapter to Houston’s journeyman career since leaving Detroit.
Lions benefit tactically: The penalty on the play helped put the Lions deep in Cowboys territory, contributing directly to the score that widened Detroit’s lead.
🏈 Broader NFL Context
This isn’t the first time a defender has been punished for hitting Goff. During the 2025 playoff run, Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu was also fined for dangerous contact on Goff during a turnover play — proving the league is consistent in handing out discipline for hits that catch the attention of league offices and replay officials.
For Houston, the price of aggressive play has been more than just a penalty on the field — it hit his pocketbook too. And for Lions fans, these kinds of league actions stir up even more conversation about player safety, quarterback targeting, and how much physicality is too much in today’s NFL.
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