By Mummy Grace Frankie Luvu Fined for Hits on Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu faced two separate fines totaling $33,766 for hits during the divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
The first fine of $16,883 stemmed from a helmet-to-helmet hit on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. The play occurred after Goff overthrew Tim Patrick, leading to an interception returned for a touchdown by Commanders safety Quan Martin. Luvu’s hit to Goff’s helmet knocked him out of the play and temporarily out of the game as he was evaluated for a concussion. Although Goff cleared protocol and returned, the hit violated the NFL’s roughing the passer rule, which prohibits forcible contact to the quarterback’s head or neck.
No penalty was called on the play. Had officials flagged the hit, the interception would have stood, but Martin’s touchdown would have been nullified, and the Commanders would have been penalized 15 yards.
Second Fine for Illegal Hip Drop Tackle
Shortly after the hit on Goff, Luvu was fined another $16,883 for an illegal hip drop tackle on Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. While this dangerous technique has drawn increasing scrutiny from the league, it too went unpenalized during the game.
Jameson Williams Also Fined
On the Lions’ side, wide receiver Jameson Williams was fined $25,325 for an obscene touchdown celebration after his 61-yard scoring run. Williams’ controversial gestures earned him an unsportsmanlike conduct fine, adding to his history of on-field controversies.
The playoff clash, ultimately a 45-31 Commanders victory, ended the Lions’ season and saw multiple disciplinary actions by the NFL in its aftermath.