Minnesota Vikings DT Jalen Redmond given news he didn’t want to hear after tremendous start to his breakout season

it’s a frustrating decision from the NFL for Jalen Redmond.

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs for a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) chases during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have themselves a gem in defensive tackle Jalen Redmond. They found him as a free agent out of the UFL, where he spent the spring of 2024 with the Arlington Renegades. He earned a starting spot at the end of the 2024 season, taking the job away from Jerry Tillery.

His performance even prompted the trade of nose tackle Harrison Phillips. His play this year has justified the Vikings’ investment in him and their belief, as he has arguably been the best player on the defense and the team this season.

On Saturday, the NFL hit Redmond where it hurts the most: his wallet. They fined him $5,333 for this facemask against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter.

Minnesota Vikings DT Jalen Redmond fined for facemask vs. Chicago Bears

The play came on a Bears drive at the beginning of the third quarter. It got missed in real time, as the Bears kicked a field goal on the next play to make the score 13-3. They ended up winning the game on another field goal, 19-17.

It’s a frustrating one for Redmond, who was just playing football, and got his hand caught on the facemask. It’s a small fine, and it’s his first of the season. Overall, the Vikings have 10 fines this season.