NFL admits mistake against the Packers in Bears game, but now it’s too late for it to matter

Austin Booker was fined once again by the league.

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is sacked by. Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) during the first half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field.
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is sacked by. Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) during the first half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. NFL admits mistake against the Packers in Bears game, but now it's too late for it to matter

When breaking the rules actually pays off. This has been the reality for Chicago Bears edge defender Austin Booker in his past two games against the Green Bay Packers. The defensive end was responsible for Jordan Love’s concussion in Week 16, and that was one of the big reasons why the Bears won the game and the NFC North.

In the wild-card game, Booker had another head hit on Love. This time, Love stayed in the game, and the Packers scored on the drive. But the refs didn’t call a penalty.

The NFL admitted the non-call was a mistake. On Saturday, a week after the Packers’ elimination, the league fined Austin Booker $46,371 for unnecessary roughness — use of the helmet.

Now, it doesn’t matter for the Packers

The 15-yard penalty would have been extremely helpful for the Packers. While the fine acknowledges the mistake, it doesn’t change the outcome of the game.

In the first instance, there was a penalty, and Booker got fined twice for illegal hits on Love, but the quarterback left the game with an injury, and the defensive player wasn’t ejected.

That’s why the offensive line has to step up and protect the quarterback — even if eventually it costs the team 15 yards. Sometimes, sending a message to its own teammates, especially to the opponent, is more valuable than the yards.

Now, though, it’s too late. Even with the penalties and fines, Austin Booker will keep playing the Bears in the playoffs, and the Packers are already thinking about next season.

NFL fines

While it’s sometimes tough to see football players lose money like that for regular plays, at least it goes to a good cause. The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support legends in need.

Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. Appeals officers, such as former NFL players Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, and Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA, hear cases. The decisions made are final and binding.

The potential violations include offenses against game officials, player safety rules, flagrant personal fouls, fighting, sportsmanship, uniform rules, and gang signing. 

Last year, the Packers were among the least penalized teams in football in this area. In 2024, 543 plays resulted in fines, accounting for 1.16% of all plays during the season.

Austin Booker’s fines from 2025 NFL season

  • Vs. Jordan Love (Week 16, Dec 2025):
    • First Hit: $5,818 for landing with full body weight on Love (roughing the passer).
    • Second Hit (Helmet-to-Helmet): $5,818 for the hit that concussed Love (roughing the passer/blow to head).
    • Total for Love Hits: $11,636.
  • Vs. Jordan Love (Wild Card Game, Jan 2026):
    • $46,371 for unnecessary roughness/use of the helmet on a non-called play that the NFL later admitted was a mistake.
  • Vs. New York Giants (Week 10, 2025):
    • $5,818 for using his helmet (unnecessary roughness). 
  • Total (approximate): Over $63,000 across these incidents. 

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