Vikings CB Byron Murphy given news he didn’t want to hear during the bye week from the London trip
Not great news for the Vikings top cornerback.
The Minnesota Vikings are on the bye week, but the news doesn’t stop just because they aren’t playing.
Cornerback Byron Murphy has been fined $17,389 for a horse collar tackle against Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins in the Week 5, 21-17, win in London.
Byron Murphy Jr. Facts
- The Arizona Cardinals selected Murphy with the 33rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft
- Murphy signed with the Vikings during free agency in 2023 and again in 2025
- Murphy had a career high in interceptions with six and made the Pro Bowl Games as a starter for his performance in the 2024 season.
Byron Murphy Jr. fined for horse collar tackle
As of this writing, we don’t know whether Murphy will appeal the fine, but he may have grounds to do so. Yes, Murphy does grab and pull the back of the jersey, but it wasn’t egregious. The rule was instituted in the first place after Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens had his fibula broken by Roy Williams in the 2004 season. Owens missed the rest of the season, but put in one of the best Super Bowl performances ever.
This is the first fine this season for Murphy and the Vikings. Last season, Murphy was fined $11,255 for taunting against the Seattle Seahawks and $10,300 for taunting against the Houston Texans, when he was a member of the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.