Cleveland Browns' Tytus Howard Fined for Preseason Incident

Tytus Howard, a veteran offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, has been fined $12,537 by the NFL, marking the largest fine of the 2026 season to date. This penalty was issued following his actions during the Browns' preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on August 15.

The fine was a result of unnecessary roughness, specifically a tripping penalty that occurred during the first quarter of the game, which ended in a 34-10 loss for Cleveland. Despite the setback, the Browns managed to score their first points of the preseason with a 50-yard field goal by kicker Andre Szmyt.

Howard's fine is notably higher than the average preseason fines, with only one other player, Oluwafemi Oladejo of the Tennessee Titans, receiving a fine exceeding $10,000. The total fines for 25 players this preseason amounted to $163,513, averaging $6,541 per player. The NFL allocates fine money to the Professional Athletes Foundation and the NFL Foundation, which support former players and health initiatives in football.