Steelers RB Jaylen Warren appeals $48K fine he received for use of his helmet in Browns game

Jaylen Warren would like to clear up a misconception about the $48,556 fine he received from the NFL for lowering his helmet when he made contact with Cleveland safety Juan Thornhill in Week 2.

The amount didn’t add up to one game check that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-year running back will lose because of the fine.

“It was really two game checks for me,” Warren said, likely referring to the income tax withheld from his pay. “I’m playing for the love of the game the next two weeks.”

As a former undrafted free agent, Warren will earn $870,000 — or $48,333 per week over an 18-week season. Warren said some of his higher-paid Steelers teammates have offered to cover the fine. He’s waiting to hear the results of his appeal first.

Warren said he appealed the fine Tuesday and expects to hear something in the next few days.

Warren wasn’t surprised to hear from the NFL after he lowered his head on Thornhill following a 30-yard catch-and-run on a play that was not penalized.

“Last year, I got fined for something like that,” Warren said. “It’s always been the way I’ve played. Unfortunately, I’m getting fined for it.”

The 5-foot-8, 216-pound Warren has no plans on changing the way he uses his frame to take on pursuing defensive changes.

“I play the same way,” he said. “If I don’t play that way, I wouldn’t have made the team. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.”