Packers Face Penalty Fallout After Close Call in Regular Season Finale

The Green Bay Packers’ regular-season finale nearly turned into a nightmare, with the Chicago Bears pushing the game to the brink with a final drive that nearly ended their playoff hopes. The Bears moved down the field after a critical clock management mistake by head coach Matt LaFleur, culminating in Cairo Santos kicking a 51-yard field goal to seal the win. However, it wasn’t just poor execution that added to the tension—one particular penalty would haunt the Packers for weeks to come.

Kingsley Enagbare’s Costly Penalty

The fateful moment came when Packers linebacker Kingsley Enagbare was penalized for a horse-collar tackle on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. The penalty occurred during a play when Williams was under heavy pressure and had little chance of creating a positive outcome. The infraction didn’t just hurt the Packers in the moment—it set the stage for a significant financial penalty for Enagbare. The NFL has fined the young player $5,809 for his mistake, marking the sixth Packers player to be penalized by the league this season.

A String of Fines for the Packers

Enagbare’s fine is just the latest in a series of penalties for Packers players. Running back Josh Jacobs was initially fined $45,000 for lowering his head to initiate contact against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. However, this fine was later rescinded. Cornerback Jaire Alexander received an $11,000 fine for pushing an Arizona Cardinals player. Tight end Ben Sims faced a $5,083 fine for unnecessary roughness during a play against the Houston Texans, while defensive tackle Colby Wooden was fined $6,150 for unnecessary roughness during the Week 16 game against the New Orleans Saints. In Week 17, safety Zayne Anderson was fined $5,861 for unnecessary roughness after using his helmet on a play in which he also suffered a concussion.

Despite these fines, the Packers remain one of the least penalized teams in the league, a testament to the disciplined leadership of Matt LaFleur. The Packers’ approach to the game has largely avoided the more aggressive mistakes that other teams have been flagged for.

NFL Fine Process and the Purpose Behind It

The NFL, in conjunction with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), has a set of rules designed to protect players from unnecessary risks while maintaining the integrity of the game. These rules focus on reducing dangerous plays that could result in injuries, and fines are issued when players violate these guidelines. After being notified of a violation, players have the option to appeal the fine. Appeals are reviewed by a panel of former NFL players—including Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae, or Jordy Nelson—who are jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. Their decisions are final and binding.

The fines imposed by the NFL are not just punitive—they serve a greater purpose. The money collected from these fines is donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support former players in need, as well as to the NFL Foundation, which works to improve the health, safety, and wellness of athletes at all levels. This includes youth football programs and the communities that support the sport.

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

While the penalties and fines from the regular season are now behind them, the Packers will need to focus on what lies ahead: the playoffs. On Sunday, the Packers will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round. Despite the unfortunate penalties and a few missed opportunities, the team is gearing up for a fresh start in the postseason. The stakes are higher, and every decision on the field—from clock management to penalty discipline—could determine their fate as they chase a Super Bowl victory.

With the right mindset and lessons learned from the regular season’s close calls, the Packers are ready to leave any penalties in the past and focus on their playoff run.