NFL Heavily Fines Browns TE David Njoku for Flipping Off Steelers Fans at Acrisure Stadium

The NFL has officially issued a fine to Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku following an incident during the team’s 23–9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Cameras caught Njoku making an obscene gesture toward Steelers fans as he walked off the field after suffering a knee injury in the second quarter.

The veteran tight end, known for his fiery personality, was seen visibly frustrated after being heckled by Pittsburgh supporters near the tunnel. League officials confirmed that Njoku’s gesture violated the NFL’s code of conduct and would be met with disciplinary action.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku flipping off Steelers fans at Acrisure Stadium pic.twitter.com/YU82ebOnvG

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Njoku has been fined $14,491 for the incident, marking his third league fine in the past two seasons. He was previously penalized twice in 2023 for unsportsmanlike behavior and unnecessary roughness. The NFL also fined Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy $12,172 for his physical altercation with Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in the same game.

Following the loss, Njoku attempted to play down the controversy, saying his emotions got the best of him:

“It was a brutal hit from a former Brown, but it is what it is. I’m rehabbing really well.”

Njoku is expected to miss Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins as he continues to recover from the knee injury. Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. will take on an expanded role in his absence, while head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized Njoku’s value to the locker room:

“Dave’s a huge part of what we do — on and off the field. We expect other guys to step up in his absence.”

Though the fine is one of the largest for a non-contact incident this season, Njoku has yet to issue a public apology — leaving fans divided between seeing it as passion or poor sportsmanship.