NFL fines Seahawks CB Riq Woolen $17,389 after a taunting penalty in the NFC Championship

The Seattle Seahawks are riding the biggest high the league has felt in over a decade. A 31-27 victory over the L.A. Rams on Jan. 26 brings them back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2014.But just days after that emotional night, the NFL reminded the team that success comes with consequences. Recently, the NFL released its weekly fines, and one name stood out. CB Riq Woolen became the only player from the conference championship games to face discipline.The NFL fined Woolen $17,389 for taunting the Rams’ bench during the NFC Championship Game. The incident occurred at the 2:20 mark of the third quarter, after Riq Woolen broke up a deep pass from Matthew Stafford intended for Puka Nacua.Instead of jogging back to the huddle, Woolen turned toward the Rams’ sideline and exchanged words with players and coaches, including Sean McVay. Officials immediately threw the flag, handing L.A. 15 yards and an automatic first down.The penalty changed the gears of the matchup. On the very next snap, Stafford hit Nacua again, this time for a 34-yard TD, tightening the score and shifting momentum.The fine amount reflects Riq Woolen’s disciplinary history this season. He was fined $11,593 in Week 9 against Washington and $17,389 in Week 14 versus Atlanta for similar taunting violations. With this being his third offense in 2025, the league issued the higher-tier fine just one week before Super Bowl LX.Woolen addressed the moment publicly after the game. In a post on X on January 26, he wrote, “No cap, high-intensity game, and when you’re in the zone and balling with your bros, sometimes you black out.” He added that there would be “no more taunting penalties.”HC Mike Macdonald defended his cornerback while stressing accountability. Speaking to reporters after the game, Macdonald said, “He just made an emotional decision. We’ve got to pick him up and play the next snap. Riq came back and played well.”Despite the errors, star-CB remains the prime of Seattle’s stunning defense, which ranks No. 1 in points allowed and No. 1 in Defensive DVOA under Macdonald.The Seahawks survived the scare, but the message from the NFL is clear. Discipline still matters, even when a Super Bowl is waiting on the other side.