The NFL has fined Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Adin Huntington $5,620 for an illegal hip-drop tackle on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during their Week 4 matchup on Oct. 1.
The punishment was announced Oct. 10, following the league's review of player safety violations. Huntington's tackle occurred during Cleveland's 27-24 victory over Pittsburgh, a game featuring several physical encounters between the AFC North rivals.
The decision highlights the NFL's continued enforcement of its hip-drop tackle ban. Although Huntington recorded his first full NFL sack during the contest, the league determined that his tackling technique violated player safety rules.
The NFL issued Huntington a $5,620 fine after reviewing his tackle on Rodgers. The play occurred with 9:28 remaining in the third quarter of Cleveland's victory over Pittsburgh.
With 9:28 remaining in the third quarter, Huntington brought Rodgers down on third-and-5 for a 3-yard loss. The sack ended Pittsburgh's possession and forced a punt from its own 45-yard line.
The fine was included in the NFL's Week 4 disciplinary announcements released Oct. 10. Huntington was among several defensive players penalized for similar violations, reflecting the league's continued attention to potentially dangerous tackling techniques.
NFL rules prohibit the swivel hip-drop tackle because of the risk of lower-body injuries. Huntington's play against Rodgers fell under that restriction after the league reviewed footage from Cleveland's Week 4 win.
Under the rule, a defender grabs or wraps a runner, then swivels and drops his hips or lower body onto the runner's legs at or below the knee. The technique also traps the legs.
NFL officials review game footage each week and publish fines for violations of player safety rules. Huntington's case illustrates how postgame analysis can influence disciplinary decisions involving defensive tackling techniques.
Despite the disciplinary action, Huntington delivered a productive performance against Pittsburgh. The defensive tackle recorded 4 tackles and registered his first full NFL sack while playing an expanded role in Cleveland's defensive rotation.
Huntington participated in a career-high 48 defensive snaps during the matchup. Injuries to fellow defensive linemen Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr. created additional opportunities for the young defender to contribute.
His performance represented another step in an unconventional professional journey. After playing college football at Kent State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Tulane, Huntington entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent before earning a spot on Cleveland's roster.
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Rodgers experienced considerable pressure throughout Pittsburgh's narrow defeat. Cleveland's defense recorded 5 sacks against the veteran quarterback, repeatedly disrupting the Steelers' passing attack during critical moments of the contest.
Despite that pressure, Rodgers completed passes for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns. His performance helped Pittsburgh erase a fourth-quarter deficit and briefly put the Steelers in position to force overtime.
The Browns also intercepted Rodgers twice, including a decisive takeaway by Grant Delpit with 1 second remaining. Cleveland's defensive pressure proved crucial in protecting its victory against a determined Pittsburgh offense.
Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 27-24 after kicker Andre Szmyt converted a 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining. The successful kick completed a dramatic finish after the Steelers erased an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Cleveland also received rushing touchdowns from Jaleel McLaughlin and Quinshon Judkins during the divisional contest.
The victory improved Cleveland's record to 3-1 and extended its winning streak to 3 games. Pittsburgh fell to 2-2 despite Rodgers' late touchdown passes and a determined comeback effort.
Huntington's fine was part of a broader disciplinary announcement covering Week 4. The NFL issued 10 fines for player safety violations that counted toward potential suspensions, the highest weekly total of the season.
Several other players received penalties for illegal hip-drop tackles. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was fined $15,930, while New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick received a $17,911 penalty for a similar violation.
The league's disciplinary framework also creates consequences for repeated offenses. Players who accumulate 3 fines within the same qualifying category face an automatic 1-game suspension, although they retain the right to appeal disciplinary decisions.
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Huntington's expanded responsibilities could become increasingly important for Cleveland as the season progresses. His performance against Pittsburgh demonstrated his ability to contribute meaningful snaps while the defensive line manages injuries.
During his rookie season in 2025, Huntington appeared in 13 games and recorded 0.5 sacks. His first full sack against Pittsburgh marked an individual milestone, although the accompanying fine complicated an otherwise encouraging performance.
The challenge moving forward involves maintaining his defensive effectiveness while avoiding prohibited tackling techniques. For a young player seeking consistent opportunities, staying available and avoiding unnecessary penalties can be as important as producing sacks.
The NFL's decision illustrates how defensive players must balance aggressive quarterback pressure with increasingly specific tackling requirements. Huntington's punishment reinforces that a successful defensive play can still result in disciplinary action when the technique violates league rules.
For Pittsburgh, the incident also highlights the importance of protecting Rodgers throughout the season. The veteran quarterback remains central to the Steelers' offense, making his health and availability significant considerations as the team pursues additional victories.
Cleveland, meanwhile, must continue developing its defensive depth without sacrificing discipline. Huntington's performance showed promise, but the fine serves as a reminder that effective defensive football requires both physical execution and compliance with player safety standards.
Fun fact:The NFL officially banned the hip-drop tackle in March 2024, with team owners approving the rule change unanimously. The league introduced the restriction after identifying an increased risk of injury associated with the tackling technique.
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Adin Huntington received a $5,620 fine for an illegal hip-drop tackle on Aaron Rodgers.
The incident occurred during Cleveland's 27-24 victory over Pittsburgh in Week 4.
Huntington recorded 4 tackles and his first full NFL sack while playing a career-high 48 defensive snaps.
The NFL announced 10 player safety fines for Week 4 violations that counted toward potential suspensions.
Huntington's punishment highlights the league's continued enforcement of its hip-drop tackle restrictions.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
