Vontaze Burfict built a reputation as one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history, yet his legacy is inseparable from repeated suspensions and escalating fines. This article breaks down the key moments, financial impact, and lasting consequences of his on field conduct and NFL discipline.
Below is a detailed overview of how Burfict’s fines unfolded, the years they peaked, and how the NFL penalized his hits over time.
| Season | Key Incident(s) | Fine Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | helmet-to-helmet hit on Amari Cooper | $90,700 | Unsportsmanlike conduct, dangerous hit |
| 2017 | low hit on Brandin Cooks | $81,727 | Low blow, unnecessary roughness |
| 2018 | repeated hits, late hits, helmet hits | $113,774 | Cumulative violations across season |
| 2019 | helmet shot to JuJu Smith-Schuster | $102,708 | Helmet-to-helmet contact |
| 2020 | blindside hit on Antonio Brown | $96,270 | Late hit, targeting head |
On Field Impact and Physical Play
How Burfict Played the Game
Vontaze Burfict was prized for his size, instinct, and ability to deliver bone jarring hits. He played at Arizona State and entered the NFL as a first round pick, quickly becoming known for a style that mixed hard edge with recklessness.
His hits were effective at missing tackles and creating turnovers, but they also routinely crossed the line into targeting the head and neck. That dual nature made him both a valuable contributor and a constant disciplinary liability.
Escalating Fines and Financial Impact
Year by Year Cost of Aggression
As Burfict entered his late 20s, the NFL began hitting him with increasingly large fines. Each penalty carried not only a monetary cost but also media scrutiny and questions about long term employability.
The numbers show a pattern of repeat offenses, with the league treating him as a high risk player who needed strong financial deterrence to modify behavior.
Disciplinary History and Suspensions
Games Missed and Repercussions
Beyond fines, the NFL suspended Vontaze Burfict multiple times, keeping him off the field for key contests. These suspensions shaped team decisions, altered depth charts, and influenced playoff outcomes for his clubs.
The discipline also affected his market value, making it harder for teams to sign him to long term deals despite his talent and experience.
Legacy and League Perception
Skill Versus Conduct
Football people remember Burfict for his intensity, versatility, and willingness to put his body on the line. At the same time, the recurrent fines and suspensions painted a picture of a player who struggled to control his impulses.
That tension shaped how scouts, coaches, and fans viewed him, and it continues to inform how analysts assess the risk of similar play styles in today’s NFL.
Key Takeaways
- Burfict’s hardest hits often drew the largest fines and longest suspensions.
- 2016 through 2020 were peak years for both hits and financial penalties.
- Repeated violations led to compounding fines rather than isolated penalties.
- Discipline changed team confidence and shortened his career window.
- Understanding his fine history helps contextualize the cost of aggressive play in the modern NFL.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which hit resulted in Burfict’s highest single fine?
The helmet-to-helmet hit on Amari Cooper in 2016 generated his largest fine at $90,700, reflecting the severity and repeat nature of the contact.
How were the NFL fines for Vontaze Burfict calculated?
Fines were based on a mix of base penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits and increased amounts for repeated violations, targeting the head, and lack of reduction on prior history.
Did any team face penalties for signing Burfict after his history?
While teams were not fined for acquiring him, the league’s prior discipline against Burfict informed how teams approached his roster risk and contract guarantees.
What long term career effects did the fines and suspensions have?
Ongoing fines and suspensions reduced his playing time, devalued his market worth, and shortened his peak years in the NFL despite his evident physical talent.