Why was Seahawks CB Riq Woolen fined?

Riq Woolen was fined $17,389 for taunting the Los Angeles Rams' sideline during the NFC Championship Game after breaking up a pass.

What was the consequence of Riq Woolen's taunting penalty?

The taunting penalty resulted in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down for the Rams, who then scored a touchdown on the subsequent play.

Is this Riq Woolen's first taunting violation?

No, this is Riq Woolen's third taunting violation in the 2025 season, which led to the higher-tier fine.

Home / Sports / Seahawks CB Fined for Taunting Rams

Seahawks CB Fined for Taunting Rams

1 Feb

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Summary

Riq Woolen fined $17,389 for taunting after breaking up a pass.
The penalty during the NFC Championship Game gave the Rams a first down.
This is Woolen's third taunting violation this season, leading to a higher fine.

The Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2014, following a 31-27 victory over the L.A. Rams on January 26. However, the team faces consequences for their actions. Cornerback Riq Woolen has been fined $17,389 by the NFL for taunting the Rams' sideline during the conference championship game.

The incident occurred with 2:20 left in the third quarter after Woolen successfully defended a deep pass. Instead of returning to the huddle, he exchanged words with Rams players and coaches, including Sean McVay, drawing a 15-yard penalty. This resulted in an automatic first down for the Rams, who scored a touchdown on the next play, tightening the game.

This fine reflects Woolen's disciplinary history, as he was previously fined for similar violations in Week 9 and Week 14. The current $17,389 fine is a higher tier due to it being his third offense in the 2025 season. Woolen acknowledged the incident on X, stating it was a high-intensity moment but vowed no more taunting penalties. Head Coach Mike Macdonald defended his player while emphasizing accountability, noting Woolen's strong performance afterward despite the error.