NFL Slaps 5-Figure Punishment on Bears DB for Helmet Hit on Drake Maye

The NFL issued a five-figure fine to Chicago Bears cornerback Clark Phillips III for an illegal helmet hit on New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The violation occurred during the second quarter of Chicago's 30-24 victory on October 22, when Phillips lowered his head to hit Maye at the goal line. Although on-field officials did not throw a penalty flag, the league cited Phillips for impermissible use of the helmet.

Maye scored a 7-yard rushing touchdown on the play following a successful challenge by Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The discipline marks the first fine of Phillips' NFL career, which included three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before he was traded to Chicago in August.