NFL Dishes Punishment for 2 Browns Defenders Ahead of Week 11
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 19: Myles Harden #26 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after dropping the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Field on October 19, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Bad enough that the Browns season might well have been sunk last week in New York, when two special teams touchdowns and multiple mental errors that led to penalties cost Cleveland and sent the lowly Jets to a win. The Browns dropped to 2-7 with the 27-20 defeat, and their playoff chances fell to less than 1% in the process.
But for two players on the Cleveland side, the loss had a little extra sting. That’s because they’ll be writing checks to the league office for violations committed during the game.
Cornerback Myles Harden and defensive lineman Adin Huntington were hit with NFL punishment, the league announced on Saturday, though the fines were relatively mild. Both offenses occurred on the same play, the kickoff to start the second half. Huntington was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness on the play, because of a late hit.
Huntington will pay $4,704 for the hit. Harden was fined $5,487 for, “use of the helmet,” the league said.
Jets Were Fined Without Penalties vs. Browns
Two Jets were also fined in the game, including a $22,388 punishment for defensive back Brendan Stephens, who was tabbed for using his helmet on a first-quarter tackle of Jerry Jeudy. The play was not called a penalty on the field, however.
Malachi Moore of the Jets was also fined for using his helmet on a tackle, but his $5,916 payout was less egregious. Moore’s play was also not called a penalty, a fact that perhaps should draw some ire from Browns fans when combined with the Stephens non-call.
But both occurred on the Browns’ second drive of the game, which yielded a touchdown, even without the penalties.
Browns Must ‘Flush’ Last Week’s Mistakes
For the Browns, the story of Week 10 was their own mistakes, of course. Not just the special teams failures, but also the mental mistakes, including 10 penalties. The last of those, the neutral-zone infraction on defensive lineman Cam Thomas that cost the Browns the chance at getting the ball, was the most glaring.
Thomas has mostly played well for the Browns. One of the challenges he faces, and the team in general, is to “flush” the mistakes made in Week 10 and move on.
That was the message from defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz this week:
“I’ve made mistakes in games where you do something, make a bad call or something like that, it’s not as evident as that. You know, I mean, I think that if you look across that game, I’m sure dozens of people on both sides made mistakes and plays that they’re not proud of.
“The thing is, when you make it in that situation, it’s magnified, and that’s the spotlight that players live under, that’s the spotlight coaches live under. I think you have to learn from it, you have to flush it, and you have to be able to move on. ”
Adam Thielen Invites Kid Rock to Perform for Minnesota Vikings After Controversial NYC Tour Cancellation
Minneapolis, MN – In a bold twist to Kid Rock's ongoing controversy, Minnesota Vikings star Adam Thielen has publicly extended an invitation to the rock legend to perform at a Minnesota Vikings game, following Kid Rock's recent decision to cancel all of his upcoming tour dates in New York City.
The controversy erupted when Kid Rock made headlines for his explosive social media post, where he declared, “Sorry NYC, but I don’t play for communists,” officially scrapping his scheduled performances in the city. His statement, which many interpreted as a direct commentary on the city’s political climate, ignited a storm of reactions. Supporters hailed the move as a stand for principle and freedom, while critics accused him of being divisive and attention-seeking.
Amid the uproar, Adam Thielen, known for his outspoken personality and his own willingness to challenge norms, reached out to the rock icon in a tweet: “Hey @KidRock, we’ve got a spot for you here in Minneapolis. Come rock out with the Vikings! Let’s show the world what real freedom and unity look like.”
Thielen’s invitation quickly went viral, with fans from both the NFL and music communities jumping into the conversation. "Minneapolis is the place for bold moves and big moments," Thielen continued in a follow-up post. "The Vikings welcome anyone who stands by their beliefs and loves the game. We’d love to see you bring that energy to the stadium."
Kid Rock, known for his unapologetic persona and political statements, has yet to respond publicly to Thielen’s invitation, but the gesture has only intensified the ongoing cultural debate. Many see Thielen’s offer as a chance to merge the worlds of music and sports, with Minneapolis now playing center stage for both arenas.
The Vikings, who have become known for their embrace of celebrity culture and entertainment, may just find this unexpected collaboration an exciting way to engage their fanbase, especially after Kid Rock’s recent decision to stir the pot with his bold stance. The upcoming NFL season could provide the perfect backdrop for a high-energy, politically charged halftime performance that will undoubtedly keep fans talking.
Whether Kid Rock accepts Thielen's invitation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the cultural battle ignited by Kid Rock’s NYC cancellation is far from over, and Minneapolis could become the new hotspot for this viral moment.
