Official NFL announcements and media reports

NFL Suspends Chargers' Derwin James for One Game Without Pay for Helmet Hit on Steelers

Sep 23, 2024, 11:09 PM

The NFL has suspended Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. for one game without pay due to repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players. The suspension follows a specific incident during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where James made forcible contact with his helmet on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan emphasized James's continued disregard for the rules in a letter to the player, stating, 'Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated.' James, who has a history of unnecessary roughness penalties and is a two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, plans to appeal the suspension. The one-game suspension will cost James $708,333 from his 2024 salary. James is currently in the third year of a five-year, $85.5 million contract.