Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu has been fined $33,766 for two infractions during their surprise victory over the Detroit Lions on January 18, which secured their place in the NFC Championship game. The Commanders’ win at Ford Field eliminated the top-seeded Lions from the playoffs. Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a rough game, throwing three interceptions, including one returned for a 40-yard touchdown by Commanders safety Quan Martin.
During that play, Goff attempted to stop Martin but was hit to the ground by Luvu, who appeared to make contact with Goff’s head. Although no penalty was called at the time, the NFL has since fined Luvu $16,883 for roughing the passer. The league determined that Luvu’s hit involved clear contact to the head/neck area. Although Lions personnel had called for a flag during the game, neither Luvu nor the Commanders faced any immediate consequences.
Additionally, Luvu was fined another $16,883 for an illegal hip-drop tackle on Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, which occurred just after Goff’s interception. Again, no penalty was called during the game, but the NFL ruled the tackle illegal. If penalties had been enforced, the Lions would have gained more yardage, and the game’s outcome could have shifted, especially if the hit on Goff had been flagged.
Frankie Luvu also was fined $16,883 for an illegal hip-drop tackle on Jahmyr Gibbs a few plays later. No penalty there either. So, $33,766 in fines for Luvu but no flags. https://t.co/RAwsgVCYCQ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 25, 2025
Detroit’s season ended abruptly despite a strong 15-2 regular season record. The Lions, heavy favorites after earning a bye to the Divisional Round, were expected to reach the Super Bowl but were eliminated by the Commanders.
Washington now advances to the NFC Championship, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles, who have made it to the championship game for the first time since the regular season saw them split their matchups. The Eagles are favored to win, but the Commanders, coming off another upset against the Lions, are emerging as formidable underdogs.
The Eagles, with experience on their side, will face the Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who could make history as the first rookie to start in the Super Bowl. Daniels, selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, is one win away from achieving that milestone.
More news……
Three Detroit Lions Make 2025’s Top 100 Free Agent List
With the Detroit Lions’ season ending prematurely, they now face the task of evaluating expiring player contracts. Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlights three players they should prioritize keeping.
Carlton Davis III, Cornerback
Carlton Davis III ranked among the top 25 most valuable free agents. A former second-round pick, Davis joined the Lions in the offseason after spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season with Detroit, Davis recorded 56 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions in just 13 games, as he missed time due to a fractured jaw sustained during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Kevin Zeitler, Offensive Guard
Kevin Zeitler, ranked six spots below Davis III, is an appealing free agent. The veteran guard and former first-round pick had one of his best seasons with Detroit, finishing with a pass-block rate of 78.8% and a run-block rate of 87.2%. Though Zeitler is approaching the end of his career, he still provides considerable value to any team.
Levi Onwuzirke, Defensive Tackle
Levi Onwuzirke, ranked 40th on PFF’s list of most valuable free agents, has shown promise but struggled with injuries throughout his four seasons in Detroit. During the 2024 season, Onwuzirke posted 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. If he can stay healthy and have a breakout season, Onwuzirke could become an important contributor for any team.
