Jordan Matthews’ worry has become a reality.
The second-year wide receiver has been fined $5,787 by the NFL for throwing a football into the stands on Sunday night, according to a league spokesperson.
After scoring the game-winning touchdown in the Eagles’ 33-27 win at AT&T Stadium, Matthews launched the football into the crowd, a fineable offense.
After the game, Matthews was asked about heaving the ball into the crowd in Arlington, Texas.
“Right after I did it, I was like, ‘I hope they don’t fine me,’” Matthews said. “I’m an economics major. When I got in [the end zone], I heard [Josh] Huff say, 'Throw it, throw it! Just do it!’ If I do get fined, I’m coming to him for part of it.”
The fine amount of $5,787 for throwing a ball into the stands is a standard amount for a first offense.
Players are permitted to hand footballs to fans but not to throw them because of safety reasons. The NFL worries about potential crowd control issues from balls tossed into the stands.
Matthews has a base salary of $644,967 this season but he might still knock on Huff’s door to help pick up the tab.
In the game last Sunday, Matthews had nine catches for 133 yards, which included the 41-yard touchdown catch in overtime.