Xavier McKinney received a $25,000 fine for criticizing officials after the Packers’ loss to the Lions but stands by his comments.
Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for publicly criticizing officials following the team’s 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Still, the All-Pro defender made it clear he has no regrets about speaking up for his teammates.
McKinney confirmed the punishment after Green Bay’s 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. He also dismissed concerns about a financial hit, saying he was prepared to accept the consequences.
“I make enough money to be OK,” McKinney said.
The NFL has officially fined Packers safety Xavier McKinney $25,000 for his post-game criticism of officials after Green Bay’s loss to Detroit.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2026
The safety failure stems from some disputed calls in the Week 7 loss at Detroit. Green Bay was penalized eight times for 81 yards, including two roughing-the-passer flags and an unnecessary roughness penalty against defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
The call against Wyatt followed a play involving Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The receiver gets back up after appearing to go down following the short reception, and Wyatt tackles him again. The officials penalized the Packers defender, giving Detroit a first down near the goal line. Jared Goff connected with Jameson Williams for a touchdown two plays later.
McKinney questioned the decision and other calls after the game, expressing his frustration with the officiating.
“I don’t think it’s good officiating, if I’m completely honest. I think it’s silly a lot of times,” he said.
However, NFL rules allow disciplinary action against players who publicly criticize officials, and the league has now enforced that policy against him. Safety, however, has shown little interest in backing down from his criticism.
Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for publicly criticizing officials following the team’s 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Still, the All-Pro defender made it clear he has no regrets about speaking up for his teammates. McKinney confirmed the punishment after Green Bay’s 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.