Riq Woolen Fined for Taunting in NFC Title Game, But Seahawks DB Owns the Moment
Championship Sunday gave us just two games, and only one player walked away with a fine. That player? Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, who was hit with a $17,398 penalty for taunting during the NFC Championship clash against the Los Angeles Rams.
It was Woolen’s third fine of the season-and it came at a moment that nearly shifted the momentum in a game Seattle ultimately won.
Late in the third quarter, with emotions running high and a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, Woolen let his passion boil over. He was flagged after jawing at the Rams’ sideline, drawing a 15-yard penalty that handed Los Angeles an automatic first down.
Seattle’s defense, which had been holding strong, suddenly found itself on its heels. And the Rams didn’t waste any time.
On the very next play, rookie sensation Puka Nacua slipped behind Woolen for a touchdown.
It was a rare lapse from one of Seattle’s most consistent defensive backs-and it didn’t end there. Cameras caught Woolen animated on the sideline, visibly frustrated and exchanging words with teammates.
The moment was broadcast live, with Tom Brady providing commentary, and it quickly made the rounds on social media. The clip sparked a wave of criticism, with fans and pundits questioning Woolen’s composure.
But to his credit, Woolen didn’t run from the moment. After the game, he took to social media to own up to the mistake.
In one post, he wrote, “No more taunting penalties,” alongside a GIF that read, “I’m sorry. Do you still love me?”
It was a mix of accountability and self-awareness-something you want to see from a young player in a high-pressure spot.
In another post, Woolen responded to a fan who accused him of being “pressed” during the game. His response?
“Wasn’t getting pressed. We brothers and we all chasing greatness-we on the same mission.”
That message echoed the unity that’s been building in Seattle all season long.
Yes, the penalty made things a little tighter than they needed to be. But the Seahawks weathered the storm and punched their ticket to Super Bowl 60, where they’ll face the New England Patriots on February 8.
And while Woolen’s taunting penalty will go down as a moment of concern, his response afterward might say more about who he is as a player-and who this Seahawks team is becoming. They’re young, fiery, and still learning. But they’re also resilient, accountable, and two weeks away from the biggest stage in football.