Seahawks CB Riq Woolen fined $17,389 for costly taunting penalty in NFC championship game

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen has been fined $17,389 by the NFL for a taunting penalty during last Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, a costly mental error that extended a critical Rams drive and ultimately led to a touchdown.

Penalty turns momentum
The incident occurred late in the third quarter after Woolen successfully broke up a third-and-12 pass intended for Rams receiver Puka Nacua, appearing to give the Seahawks a critical stop. However, Woolen immediately skipped toward the Rams sideline, stepping over the boundary while exchanging words with opponents. Officials flagged him for unsportsmanlike conduct, converting what would have been fourth down into an automatic first down for Los Angeles.

Costly consequences unfold
The penalty proved immediately devastating as the Rams capitalized on the extended possession with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Nacua—a play where Woolen himself blew the coverage in secondary responsibility. The score turned a 31-20 Seattle lead into a 31-27 game, completely shifting momentum heading into the fourth quarter.

Teammate reaction and league discipline
The Fox telecast captured multiple Seahawks defenders including Coby Bryant, Leonard Williams, and Nick Emmanwori confronting Woolen on the sideline following the costly mistake. The NFL announced Woolen as the only player fined from the NFC Championship Game, highlighting the league’s continued emphasis on enforcing sportsmanship rules even in high-stakes postseason environments.