Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has contested the NFL’s decision to fine him for a hit on Cleveland Browns rookie receiver KC Concepcion during Sunday’s game, though he acknowledged the penalty issued on the field. The incident took place in the first quarter of the Jets’ 17-12 victory over the Browns.

Fitzpatrick was flagged twice on the play—first for a facemask penalty after forcibly removing Concepcion’s helmet, followed four plays later by an unnecessary roughness penalty for another forceful hit. Concepcion was left on the field briefly before exiting with a head injury and was subsequently placed in concussion protocol. He returned to practice on Wednesday but remained limited on Thursday.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Fitzpatrick said he viewed the hit as a routine football play rather than a violation deserving of a fine. “It was a football play in my opinion,” he stated. “You don’t want to see anyone get hurt, obviously. I’m happy to see he’s back and practicing this week. Bang, bang play as their coach (Todd Monken) put it.” Fitzpatrick declined to disclose the fine amount but indicated plans to request a reduction.

The Jets safety expressed confusion about the league’s ruling on contacting a “defenseless player.” “I understand why I got the penalty. It wasn’t for targeting or hitting him in the head. It was for hitting a defenseless player,” Fitzpatrick said. “In my opinion, when a receiver has the ball, you have every right to hit him as long as you are not hitting him in the head.”

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn defended Fitzpatrick’s intent, describing the incident as an unfortunate consequence of a fast-moving play. Glenn explained that Fitzpatrick was aiming to use his shoulder but the situation rapidly unfolded, noting that Concepcion lowered his head unexpectedly. “Minkah is not a dirty player, he has never been a dirty player,” Glenn said. “I’m glad to see Concepcion get up and walk off the field.” Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken similarly characterized the hit as “bang-bang,” a term used to describe quick, split-second plays.

Despite those defenses, the hit reignited criticism of Fitzpatrick among Browns fans, who have viewed his play with skepticism since a controversial 2023 tackle on then-Cleveland running back Nick Chubb. That hit resulted in severe knee injuries for Chubb, and has contributed to Fitzpatrick’s reputation in Cleveland.

Fitzpatrick chose not to dwell on past controversies during Thursday’s media session. “I’m over that issue,” he said in reference to the Chubb incident. “I’m focusing on the Patriots this week and trying to win this game.”