Why Justin Strnad was fined $15,486 against the Giants in Week 7

The Denver Broncos are still reeling from their emotional Week 7 win over the New York Giants. Linebacker Dre Greenlove was suspended for one game earlier this week for verbally threatening referee Brad Allen after the game — and now teammate Justin Strnad has also been fined by the league.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelliser, the NFL fined Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad $15,486 for unsportsmanlike conduct after contact with the referee Brad Allen after the 33-32 victory.

“NFL fined Broncos LB Justin Strnad $15,486 for unsportsmanlike conduct — making contact with umpire Brad Allen after last week’s win over Giants. Teammate Dre Greenlaw suspended one game for verbally abusing Allen. Now fine for Strnad,” Pelissero wrote on social media.

The incident reportedly happened shortly after the chaotic end of the game. Emotions ran high as the Broncos pulled off one of the wildest comebacks in franchise history, scoring 33 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 19-point deficit. While Greenlaw’s altercation garnered the most attention, a league review found that Strnad also made physical contact with a referee in the postgame melee, a clear violation of the NFL’s conduct policy.

Strnad, a key contributor on special teams and situational defensive packages, avoided a suspension but still received a major fine. The NFL has taken a zero-tolerance stance on contact with officials in recent seasons, stressing respect for referees amid rising tensions across the league.

Meanwhile, the Broncos’ comeback win over New York was a much-needed morale boost for the head coach Sean Payton‘s team, which improved to 5-2 and extended its winning streak to four games. Denver trailed 19-0 entering the fourth quarter before quarterback Bo Nix and the offense exploded, with Will Lutz hitting a game-winning 39-yarder in the final seconds.

after the game Peyton dismissed the mounting criticism of his conservative calling at the start of the season. “I wasn’t thinking about giving up the play-call,” Payton said. “We ended up making some big, big plays.” His adjustments in the fourth quarter, including more aggressive screen passes and uptempo sequences, sparked the team’s comeback and quieted the doubters, at least for now.

Still, the aftermath of the postgame altercation serves as a reminder that composure is just as important as execution. The Broncos will now try to overcome the controversy as they prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, looking to maintain their momentum atop the AFC West.