Falcons free safety Damontae Kazee was fined $10,026 for the hit he put on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton on Friday.

He became the third Falcons player to be fined this season. Grady Jarrett was fined ($20,054) for his hit on Eagles quarterback Nick Foles and tight end Eric Saubert was fined ($10,026) for a face-mask penalty against the Eagles.

Also, defensive end Takk McKinley was fined $10,026 for coming to the aid of Kazee after Carolina wide receiver Torrey Smith pushed him down. Smith was also fined $10,026.

“I have to learn when to take my shot and not take my shot,” Kazee said Wednesday. “When he was sliding, I was already in the air. I tried to lean over to the left and nicked him with my face mask. I apologized for the hit and everything.”

Kazee was involved in another high-profile hit, when he  lowered his helmt to hit Jacksonville wide receiver Marqise Lee, who suffered a serious knee injury and is out for the season.

Kazee received a penalty, but was not fined for the hit on Lee.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins attempts a pass during overtime of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. The Panthers beat the Falcons 30-27. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller