For the seventh time this season, the NFL has fined Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch $10,128.

This time, the former Alabama defensive back was docked for unnecessary roughness (use of helmet), in the NFL’s judgment. The league cited a tackle by Branch on San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle in Detroit’s 40-34 victory on Monday night, even though no penalty was called on the play.

The fine put Branch back in sole possession of the title of the most-fined player in the NFL. Philadelphia Eagles safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has been fined six times.

The NFL announced its fines for Week 17 on Saturday.

Three other players from Alabama high schools and colleges were among the 35 fined by the NFL for Week 17 transgressions.

Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (Alabama) was fined $11,817 for unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing). Arnold was not penalized during the game for the play cited by the NFL for the fine.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (Hoover) was fined $10,231 for unsportsmanlike conduct (removal of the helmet). Pickens was penalized on the play in a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 25, but the penalty was for a false start. With his fifth fine of 2024, Pickens ranks third in the NFL this season.

Carolina Panthers defensive end A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama) was fined $16,883 for roughing the passer (contact in the knee area or below) during a 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Robinson was penalized for that infraction on the field.

The NFL uses a collectively bargained schedule of fines to determine the amount of monetary punishment. The NFL’s fine schedule also comes with a list of aggravating and mitigating factors that can affect the size of a fine.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.