The NFL has fined Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard $10,026 for celebrating his end-zone interception on the Dallas Cowboys star logo at midfield.
Byard said Friday the fine was actually worth it as the interception helped change momentum by denying the Cowboys a possible touchdown. The Titans outscored the Cowboys 28-7 after the interception en route to a 28-14 victory Monday night.
"I actually kind of expected it to be more with all the crazy fines that are going on in the league right now," Byard said. "I expected it to be more than $10,000. But I feel like it was worth it. I kind of knew it was coming, but I didn't know the amount. ... It was a momentum changer. If it was $10,000 it was worth it, because I'll make that up on the back end."
The 2017 All-Pro safety copied what Terrell Owens did 18 years ago in a win over the Cowboys in old Texas Stadium. The interception was the second this season for Byard and his 10th since the start of the 2017 season, tying him for the most in the NFL in that span.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel talked with Byard after the game and again Tuesday. Vrabel also talked to the rest of the team Wednesday to make sure they understand what is expected of them when celebrating.
"That's not what we want as an organization, and that's not what I want as a head coach," Vrabel said. "I want our guys to play as hard as they possibly can for each other, between the whistle, and as physical and aggressive and as clean as they possibly can."
Vrabel said he wants players to celebrate with a teammate.
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"Find somebody else in a Titans uniform. Find a coach, and celebrate with them," Vrabel said. "But we don't need to do that. It's not what we want to do. ... That's not what I want, and if that's what they want, then we see it very differently."
Notes: The Titans (4-4) will be without right tackle Jack Conklin (concussion protocol) against the New England Patriots (7-2) on Sunday. The Patriots eliminated Tennessee from the postseason in January. ... WR Tajae Sharpe (ankle) told reporters in the locker room he will play. LB Derrick Morgan (shoulder), WR Taywan Taylor (left foot) and S Dane Cruikshank (knee) did not practice. DL Bennie Logan (knee) practiced Friday after being limited Thursday. LBs Daren Bates (illness) and Will Compton (hamstring) practiced.
