Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. has been fined by the NFL for a horse-collar tackle in the team’s Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns in London.
The NFL announced Murphy was fined $17,389 for unnecessary roughness/horse-collar tackle during the third quarter with 11:05 remaining. A flag was not thrown during the play.
A horse-collar tackle is a specific type of penalty in football that occurs when a player is tackled by grabbing the inside of the opponent’s shoulder pad or the side/back of the helmet and pulling the player down from the back.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Byron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Murphy Was Also Fined Last Season
Murphy has been with the Vikings since 2023. He was named to the Pro Bowl roster last season. He was drafted in the second-round out of Washington in 2019 by the Arizona Cardinals.
Murphy was fined last season for taunting. Following a key incompletion in the third quarter, Murphy briefly stood over Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and looked down at him. No flag was thrown on the play.
Vikings Fans Not Happy With Murphy’s Performance
Murphy signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension with the Vikings in March, signaling they are committing to him as a starting cornerback. But that didn’t stop some from taking to social media to announce their displeasure with his performance on Sunday. Murphy is currently ranked the 122nd best cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
“Byron Murphy got paid then curled up and forgot how to play my lord he has been rough!” one person wrote on X.
“I’m not impressed with the Vikings willingness to wrap up running backs. On that tight end hurdle play, Ivan Pace made no attempt to wrap up, nor did Byron Murphy on the fourth down play,” another user wrote.
But Murphy did have out a standout moment when broke up a touchdown pass from Browns’ Dillon Gabriel to David Bell.
Brian Flores Led Defense Has Played Well
Murphy has been part of an impressive defensive led by coordinator Brian Flores. Under his leadership, Minnesota’s defense has ranked among the league’s best this year, allowing just 1,449 yards through five games—the sixth-fewest in the NFL. Known for his highly aggressive play-calling, Flores has turned the Vikings into one of the league’s top blitzing defenses.
It’s the bye week for the Vikings (3-2) before they host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 19.
The team has experienced its share of ups and downs, but several players have stepped up and made a noticeable impact. More contributions will be needed as the season resumes after the Bye Week, but for now, we’re taking a look at those who have performed well to start the year.
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