OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas II told ESPN that he was fined $21,000 by the NFL for his hit on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Thomas plans to appeal the fine.
In Sunday's 26-23 overtime win in Pittsburgh, Thomas' helmet connected on Rudolph's chin. Rudolph suffered a concussion and appeared to get knocked out on the collision. Thomas wasn't initially flagged, but officials later penalized him for roughing the passer.
Thomas reached out to the second-year quarterback by calling him and texting him this week.