NFL veteran defensive lineman suspended, mocked online for punching helmeted opponent

Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma break down the Detroit Lions' 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders.

Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions for throwing a punch at wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

On Monday, the NFL suspended Payne for one game.

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Daron Payne #94 of the Washington Commanders runs off of the field at halftime during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Northwest Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The incident occurred in the second quarter after Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a 13-yard run to put Detroit up 22-3. Payne was seen swinging his fist and connecting with St. Brown after the play was over. Commanders defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw also received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct during the fracas.

Fans were upset with Payne’s conduct on the field, suggesting that a Pro Bowler who has been in the league for eight years should know better than to throw a punch on the field. Furthermore, they mocked the NFL veteran for punching a player who had his helmet on.

Kinlaw told reporters after the game that it was St. Brown who hit Payne first. In the NFL, and most sports, it’s usually the second person who retaliates that gets the punishment.

"It’s bulls---, 100%," Kinlaw said, via NBC Sports Washington.

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) stands on the field on day one of minicamp at Commanders Park on June 10, 2025. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

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Detroit made it look easy against Washington. The Lions took a 25-10