Kindle Vildor’s $7,430 fine for striking violations in Week 6 explained: Here’s what he did and what it says about NFL player safety rules

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to impress in the 2025 NFL season, holding a strong 5-1 record atop the NFC South after a solid 30-19 victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6.

While the win showcased their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, it also brought some disciplinary action. Cornerback Kindle Vildor was fined $7,430 for a penalty involving striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing, according to the NFL’s Game Accountability Report. The fine is a reminder of the league’s strict stance on player conduct, even in a physical, hard-hitting game.

Kindle Vildor’s fine and what it means for player conduct in the NFL

In the tough game between the Buccaneers and the 49ers, Kindle Vildor was fined a whopping $7,430 for hitting moves like striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing — actions the NFL tries to stop to keep players safe.

This fine shows how serious the league is about stopping dangerous plays. Trent Williams from San Francisco also got fined $11,593 for roughness “away from the play,” which means the NFL watches players even when the ball isn’t right there.Even though 49ers cornerback Upton Stout hit Tampa Bay’s quarterback Baker Mayfield hard and got a roughing-the-passer penalty, he wasn’t fined. The officials looked at the play and decided that it didn’t need a fine.

This shows how the NFL carefully reviews every play before punishing players.

Tampa Bay’s defensive pressure shaped the game and led to a sack-filled victory

The Buccaneers’ defense was relentless in pressuring 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, recording as many as six sacks throughout the game, including during all three of their final drives. This aggressive approach disrupted San Francisco’s offense and showed why Tampa Bay ranks sixth in the NFL with 16 sacks so far this season. Head Coach Todd Bowles praised his defense after the game and said, “We talked about it all week, getting more pressure.

.. They really started the game off right. They got off the ball the whole night. Credit to them, they did a heck of a job.”Also read: Dallas Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs puts $4M Texas home up for sale days before missing Week 7 with concussion, sparks trade rumors

Key Buccaneers to watch as they prepare to face the Detroit Lions

Wide receiver Kameron Johnson stood out on offense, catching four passes for 64 yards and scoring a touchdown. He’s quickly becoming a go-to target for Baker Mayfield, who completed 17 of 23 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, tackle Vita Vea played a big role, getting half a sack and putting constant pressure on the quarterback, often drawing double teams that helped his teammates make plays. Cornerback Jamel Dean was a force all game, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors with an interception, a sack, a QB hit, a pass defended, and four tackles — showing just how much he contributed on defense.