Seahawks Player Tariq Woolen Fined for Taunting Ahead of Super Bowl

Costly penalty gave the Rams an automatic first down, but Seattle's defense held on to secure the NFC championship win.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Seattle Seahawks defensive back Tariq Woolen was fined $17,398 for a taunting penalty during the NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams. The penalty gave the Rams an automatic first down, but the Seahawks' defense held on to secure the 31-27 win and advance to the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Taunting penalties can be costly, especially in high-stakes playoff games. This incident highlights the fine line players must walk between playing with emotion and avoiding unsportsmanlike conduct that can swing the momentum of a game.

The details

With less than three minutes left in the third quarter and the Seahawks leading by 11 points, Woolen jawed at the Rams bench while backpedaling with his hands behind his back after a play. The penalty gave the Rams an automatic first down, and they scored on the next play to cut the lead to one possession. Woolen was criticized on social media for the incident, but the Seahawks' defense ultimately held on to secure the win.

  • The taunting penalty occurred with less than three minutes left in the third quarter.
  • The Seahawks went on to win the NFC championship game 31-27.

The players

Tariq Woolen

A defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks who was fined $17,398 for a taunting penalty during the NFC championship game.

Los Angeles Rams

The Seahawks' opponent in the NFC championship game, who were given an automatic first down due to Woolen's taunting penalty.

Seattle Seahawks

The team that advanced to the Super Bowl despite the costly taunting penalty against Woolen.

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What they’re saying

“No more taunting penalties.”

— Tariq Woolen (Social media)

“Wasn't getting pressed. We brothers and we all chasing greatness we on the same mission.”

— Tariq Woolen (Social media)

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on February 8th in Santa Clara, California. This is a rematch of the Seahawks' last Super Bowl appearance in 2015, which the Patriots won in the final seconds.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the fine line players must walk between playing with emotion and avoiding unsportsmanlike conduct that can swing the momentum of a game. The Seahawks were able to overcome the costly penalty, but taunting penalties can be a costly mistake, especially in high-stakes playoff games.