Texans' Tyrann Mathieu fined for illegal hit against Broncos

Houston Texans free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Houston Texans free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Photo: David Zalubowski, Associated Press Photo: David Zalubowski, Associated Press Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Texans' Tyrann Mathieu fined for illegal hit against Broncos 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Texans veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu was fined $26,739 by the NFL for his illegal hit penalty from a win over the Denver Broncos.

Mathieu is appealing the fine.

Mathieu was flagged for unnecessary roughness for his collision with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

Mathieu believes he did everything he could to ensure it was a legal hit.

Mathieu even pointed at his shoulder as soon as the tackle was over.

Instant replays clearly showed that the former All-Pro selection delivered a blow with his shoulder and didn't lower his helmet to tackle Sanders.

"Once I looked back at the referee and I saw him looking at the crowd, I kind of knew the flag was coming," Mathieu said. "It was tough, but I'll do my best to avoid that and even got a little bit lower.

Recommended Video:

"Obviously, that's tough as a defender. I tried my best to physically keep my head out of it. It's a tough deal. I'm going to play the game the way I got to."