FRISCO, Texas — The NFL fined Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams $11,941 for unsportsmanlike conduct after he held the ball out toward New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin on a fourth-quarter touchdown in the Sept. 13 season opener, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Saturday.
Dak Prescott found Williams for a 17-yard touchdown with 5:21 left at MetLife Stadium, and nobody from New York touched him on the way in. The taunting flag came as he crossed the goal line. Dallas was down 28-20 at that point, so the 15 yards came off the try.
From 48 yards, Brandon Aubrey pushed the extra point wide right. The Giants got the ball back on the kickoff and kept it for the final 5:21 while Dallas burned its last two timeouts. The Cowboys did not get another possession in the 28-20 loss.
Under the league’s 2026 schedule, $11,941 is the first-offense amount for taunting. Less than a minute after the Williams post, Pelissero reported that the NFL had fined linebacker DeMarvion Overshown $9,527 for his first-quarter late hit on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Brian Schottenheimer Says Dallas Cowboys Were Going For Two
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team had talked about discipline in its meeting that morning. Dallas planned to go for two after the touchdown, and the flag took that try off the board.
“Obviously, we have nine penalties, I think, including one of our most dependable players getting an unsportsmanlike conduct,” Schottenheimer said. “When we’re getting ready to try to go in for two and make it a one-score game, we’re going for the win. That’s not like Javonte.”
On the drive before the score, Dallas went 74 yards in 2:05. Safety Jevón Holland was called for unnecessary roughness on a 17-yard catch by Ryan Flournoy. That put the ball at the New York 17, and Prescott went to Williams on the next snap.
Williams said after the game that he would correct it and move past it.
“I’m a pro, I know better than that,” Williams said. “I’m gonna correct it. It is what it is. We just gonna move past it.”
Dallas was flagged 9 times for 90 yards in the loss. New York was flagged 10 times for 114.
Williams thought the Cowboys could have started faster, on both sides of the ball.
“It’s us versus us. It don’t matter who we play,” Williams said. “Self-inflicted wounds, penalties, things like that. That’s what cost us the game.”
Javonte Williams Apologized To Dallas Cowboys Teammates
Williams disclosed Wednesday that he had been fined, Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports reported. Williams also said he had apologized to his teammates.
“I don’t know why I did it. That was out of character,” Williams said Wednesday.
Williams is one of 11 members of the Cowboys’ leadership council for 2026. He told reporters Wednesday there would not be a repeat.
“You don’t have to worry about it no more,” Williams said. “I’m done. It was my fault. I’m better than that.”
Against New York, Williams carried 12 times for 41 yards and a touchdown. He caught all 5 of his targets for 31 yards and a second score. His 1-yard touchdown run came with 37 seconds left in the third quarter.
Last season, Williams set career highs with 252 carries, 1,201 rushing yards, and 11 rushing touchdowns. He added 35 catches for 137 yards and 2 scores. In February, he signed a three-year, $24 million extension that includes $16 million guaranteed.
Dallas hosts the Washington Commanders on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX.
