Cardinals Kei’trel Clark Fined For Using Eye Black Message

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei’Trel Clark was fined $6,651 for wearing eye black with a message inscribed after last week’s 31-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The NFL does not play with uniforms. There are a ton of rules and regulations regarding cleats, sweatbands, undershirts, helmets, and the uniform itself.

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Clark’s message stated:

“GLORY BE (peace symbol) 2 GOD.”

The NFL takes a lot of pride in keeping the presentation of its league professional and clean. If Clark writes in paint pen on his eye black a message, then somebody else takes that cue and writes their own message. Then it is writing on socks or sweatbands, unauthorized logos, paint pen on a cleat, or the tail of a T-shirt hanging.

“Happy Birthday, Tashaun!” would become a weekly message seen on national TV.

Another reason the NFL is so determined is its sponsorships. Uniform makers pay quite a bit to display their logo. Oakley does as well. The NFL doesn’t want painted messages on cleats stating, “Shoe Palace has great deals!” The league does not make any money off of these types of messages, so they outlaw everything.

Clark went to his Instagram account and stated:

“I need answers. 6.6K for giving God the Glory.”

No, 6.6K for not following the league’s uniform code. The NFL does not care about a sack of dried butter beans that you want to promote your faith. Clark has from Monday until Saturday to preach to as many folks as possible about finding God and praising Jesus. But Clark will need to do this within his own space. And it’s not like Clark is a superstar on the Cardinals roster. He currently backs up Denzel Burke at the left cornerback spot.

The specific financial terms and dollar amounts that Oakley pays the NFL are not publicly disclosed, which means it must be pretty lucrative. And all 32 NFL teams get a slice of that deal. The current contract was extended until 2030.

Those are messages on NFL uniforms that pay handsomely.

Eye black today is no longer a traditional roll-on stick. They are like fabric Band-Aids that peel off with glue underneath. They can be written on with silver paint pens very easily before being installed. While playing for the University of Florida, QB Tim Tebow always had a scripture written on his eye black that was seen by millions every game. But once he suited up in the NFL, the written messages ceased.

And it is not like fining Clark is a one-off. The NFL has been consistent about this for years: No writing of any kind on face prints. 

What is odd are the circumstances. At every NFL game, there are uniform cops, called NFL uniform inspectors, on each sideline. They patrol the field during pre-game warmups and remain on the sidelines throughout the entire game, switching sidelines at the end of each quarter to monitor both teams fairly. They are paid by the league instead of through the Cardinals, which makes them act as neutral, league-appointed officials representing the NFL Compliance Department.

They are usually two former players of the team itself. If the inspectors see any discrepancy, they will approach the player and tell them what is wrong, then expect the athlete to correct the situation and are usually cool about the infraction, giving ample time to fix the issue. If the player persists, the uniform cops write it up and submit it to the league.

Players are paid via direct deposit every two weeks. Clark’s deposit will simply be short by $6,651. The second offense of the standard uniform code is $17,911. A third offense can result in game suspensions, for which the player does not get paid whatsoever for each game he is out. The source of the fine is included in Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8 of the NFL’s 2026 rulebook. It states that Clark cited the unauthorized personal message on his eye black regardless of what the message was. 

LINK: LIST OF NFL FINES

Clark seems to be in attack mode ever since he received his fine letter in the mail. He followed it with a string of memes aimed at the fine and also shared a picture of himself wearing eye black marked “INSHALLAH.”

He stated:

“I got to report to God at the end of my days on the day of judgment!” I’ll always give God the glory out loud ???? All good.”

That is perfectly fine and good. But the league does not care for one minute whether Clark plays in their league or not. His cap hit this year is $1.2 million. Maybe he can get his real estate license and make that kind of money.

This is not Clark’s first run-in with the NFL’s uniform rules. In October 2025, he was fined $5,797 after wearing what the league described as a “black streamer towel” during Arizona’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Only white licensed towels are approved.  

So, bow up all you want, Clark. It’s your money to lose, and you aren’t going to buck the league rules. You want answers? It is pretty simple: Don’t write on your eye black. Period. Or you will find work as a substitute school teacher in your future very soon.