IRVING, Texas – Dallas Cowboys safety Ahmad Dixon was welcomed to the NFL’s justice system with a fine of $22,050 on Friday.

Dixon, the team's seventh-round pick in May, was fined by the league for a defenseless hit of a wide receiver late in the Cowboys’ 25-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 23.

After the game, Dixon was unapologetic for the hit and penalty, which eventually led to the Dolphins’ winning score, and said he would continue to play the same way he has always played. After talking with coach Jason Garrett, Dixon said he needed to go for the ball, not the hit.

Dixon will appeal the fine because it is more than 25 percent of his weekly salary, but the fine would be paid in installments.

In addition to Dixon, rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens was fined $8,268 for a face-mask penalty in the game against the Dolphins.