Everyone gets hyped after a touchdown or big play, but players have to control themselves more than fans.
Contrary to popular belief, NFL celebration rules aren’t as simple as the Hingle McCringleberry “two pumps” rule. What exactly is permitted for celebrations, and what will lead to a penalty?
The NFL’s Celebration Rules and Guidelines Explained
Back in 2017, the NFL relaxed some of its celebration rules after numerous complaints about flags that seemed unnecessary. Specifically, the league decided to once again allow:
- Using the football as a prop after a touchdown
- Celebrating on the ground
- Group demonstrations
🎢 @cheetah pic.twitter.com/fEt8iu0ZzV
— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
However, the NFL guidelines still penalize offensive demonstrations, celebrations that are prolonged and delay the game, and celebrations directed at an opponent. These tend to fall under the unsportsmanlike conduct umbrella.
“We know that you love the spontaneous displays of emotion that come after a spectacular touchdown,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to fans. “And players have told us they want more freedom to be able to express themselves and celebrate their athletic achievements.
“We saw a lot of interest in liberalizing and allowing the players a little more freedom to be able to express their joy, their individuality and frankly celebrate the game.”
This isn’t a free-for-all, however. The “offensive demonstrations” criteria leaves a fair amount of gray area, but a clear example of a violation came in Week 2 of the 2024 season when Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London mimicked shooting a gun in the air.
Afterward, London apologized, telling reporters, “There’s a lot of stuff going around in the world with gun violence that I don’t think I should have displayed there. So, I’m not too happy with it, and [you] probably won’t see that again from me.”
— 1-1-1-1 (@pahrduve) September 17, 2024
Goodell specifically mentioned upholding sportsmanship in explaining the types of celebrations that would still draw penalties.
“[Team owners] recognize that sportsmanship is an important thing for [players] to demonstrate on the field in large part because of the people who are watching,” Goodell said. “And also to keep high standards and that’s something that is why we will want to continue to have their involvement.”
The good news is that the NFL seems to have applied common sense to its most joyous moments. With players such as Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill building personal brands of their end-zone antics, it’s only right that the league allows its biggest stars to inject some fun into the most fun moments a game can offer.