NFL Opts Not to Fine Cowboys for Thanksgiving Celebration
In an unexpected turn of events, the NFL has decided not to impose fines on the Dallas Cowboys for their recent Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations. During the November 23 match against the Washington Commanders, which ended in a resounding 45-10 victory for the Cowboys, players indulged in a premeditated festive gesture that has since caught the league's attention.
A Feast on the Field
The celebration took place towards the end of the game when Cowboys players sprinted to the end zone after a significant fourth-quarter touchdown. To the amusement of many, they retrieved foil-wrapped turkey legs hidden inside Salvation Army kettles and began to feast right there on the field with just five minutes left on the clock.
This deviation from the norm, where the winning team usually savors a turkey leg post-game on national television, was a first of its kind during an ongoing match. Sports Illustrated quoted CBS analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo expressing his surprise, noting it was unprecedented to see players celebrate before the final whistle.
Tracy Wolfson, a sideline reporter, revealed that the decision to go ahead with the celebration was made at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The celebratory mood seemed to fuel the Cowboys further as they scored another touchdown, cementing their dominance in the game.
The Decision Makers
Several key figures within the Cowboys organization were reportedly involved in orchestrating the celebration, including quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and team owner Jerry Jones. Prescott was later seen enjoying a turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared amused by the unfolding events.
Surprise Leniency from the NFL
The NFL's decision not to fine the Cowboys came as a shock to fans and commentators alike. The league, often criticized for its stringent policies regarding post-touchdown celebrations, chose to make an exception in this case. This leniency was particularly surprising given the league's history with the Cowboys and similar situations.
In the past, the NFL had taken a hard stance on such matters. For instance, in 2016, former Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was not fined for jumping into the kettle, but in 2018, he faced a $13,369 penalty for repeating the act. Similarly, both Elliott and Prescott were fined $13,261 each for unsportsmanlike conduct in 2022 after using the Salvation Army kettle as a prop during a touchdown celebration in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
That same year, four Cowboys tight ends were collectively fined $27,094 for engaging in a mock game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle following a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day.
Historical Precedents
The league's inconsistent approach is also evident in other instances. In Week 9 of the 2018 season, Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints reenacted a famous celebration by Joe Horn from 2003. After scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas pulled out a flip phone he had hidden under the goalpost, which led to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and widespread acclaim. However, unlike Horn, who received a $30K fine for the original act, Thomas faced no monetary penalty.
Recent criticism of the NFL's disciplinary measures resurfaced when Tyreek Hill's videographer was banned for the season after providing the star Miami Dolphins wide receiver with a phone to record a backflip.
Conclusion
The NFL's choice to overlook the Cowboys' Thanksgiving celebration suggests a potential shift in the league's attitude toward end-zone festivities. While some may view this as a welcome change that allows for more player expression, others remain cautious, aware of the league's historically unpredictable enforcement of celebration-related rules. Whether this marks a new era for touchdown celebrations or is merely an outlier remains to be seen.
