In a move that has surprised many, the NFL has decided not to fine the Dallas Cowboys for their Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations. The incident in question took place during the Cowboys' dominant 45-10 victory over the Washington Commanders on November 23, where players were seen indulging in turkey legs stashed inside Salvation Army kettles after scoring touchdowns.
The celebrations deviated from the norm; typically, the winning team enjoys turkey legs on national television post-game. Tony Romo, CBS analyst and former quarterback for the Cowboys, remarked on the unusual timing of the celebration: "It's the first time I've seen someone get before the game’s over." Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that the plan for the celebration was hatched at the start of the fourth quarter. The Cowboys capitalized on the momentum, adding another touchdown to their tally and sealing their win.
Key figures such as quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and owner Jerry Jones were involved in orchestrating the celebration. Prescott was later seen savoring a turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared amused by the proceedings.
Unexpected Leniency
The league's decision not to impose fines came as a shock to many fans and commentators alike, given its history of strict enforcement of rules regarding post-touchdown celebrations. The NFL, often humorously dubbed the 'No Fun League,' has made an exception in this case, despite having fined the Cowboys for similar antics in the past.
For example, in 2016, Ezekiel Elliott, then a running back for the Cowboys, jumped into a kettle but wasn't fined. However, in 2018, he was fined $13,369 for a similar celebration. In 2022, both Elliott and Prescott faced fines of $13,261 each for using the Salvation Army kettle as a prop during a touchdown celebration against the Indianapolis Colts. Additionally, in that same game, four Cowboys tight ends were fined a combined total of $27,094 for mimicking a game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle following a touchdown.
Consistency in the NFL's disciplinary actions has been questioned before. A notable incident involved Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints who, in 2018, celebrated a touchdown by using a hidden flip phone, emulating a famous celebration by former player Joe Horn in 2003. Thomas's celebration led to a 15-yard penalty and a $30,000 fine.
Moreover, recent social media criticism of the NFL arose when it was revealed that Tyreek Hill's videographer received a season-long ban for supplying the star Miami Dolphins wide receiver with a phone to record a celebratory backflip.
Implications and Reactions
The inconsistency in how the NFL handles such matters has become a talking point among fans and sports commentators. While some view the league's no-fine verdict for the Cowboys' recent antics as a sign of increased leniency or perhaps a shift towards allowing more expressive celebrations, others see it as a continuation of arbitrary decision-making.
The NFL's stance on celebrations has evolved over the years, with the league relaxing some of its rules in 2017 to allow for more creativity and fun, which was well-received by players and fans. However, the use of props and coordinated group celebrations can still draw penalties and fines.
The Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day feast is the latest chapter in the ongoing narrative about the NFL's balancing act between sportsmanship and entertainment. As the league navigates public perception and its own regulations, it will continue to be scrutinized for how it handles similar situations in the future.
For now, the Cowboys can savor not only their victory and Thanksgiving turkey but also the absence of any financial repercussions from the league. Whether this sets a precedent for future celebrations remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a unique twist to the storied tradition of Thanksgiving football in the NFL.