The National Football League has decided not to impose fines on the Dallas Cowboys for their inventive Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations. The festivities unfolded during the Cowboys' commanding 45-10 win over the Washington Commanders on November 23, where players indulged in turkey legs they had hidden inside Salvation Army kettles situated near the end zones.
As the game neared its conclusion, with just five minutes left on the clock, Cowboys players celebrated a significant touchdown by rushing to the kettle and retrieving the foil-wrapped turkey legs they had stowed away earlier. This unconventional celebration deviated from the usual post-game tradition of enjoying a turkey leg on national television and caught many by surprise, eliciting both amusement and raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike.
A Break From Tradition
Tony Romo, CBS analyst and former quarterback for the Cowboys, commented on the unusual nature of the celebration, noting that it was the first instance he had witnessed of a team celebrating before the final whistle. Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that the Cowboys had planned the celebration at the start of the fourth quarter, which seemed to fuel the team's offense as they scored another touchdown, further cementing their victory.
Key figures such as quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and team owner Jerry Jones were all reportedly involved in the decision-making process for the celebration. Prescott was later seen savoring a turkey leg on the sidelines, while an amused McCarthy looked on.
Unexpected Leniency from the NFL
The NFL's decision not to fine the Cowboys for their celebration came as a shock to many, given the league's history of strictly penalizing elaborate or unauthorized post-touchdown celebrations. The NFL, often humorously referred to as the "No Fun League," has made an exception in this case, a move that has left fans both surprised and relieved.
This is particularly noteworthy because the Cowboys have faced penalties for similar actions in the past. In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott, the team's former running back, escaped a fine for jumping into the kettle, but in 2018, he was fined $13,369 for repeating the act. More recently, in 2022, both Elliott and Prescott were fined $13,261 each for unsportsmanlike conduct after using the Salvation Army kettle as a prop during a touchdown celebration in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In that same game, four of the Cowboys’ tight ends were collectively fined a total of $27,094 for engaging in a mock game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle following a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day. These instances highlight the league’s traditionally stringent stance on such matters.
Past Incidents and Inconsistencies
The league has also been strict with other teams and players. For example, in Week 9 of the 2018 season, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas recreated a famous celebration by Joe Horn from 2003. After scoring against the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas pulled out a flip phone he had hidden under the goalpost, mimicking Horn's iconic celebration. Although Thomas's celebration was met with widespread acclaim, it resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a hefty fine, much like Horn's original act.
Further highlighting the NFL's inconsistent disciplinary measures, recent criticism arose when Tyreek Hill's videographer was banned for the entire season for supplying the Miami Dolphins wide receiver with a phone to record a backflip. This action contrasts sharply with the leniency shown towards the Cowboys' Thanksgiving celebration.
The NFL's handling of these situations continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and media, especially considering the varying degrees of punishment meted out for similar celebratory acts. While some fans argue for more freedom of expression and fun in the sport, others support the need for maintaining professionalism and decorum on the field. Regardless, the Cowboys' recent Thanksgiving celebration will likely remain a memorable moment in NFL lore, illustrating both the league's unpredictable approach to discipline and the ever-evolving culture of American football.