The National Football League (NFL) has decided not to impose fines on the Dallas Cowboys for their recent Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations, marking a departure from its usual strict enforcement of celebration rules.
During their dominant 45-10 win over the Washington Commanders on November 23, the Cowboys took post-touchdown festivities to a new level. In an unconventional twist, players were seen retrieving foil-wrapped turkey legs hidden inside Salvation Army kettles positioned near the end zones and then joyfully consuming them. This celebratory act unfolded in the game's final minutes, prompting both amusement and surprise among fans and commentators alike.
A Break from Tradition
Typically, the consumption of a turkey leg is a post-game tradition enjoyed by the winning team on national television after the conclusion of the game. However, the Cowboys' preemptive celebration deviated from this norm. CBS analyst and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo expressed his astonishment during the broadcast, noting it was the first time he had witnessed such a celebration before the game had ended. Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that the decision to go ahead with the plan was made at the start of the fourth quarter, seemingly providing an extra boost to the Cowboys' offense, which scored another touchdown to secure their victory.
Key figures such as quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and owner Jerry Jones were all reportedly part of the decision-making process behind the celebration. Prescott was later seen savoring a turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared entertained by the proceedings.
Unexpected Leniency from the NFL
The NFL's decision to forego fines in this instance came as a surprise, considering the league's history of penalizing players for elaborate or unauthorized celebrations. The NFL, often humorously referred to as the "No Fun League," has made an exception in this case, much to the relief of many fans who have criticized the league for its inconsistent disciplinary actions.
This leniency is particularly unexpected given past incidents involving the Cowboys. For example, in 2016, running back Ezekiel Elliott avoided a fine for jumping into a kettle, but faced a $13,369 penalty for repeating the act in 2018. Similarly, in 2022, both Elliott and Prescott were fined $13,261 each for using the Salvation Army kettle as a prop during a touchdown celebration against the Indianapolis Colts. Moreover, the team’s tight ends were collectively fined $27,094 for mimicking a game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle following a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day of the same year.
The NFL's approach has also been stringent in other memorable instances. In 2018, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas emulated a famous celebration by former teammate Joe Horn by hiding flip phones under each goalpost, planning to use them if he scored. After his touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas's celebration drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a substantial fine, much like Horn's original act in 2003.
Recent criticism of the NFL's disciplinary inconsistencies resurfaced 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 capture a celebratory backflip.
Conclusion
The NFL's decision to not fine the Dallas Cowboys for their Thanksgiving celebration indicates a potential shift in the league's stance on touchdown celebrations. While some may view it as a sign of the NFL embracing more player expression, others see it as further evidence of the league's inconsistent application of penalties. Regardless, the Cowboys' festive antics provided a memorable highlight in a season where the boundaries between sportsmanship and spectacle continue to blur.