In a move that has surprised many, the NFL has chosen not to fine the Dallas Cowboys for their Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations during their dominant 45-10 victory over the Washington Commanders on November 23. The Cowboys' players were seen indulging in turkey legs, which they had cleverly hidden inside Salvation Army kettles stationed near the end zones, following a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Celebratory Feast Raises Eyebrows
The celebration deviated from the traditional post-game turkey leg feast typically enjoyed by the winning team on national television after the conclusion of the game. This time, the Cowboys took to the sidelines to partake in the festivities before the final whistle. CBS analyst and former Dallas quarterback Tony Romo commented on the unusual timing of the celebration, noting it was the first time he had witnessed such an event occurring before the end of the game. Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that the decision to go ahead with the celebration was made at the start of the fourth quarter, seemingly adding fuel to the Cowboys' offense, which scored another touchdown to cement their win.
Key figures such as quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and team owner Jerry Jones were reportedly involved in the planning of this unorthodox celebration. Prescott was later seen enjoying a turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared amused by the proceedings.
A Surprising Leniency from the NFL
The league's no-fine verdict has left fans both surprised and relieved, given its usually strict stance on penalizing elaborate or unsanctioned post-touchdown festivities. The NFL, often dubbed the "No Fun League," seems to have made an exception in this case.
This decision is particularly unexpected because the Cowboys have been penalized for similar actions in the past. In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott, the team's former running back, avoided a fine for jumping into a kettle, but in 2018, he was fined $13,369 for repeating the action. Similarly, 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.
In that same game, four Cowboys tight ends were collectively fined $27,094 for engaging in a game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle following a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day. These precedents highlight the league's typically stringent approach to such celebrations.
Past Incidents and Inconsistencies
The article also references previous incidents involving other players, such as Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints. In Week 9 of the 2018 season, Thomas celebrated a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams by pulling out a flip phone he had hidden under the goalpost, echoing a celebration originally performed by Joe Horn in 2003. While Thomas received widespread praise for the homage, it also resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a fine.
The NFL's disciplinary actions have not been limited to players alone. Social media criticism arose when Tyreek Hill's videographer was banned for a season after supplying the star Miami Dolphins wide receiver with a phone to record a backflip, indicating that the league's enforcement extends beyond the field.
The inconsistency in the NFL's disciplinary actions has been a point of contention, with some fans and commentators arguing that there appears to be a lack of clear standards. The recent no-fine decision for the Cowboys' Thanksgiving celebration adds another layer to this ongoing debate about the NFL's regulatory practices.
While the league has been criticized for being overly punitive in the past, the latest incident suggests that there may be a shift toward a more lenient approach, at least in certain cases. Whether this will lead to a broader change in how the NFL handles celebrations remains to be seen, but for now, the Cowboys can enjoy their victory—and their turkey—without any financial repercussions.