In a move that has both surprised and delighted fans, the NFL has decided not to fine the Dallas Cowboys for their Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations. The festivities unfolded during the team's emphatic 45-10 win over the Washington Commanders on November 23.
As the game neared its conclusion, Cowboys players celebrated a fourth-quarter touchdown by retrieving foil-wrapped turkey legs they had hidden inside Salvation Army kettles stationed near the end zones. With just five minutes left on the clock, the Cowboys' sideline indulged in a premature feast, deviating from the tradition of enjoying a turkey leg on national television post-game.
A Break From Tradition
Tony Romo, CBS analyst and former quarterback for the Cowboys, remarked during the broadcast that it was the first instance he'd witnessed such a celebration before the final whistle. Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that the idea for the celebration was conceived at the beginning of the fourth quarter, seemingly igniting the Cowboys' offense to secure another touchdown and cement their victory.
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' quarterback, along with head coach Mike McCarthy and team owner Jerry Jones, were all reportedly involved in planning the celebration. Prescott was later seen savoring a turkey leg on the sidelines, while an amused McCarthy looked on.
An Unexpected Leniency
The NFL's decision to forego fines in this instance is particularly noteworthy given the league's historical penchant for penalizing teams and players for elaborate or unsanctioned post-touchdown celebrations. The NFL, often humorously dubbed the 'No Fun League,' has made an exception in this case, much to the relief of many.
This leniency comes as a surprise especially considering the league's past dealings with the Cowboys over similar incidents. In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott, the former Cowboys running back, was not fined for jumping into the kettle, but faced a $13,369 penalty for repeating the act in 2018.
More recently, in 2022, Elliott and Prescott were each fined $13,261 for using the Salvation Army kettle as a prop during a touchdown celebration against the Indianapolis Colts. That same game saw the team's tight ends fined a collective $27,094 for simulating a game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle after a touchdown, again on Thanksgiving Day.
The inconsistency in the NFL's disciplinary actions has been a topic of debate, highlighted further by incidents involving other players such as Michael Thomas. In Week 9 of the 2018 season, following a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas emulated a celebration originally performed by Joe Horn in 2003 by using a flip phone he had hidden under the goalpost. While the act garnered him acclaim, it also resulted in a 15-yard penalty and a significant fine.
Similarly, controversy arose when Tyreek Hill's videographer was banned for a season after providing the star Miami Dolphins receiver with a phone to record a backflip, showcasing the league's unpredictable approach to discipline.
Implications and Reactions
The absence of fines for the Cowboys' Thanksgiving celebration has sparked discussions about the NFL's stance on celebrations and the apparent variability in enforcing penalties. Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions, with some praising the league for allowing a more relaxed atmosphere, while others point out the seeming arbitrariness of previous punishments.
Despite the mixed opinions, the Cowboys' unique celebration will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the more lighthearted moments in recent NFL history, reflecting a potential shift in the league's attitude towards player expression and festivity on the field.
As the NFL continues to navigate the balance between sportsmanship and entertainment, this incident may serve as a precedent for future celebrations and the league's response to them. For now, the Dallas Cowboys can relish their victory—and their turkey—without any financial repercussions.