In a move that has caught both fans and pundits off guard, the NFL has decided not to levy fines against the Dallas Cowboys for their recent Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations. This decision is particularly noteworthy given the league's historical penchant for penalizing teams for elaborate or unsanctioned celebratory acts.
The incident in question took place during the Cowboys' dominant 45-10 win over the Washington Commanders on November 23. In an unusual twist to the typical post-game festivities, Dallas players had hidden turkey legs inside Salvation Army kettles located near the end zones. After scoring a decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter, with just five minutes left on the game clock, the players made a beeline for the kettle, retrieving the foil-wrapped turkey legs they had stashed earlier.
A Break from Tradition
Traditionally, the winning team enjoys a turkey leg on national television after the conclusion of the game. However, this time, the Cowboys chose to partake in their feast before the final whistle had blown. This deviation from the norm was highlighted by CBS analyst and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who expressed his amusement at the premature celebration, remarking it was the first instance he'd witnessed such an event occurring before the end of a game. Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that the Cowboys had hatched their plan at the start of the fourth quarter, which seemed to fuel their offense to score yet another touchdown, cementing their victory.
Notable figures such as quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and team owner Jerry Jones were all reportedly involved in orchestrating the celebration. Prescott was later seen savoring a turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared visibly entertained by the proceedings.
Unexpected Leniency
The NFL's decision to forego fines in this case has been met with both surprise and relief from the fanbase. The league, often humorously dubbed the "No Fun League," typically takes a hard line on penalizing teams for non-standard post-touchdown celebrations. The leniency shown here marks a stark contrast to previous incidents involving the Cowboys.
For example, back in 2016, former Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was not fined for jumping into the kettle, but in 2018, he was handed a $13,369 fine for repeating the act. Similarly, both Elliott and Prescott faced fines of $13,261 each for using the Salvation Army kettle as a prop during a 2022 game against the Indianapolis Colts. In that same game, four of 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.
Comparatively, the league has also been strict with players from other teams. In a notable 2018 incident, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas emulated former teammate Joe Horn's infamous celebration by hiding flip phones under the goalposts, intending to use them if he scored. After his touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas's use of the phone drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and widespread acclaim, though it also came with a hefty fine. Horn had originally performed the stunt in 2003, which resulted in a $30,000 fine for him at the time.
Adding to the controversy over the NFL's inconsistent disciplinary measures, social media platforms erupted when it was revealed that Tyreek Hill's videographer had been banned for the season. The videographer had provided the star Miami Dolphins wide receiver with a phone to record a backflip, a seemingly minor infraction compared to past celebrations.
Conclusion
This latest turn of events raises questions about the NFL's approach to player celebrations. While the league has historically enforced strict penalties for what it deems excessive celebrations, the absence of a fine for the Cowboys suggests a potential shift in policy or perhaps an exception made for the holiday spirit. Regardless of the rationale, the Cowboys' Thanksgiving celebration will surely be remembered as one of the more unique moments in recent NFL history.