Brief

NFL and Players Union End Fines for Mimicking Beverage Celebrations

The league will no longer penalize players for “imitating drinking a beverage” on the field, per the NFL and NFLPA.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:12:05 GMT

The NFL and the NFL Players Association said Wednesday they will stop fining players who mime drinking a beverage during on‑field celebrations. The change follows appeals by San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, who were initially fined after Week 2 touchdowns. NFLPA executive director JC Tretter noted an “unusual spike” in celebration fines and said the league will now contact players whose gestures fall into a gray area before imposing discipline. A total of 20 celebration fines were issued in Weeks 2 and 3, all of which have been appealed. The league has issued 88 fines through Week 3, with penalties ranging from $8,847 to $14,926.

Key facts

The NFL will no longer fine players for mimicking drinking a beverage. (bleacherreport.com)
Kyle Juszczyk and Jake Ferguson had their fines appealed after Week 2 touchdowns. (bleacherreport.com)
JC Tretter said the change follows an unusual spike in celebration fines. (bleacherreport.com)
20 celebration fines were issued in Weeks 2 and 3 and have all been appealed. (bleacherreport.com)
The league had issued 88 total fines by Week 3, ranging from $8,847 to $14,926. (bleacherreport.com)