The National Football League (NFL) has decided not to impose a fine on the Dallas Cowboys for their recent Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations, which deviated from the norm. The incident in question took place during the Cowboys' dominant 45-10 win over the Washington Commanders on November 23.
In a move that surprised fans and players alike, the Cowboys had hidden turkey legs inside Salvation Army kettles located near the end zones, which they indulged in after scoring a touchdown late in the game. The celebration raised eyebrows due to its timing, with players partaking in the feast with five minutes still left on the clock, rather than following the tradition of enjoying a turkey leg on national television post-game.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS analyst Tony Romo commented on the unusual celebration, noting it was the first time he had witnessed such an event before the conclusion 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 providing a morale boost as the Cowboys scored another touchdown to seal their victory.
A Team Decision
Key figures such as quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and team owner Jerry Jones were involved in orchestrating the celebration. Prescott was later seen savoring the turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared amused by the proceedings.
Unexpected Leniency
The NFL's decision not to fine the Cowboys came as a surprise to many, given the league's history of penalizing teams for elaborate or unauthorized post-touchdown celebrations. The NFL, often humorously referred to as the "No Fun League," has made an exception in this case.
This leniency is particularly unexpected considering the league's past actions towards the Cowboys for similar behavior. In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott, the former running back for the Cowboys, was not fined for jumping into the kettle. However, in 2018, he received a $13,369 fine for repeating the act. Additionally, in 2022, both Elliott and Prescott were fined $13,261 each for using the Salvation Army kettle as a prop during a touchdown celebration in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In that same 2022 game, four of the team’s tight ends were collectively fined $27,094 for simulating a game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle after a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day. The league has also been strict in other instances, such as when Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints celebrated a touchdown by using a hidden flip phone, emulating a famous celebration by Joe Horn in 2003. Thomas's stunt earned him a 15-yard penalty and widespread acclaim, but also resulted in a significant fine.
The inconsistency in the NFL's disciplinary measures has been a point of contention, highlighted recently by social media criticism. This followed the revelation that Tyreek Hill’s videographer was banned for the season for supplying the Miami Dolphins wide receiver with a phone to record a celebratory backflip.
Conclusion
The NFL's approach to celebrations has often been unpredictable, with some acts drawing fines and penalties, while others are overlooked. The decision not to fine the Cowboys for their Thanksgiving celebration adds another chapter to this ongoing narrative of inconsistent enforcement. As the league continues to navigate the balance between sportsmanship and entertainment, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how future celebrations are handled.
For now, the Dallas Cowboys can enjoy their victory and their turkey without any financial repercussions from the league, marking a rare moment of leniency from the NFL and adding a unique twist to the traditional Thanksgiving football festivities.