In an unexpected turn of events, the NFL has chosen not to impose fines on the Dallas Cowboys for their recent Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations. The incident in question unfolded during a resounding 45-10 victory over the Washington Commanders on November 23, where players were seen indulging in turkey legs hidden inside Salvation Army kettles stationed near the end zones.
The celebratory act took place in the final quarter, with just five minutes left on the clock, as the Cowboys players dashed to the kettle post-touchdown to retrieve the foil-wrapped turkey legs they had stashed earlier. This departure from the norm—where typically the winning team partakes in turkey legs on national television after the game concludes—caught many off guard and brought amusement to the audience.
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS analyst Tony Romo commented on the celebration during the Sports Illustrated broadcast, noting it was unprecedented to witness such festivities before the conclusion of the game. Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that the decision to proceed with the turkey leg celebration was made at the beginning of the fourth quarter, which seemed to energize the Cowboys' offense, leading to another touchdown that cemented their win.
Notably, 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 a turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared to be thoroughly entertained by the proceedings.
A Surprising Leniency
The NFL's decision to forego fines has surprised many fans, considering the league's history of strictly penalizing teams for elaborate or unauthorized post-touchdown celebrations. The NFL, often humorously referred to as the "No Fun League," has deemed this particular instance an exception to their usual regulatory approach.
This leniency is particularly notable given past penalties levied against the Cowboys for similar actions. In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott, the team's former running back, was spared a fine for jumping into a Salvation Army kettle. However, in 2018, he was fined $13,369 for repeating the same celebration. Additionally, both Elliott and Prescott faced fines of $13,261 each in 2022 for using the kettle as a prop during a touchdown celebration in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In that same year, during a Thanksgiving Day game, the Cowboys' tight ends collectively incurred fines totaling $27,094 for engaging in a mock game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle following a touchdown. The inconsistency in the NFL's disciplinary actions extends beyond the Cowboys, as demonstrated by the league's response to other players' celebrations.
In one notable instance from Week 9 of the 2018 season, Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints emulated a celebration originally performed by Joe Horn in 2003. After scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas retrieved a flip phone he had hidden under the goalpost, an act that earned him a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and widespread acclaim, though it also resulted in a hefty fine.
The NFL's erratic enforcement of rules regarding celebrations has been a subject of criticism on social media, especially following a recent revelation involving Tyreek Hill. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver's videographer was banned for a season after providing Hill with a phone to record a backflip—a decision that has added to the debate about the league's consistency in its rulings.
Final Thoughts
The NFL's choice to not fine the Dallas Cowboys for their Thanksgiving celebration marks a rare moment of leniency from a league known for its rigid stance on post-touchdown festivities. While this decision has been met with relief and joy from fans who appreciate the lighter side of the sport, it also underscores the ongoing conversation about the NFL's unpredictable application of penalties related to player celebrations. As the league continues to navigate the balance between maintaining sportsmanship and allowing players to express their joy, instances like the Cowboys' turkey leg feast will likely remain talking points among fans and commentators alike.