The NFL has chosen not to impose fines on the Dallas Cowboys for their recent Thanksgiving-themed touchdown celebrations, a decision that has caught many by surprise given the league's history of strict enforcement on post-touchdown festivities.
The incident in question unfolded during the Cowboys' dominant 45-10 victory over the Washington Commanders on November 23. In a break from tradition, Cowboys players were seen retrieving turkey legs they had hidden inside Salvation Army kettles following a fourth-quarter touchdown. With just five minutes left on the clock, this pre-planned celebration not only raised eyebrows but also provided a light-hearted moment that amused fans and commentators alike.
A Break from Tradition
Typically, the victorious team is seen enjoying turkey legs on national television after the game concludes. However, the Cowboys took it upon themselves to start the feast early. CBS analyst and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo noted the unusual timing, stating it was the first instance he'd witnessed where "someone got [a turkey leg] before the game’s over."
Tracy Wolfson, a sideline reporter, revealed that the Cowboys made the decision to proceed with the celebration at the beginning of the fourth quarter. This move seemed to energize the team further, as they went on to score another touchdown, cementing their win.
Key figures such as quarterback Dak Prescott, head coach Mike McCarthy, and owner Jerry Jones were all reportedly involved in orchestrating the celebration. Prescott was later seen savoring the turkey leg on the sidelines, while McCarthy appeared to be entertained by the proceedings.
Unexpected Leniency from the NFL
The NFL's decision not to fine the Cowboys is particularly noteworthy considering the league's past actions regarding similar situations. The NFL, often humorously referred to as the 'No Fun League,' has taken a notably different stance on this occasion, treating it as an exception to their usually stringent rules.
Historically, the Cowboys have faced penalties for utilizing the Salvation Army kettle as part of their touchdown celebrations. For instance, in 2016, Ezekiel Elliott was not fined for jumping into the kettle, yet in 2018, he was fined $13,369 for repeating the act. Similarly, both Elliott and Prescott were fined $13,261 each for unsportsmanlike conduct when they used the kettle as a prop in 2022 during a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In that same 2022 game, four Cowboys tight ends were collectively fined $27,094 for mimicking a game of Whac-A-Mole around the kettle following a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day. Such incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL's disciplinary measures.
The league has also been stringent with players from other teams. In 2018, Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints faced a 15-yard penalty and a substantial fine for using a flip phone as a prop during a touchdown celebration—a homage to Joe Horn's infamous 2003 celebration—which similarly resulted in a hefty fine for Horn back in the day.
This inconsistency in the NFL's approach to discipline has been a topic of discussion on social media, especially in light of a recent revelation that Tyreek Hill's videographer was banned for the season for supplying the Miami Dolphins star receiver with a phone to record a celebratory backflip.
Conclusion
While the NFL's rationale behind its selective enforcement remains unclear, the absence of fines for the Cowboys' Thanksgiving antics has been met with relief and approval from fans who often criticize the league for its lack of consistency. As the league continues to navigate the balance between maintaining sportsmanship and allowing players the freedom to express their joy, this latest episode will likely add to the ongoing conversation about the role of celebrations in professional sports.
For now, the Cowboys can enjoy their unconventional celebration without the burden of financial repercussions, marking a rare moment of leniency from the NFL that aligns more with the festive spirit of Thanksgiving than with the league's historically strict code of conduct.