If there’s one thing we know about the National Football League, it’s that they aim to maintain a squeaky-clean image in the public eye.
Recently, multiple players have been imitating drinking beverages during touchdown celebrations, resulting in NFL fines.
[According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50127635/nfl-union-clarify-celebration-rules-ok-drinking-gestures), the NFLPA and the NFL released a joint statement Wednesday stating that “drinking a beverage” will no longer be a violation or result in any fine. This comes after 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was initially fined for such a celebration, which he claimed was actually depicting him drinking juice, given his nickname of “Juice.”
“An appeals officer rescinded the fines for Juszczyk and Ferguson earlier Wednesday as the league and players’ association worked out a solution to solve any future issues on the matter,” Wagoner wrote.
“The league-wide guidance provides players with greater clarity on how they can celebrate while remaining within the rules,” the NFLPA and NFL said via ESPN.
Fine Print
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Wagoner listed a few celebrations that are still prohibited, including sexual gestures, gestures depicting smoking or drug use, and gestures that depict violence, such as guns, weapons, or gang-related signs.
NFL officials have reacted to the sudden budge of freedom, including NFLPA executive director JT Tretter, who shared his position on social media Wednesday.
> Over Weeks 2 and 3, there were 20 fines for celebrations – an unusual spike. All 20 fines were appealed and are now before the neutral appeal officers, with some already being overturned.
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> We raised this issue and pushed for greater clarity around what will and won’t result in discipline. When something falls into a gray area, communication and education should come before punishment. We’re glad the league will seek to educate players before immediately defaulting to a fine.
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> — JC Tretter (@JCTretter) [October 7, 2026](https://x.com/JCTretter/status/2107926402188329245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
“Over Weeks 2 and 3, there were 20 fines for celebrations – an unusual spike. All 20 fines were appealed and are now before the neutral appeal officers, with some already being overturned, Tretter wrote via X.
“We raised this issue and pushed for greater clarity around what will and won’t result in discipline. When something falls into a gray area, communication and education should come before punishment. We’re glad the league will seek to educate players before immediately defaulting to a fine.”
Players are excited to hear the news that the NFL is allowing “a little fun” back into the game, including San Fransciso linebacker Fred Warner.
“It is great for Juice because he’s been doing that same celebration for years. But yeah, man, just try to have a little fun out there. That’s what the league’s about,” Warner said.