FRISCO - Several proposed rule changes will be discussed at the upcoming NFL Annual Meeting from March 30 to April 1. Some the notable proposals include adjustments to penalties on defensive holding/illegal contact, overtime and a ban on the "tush push" play.
The latter is the most controversial among these and the other items to be discussed. However, one adjustment has already been put in place for the 2025 season.
The NFL is banning the widely used "nose wipe" celebration, per a change to Rule 12, Section 3 Article 1(d). Any player using the gesture will be charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with a loss of 15 yards.
"Any violent gesture, which shall include but not be limited to a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the "nose wipe" gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive."
One popular proponent of the gesture is Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. He often finds himself on the closing end of many big plays worthy of celebration.
Lamb was certainly disappointed in the news but has other ideas in the works it seems.
"Smh, i have plenty in mind," he wrote Wednesday on X.
The gesture itself derives from a gang term signaling violence and has been popularized by Atlanta rapper Young Thug. Besides Lamb, many other NFL players, specifically receivers, have adopted this mode of celebration on occasion.
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While some players and fans alike may find the change unnecessary or small in the grand scheme of problems facing the league, there is a clear stance being taken here by Roger Goodell and the rest of the NFL leadership.
The NFL values image above all and recognizes a now global presence in the modern era. The references to gang culture may only be understood by a select group in the American sector of the worldwide audience, but the league will not stand for any negative sources of influence.
That will not stop many from viewing the change as ridiculous and compare it to far more impactful problems facing the league. At the same time, it is hard to say they are not equipped with reasoning for this decision.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 12:23 PM.