The NFL's latest crackdown on celebrations has stirred backlash-and CeeDee Lamb is at the center of it. The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, known for his fiery energy after key plays, now finds one of his signature gestures under league scrutiny. And he's not staying silent.
Lamb's trademark "nose wipe" move, often flashed after picking up a first down, was recently banned by the NFL. According to a March 26 league memo, the gesture will now trigger a 15-yard penalty. But what's raising even more eyebrows is the reasoning behind the decision.
NFL executive Troy Vincent offered a deeper explanation during an interview on April 1, stating, "(The nose wipe) has gang connotations; it's disrespectful." He noted the league's concern about optics and added, "If anybody Googled ‘nose wipe,' you'll see the language that is used and where that's affiliated."
Lamb Pushes Back on NFL's Claim
Lamb, clearly frustrated by the new interpretation, fired back through Instagram. Responding to the claim that his celebration had any ties to gang culture, the Pro Bowl wideout kept it brief but firm: "Draggin it.." he wrote on his Instagram Story, reposting the quote from Vincent.
CeeDee Lamb's nose wipe celebration is now a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty as it's been deemed a violent gesture by the NFL #DallasCowboyspic.twitter.com/X0OlYMBpYy
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) March 26, 2025
Though other players have used similar gestures, Lamb has been the most visible with the move-making it part of his persona on the field. And while his comment didn't go into detail, the two-word response made it clear that he strongly disagrees with how the league is framing his celebration.
Despite the pushback, the NFL isn't backing down. If Lamb chooses to continue the move, it could cost the Cowboys valuable yardage-and him, a growing list of fines.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 10:38 AM.