What Does the NFL Penalty for Excessive Celebration Mean?

The NFL rule on excessive celebration was put in place in 2009 after it was approved by the league's owners. The competition committee proposed the rule, which the owners approved by a vote of 29 to three. The excessive celebration rule allows a referee to punish a team for excessive celebration by having them lose 15 yards in the game.

  1. Penalty

    • The NFL's excessive celebration rule is a hot topic among football fans, players and coaches alike. This penalty allows a referee to penalize a team by 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff. Excessive celebration can take place anywhere on the field, not just in the end zone. Simple celebrations by players are still allowed in the league, including spikes, dunks, spins, dances and "Lambeau Leaps." Celebrations in excess of that, however, can result in a penalty for the entire team.

    History of Excessive Celebration

    • The excessive celebration penalty came to be after several over-the-top celebrations occurred in the NFL. When NFL player Chad Ochocinco, formerly Chad Johnson, played for the Cincinnati Bengals, he performed CPR on a football after scoring a touchdown. He also got down on one knee to propose to a cheerleader, and swung a pylon like a baseball bat in celebration of a big play. When Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers scored a touchdown, he did a snow angel in the end zone. These instances, among others, prompted officials to create an excessive celebration rule.

    Positive Feedback

    • Some coaches are in favor of the excessive celebration rule and corresponding penalty. Longtime coach Marty Schottenheimer told ESPN he was in favor of the ruling because he felt that the game was more about the entire team, not just individual players who make great plays. Other coaches, such as Tony Dungy, felt that the celebrations by players on teams was getting out of control and needed to be reined in.

    Negative Feedback

    • However, not everyone is a fan of the excessive celebration rule. Players and fans alike have expressed their dislike of the rule, stating that the celebrations can make the game more fun and enjoyable. Players like the freedom to express themselves. Collegiate fans gave a positive response when some collegiate leagues, such as the Big 12, asked the referees to relax a bit on the excessive celebration penalties.