Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Punishment for Panthers RB Rico Dowdle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 10:11 AM ET

Key Points

The Carolina Panthers defeated the Green Bay Packers 16-13 in Week 9.
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Dowdle is being punished by the league for one of his TD celebrations.

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a massive 16-13 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 9 to improve to 5-4 on the season, quietly keeping themselves in the NFC playoff hunt despite flying under the radar.

A key reason for last week’s success came from a few areas — most notably the defense and running back Rico Dowdle, who’s been a major addition to the Panthers’ backfield this season.

Dowdle recorded another 100-plus-yard, multi-touchdown game, rushing 25 times for 130 yards and two scores while adding two receptions for 11 yards.

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) celebrates after a first down against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Following one of his touchdowns, he went viral for doing the famous “Key & Peele” Hingle McCringleberry celebration, and according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the league fined him $14,491.

In response, Dowdle decided to turn the situation into something positive — he started a GoFundMe to raise money for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina and has already raised over $24,000.

That’s $7,245.50 per pump. pic.twitter.com/39JAuTICFR
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 7, 2025

The NFL has continued to crack down on fines more than ever this season, emphasizing player safety and discouraging taunting or excessive celebrations.

Typically, weekly fines are announced by the league on Saturdays at 4 p.m. EST, but the news of Dowdle’s fine surfaced earlier due to his GoFundMe effort — a tremendous gesture from a running back in the midst of the best season of his career.

So far this season, Dowdle has rushed 131 times for 735 yards and four touchdowns while also recording 15 receptions for 132 yards and a receiving touchdown.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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