NFL Makes Punishment Decision After Cowboys TE's 'Illegal Celebration'

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

NFL Makes Punishment Decision After Cowboys TE's 'Illegal Celebration'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 29, 2026 8:56 AM ET

In its renewed effort to cut back on illegal celebrations, the NFL has laid down the law on several players who committed this kind of violation. Among those who were punished was Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford.

The incident involving Spann-Ford occurred during Dallas’ Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders. At the 9:59 mark of the second quarter , Spann-Ford joined Jake Ferguson in performing an illegal celebration, as they mimicked a drinking motion.

The NFL imposed a fine of $10,417 on Spann-Ford for his actions, with the NFL citing “Illegal celebrations and vulgar acts” as the reason for the punishment. Meanwhile, Ferguson received a larger penalty of $13,611. The incident was counted among the 38 plays that resulted in fines during Week 2.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (89) and tight end Jake Ferguson (87) leave the field.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

The NFL announces penalties every Saturday for games played the previous week. According to the rulebook, the “NFL uses the fine schedule to outline the league’s and the union’s expectations for players to conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, themselves, their fellow players, the fans and the league.”

It also noted that the rules are designed to “protect the players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety and emphasize sportsmanship and respect of teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and fans.”

Another round: Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson was fined $13,611 for what the NFL said was his “imitation of shotgunning a beer” Sunday vs. Washington that “constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably could be construed as being in poor taste.” pic.twitter.com/VB8sp2zu07
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2026

For what it’s worth, Ferguson’s gesture that involved Spann-Ford has caught attention outside the NFL. Bud Light, the league’s official beer sponsor, transformed the moment into a high-profile marketing stunt with a $37,384 reward waiting for fans.

The amount represents the total fines imposed on Ferguson, San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk and Indianapolis Colts’ Matt Goncalves for performing the same illegal celebration in Week 2.

It remains to be seen whether the league can curb this kind of celebration as teams enter Week 4. For now, Spann-Ford and the Cowboys will have to be mindful of how they celebrate on the field as the NFL continues to enforce its rules throughout the season.

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

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