Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Puka Nacua got hit with the softest taunting penalty

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 4:35 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua fell victim to the NFL’s new emphasis on cutting down on taunting.

Nacua was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on a very innocent celebration late in the third quarter during Sunday’s Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. Nacua typically flexes and points for a first down after making a catch to move the chains, and he did so during the second half of Sunday’s game.

One official interpreted the celebration as a taunt directed at Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and Nacua was hit with a flag.

Puka Nacua flagged for taunting for celebrating after a 1st down pic.twitter.com/r1voEtoQ1K
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) September 21, 2025

Nacua was not looking at Campbell when he flexed, but he was facing in the same general direction as the linebacker. That was enough for the officials to interpret his celebration as a taunt.

The NFL made clear before the season that taunting would be a point of emphasis for officials this season, and it caused fans to worry about situations just like this one. Nobody seriously wants to see something like this flagged, but that is precisely what the league has decided to do.

The Rams would have been set up at the Eagles’ 40-yard line without the penalty, but wound up failing to get back into field goal range, so Philadelphia did benefit here. That will not go over well among fans who already think the Eagles are getting away with things in the eyes of the officials.

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

More must-reads: