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For the last few years one of the things that fans have been critical of the NFL about is for being the “No Fun League,” especially as it pertained to cracking down on celebrations.
Players were often penalized for excessive celebration, which basically just meant any kind of celebration that was even somewhat memorable and/or used a prop. But it sounds like the league has heard the concerns of fans and players and is easing up on those regulations.
Roger Goodell is expected to tell NFL owners group celebrations, using ball as prop after TDs, going to ground, snow angels are now allowed.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2017
Prolonged acts, miming weapons, offensive gestures, sexually suggestive stuff still expected to be banned. That includes twerking. Sorry, AB
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2017
Goodell has been meeting with players for months on this. Emphasis on spontaneous exuberance. Result should be more fun, fewer flags.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2017
In my opinion, this is a good change that shows that the NFL heard some of the concerns, and Roger Goodell took the time to met with players to hear their concerns. Now, players will be able to express themselves a bit more in celebrations, which should lead to much more memorable moments following a touchdown. There really wasn’t any harm in allowing players to celebrate, and the league now realizes that. It sounds like some celebrations still won’t be allowed, but they’re the obvious ones and I don’t think many will mind that as long as the NFL gives freedom for other kinds of celebrations.
Of course, the Colts don’t really have a ton of guys who celebrate in a memorable way anyway, as probably the most memorable is T.Y. Hilton’s “T.Y.” celebration. Pat McAfee had some good ones after some great punts, though, and he also had one planned for an epic touchdown celebration - one that might have had Adam Vinatieri kicking a 60-yard extra point after the flags. He told the story earlier this offseason:
What if I told you, the greatest celebration of all time.. was only 30 yards away from happening? Link in the bio pic.twitter.com/1r4VMIZaaT
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 27, 2017
That would have been great to see. It still might be penalized due to it being too long, but for the most part the league is easing up on the strictness of touchdown celebrations. That’s for the best, both for fans and for players.