The NFL is sending the message that it is done with finger guns following eight penalties and fines on players for such celebrations in the first four weeks of the season. Two more players were flagged for finger gun motions, which the NFL considers a violent gesture, on Sunday. Week 5 fines will be announced Saturday afternoon.
It may feel like a sudden crackdown, but NFL and team officials as well as players in NFLPA leadership roles say the league’s distaste for such acts is nothing new. The NFL has a long-running rule that discourages players from making any kind of violent gestures on the field. In addition to finger guns, this includes throat slashing and gang signs. In 2022, the league fined 13 Pittsburgh Steelers players $4,715 to $13,261 for a choreographed machine-gun-like interception celebration. In 2023, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku were both fined $13,569 for a gun-themed celebration. Those are just two examples from prior seasons.
It may feel like a sudden crackdown, but NFL and team officials as well as players in NFLPA leadership roles say the league’s distaste for such acts is nothing new. The NFL has a long-running rule that discourages players from making any kind of violent gestures on the field. In addition to finger guns, this includes throat slashing and gang signs. In 2022, the league fined 13 Pittsburgh Steelers players $4,715 to $13,261 for a choreographed machine-gun-like interception celebration. In 2023, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and tight end David Njoku were both fined $13,569 for a gun-themed celebration. Those are just two examples from prior seasons.