NFL fines Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for the 'people’s elbow' celebration
Chase said the gesture is a wrestling move and urged the NFL Players Association to challenge fines that he says misread the celebration.
- On Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase scored two touchdowns against the Houston Texans, but the NFL fined him for his post-score 'people's elbow' celebration.
- Chase clarified the gesture was inspired by WWE legend Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, with teammate Tee Higgins also adopting the move to signal first downs despite social media users labeling it lewd.
- The league also fined San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a celebration officials misinterpreted as chugging a beer, reflecting increased strictness on player celebrations during the 2026 season.
- Calling for NFLPA intervention on Thursday, Chase stated the gesture is 'literally a wrestling move' and argued players need collective action to protect their earnings from league discipline.
- Following their 2-0 start, the Bengals face the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers in a divisional matchup on Sunday, Sept. 27, seeking their third consecutive win.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Ja'Marr Chase sends strong statement after getting fined for his 'people's elbow' celebration
Ja’Marr Chase is fed up with paying the NFL’s harsh fines over celebrations. The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver and his teammate Tee Higgins were penalized a combined $89,556 this week for what the league deemed an obscene catch celebration during their Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans. The wideout combo celebrated a total of …
“Fight for Our Money”: Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase Calls for NFL Stars to Rebel Against the League After Hefty Fines
The NFL has its own way of disciplining players when it comes to physically contacting players during the game. But the league is also very particular about how the players are expressing themselves through their gestures without hurting anybody else. For instance, it fined Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for celebrating a touchdown. He […]
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NFL fines Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for the 'people’s elbow' celebration
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase confirms the NFL fined him and teammate Tee Higgins for their “people’s elbow” celebration. Chase insists the move is harmless and just a new way to signal a first down, but the NFL disagrees.…
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